Albannach Band

[Mike1]

Interesting point: our own Matt Newsome's website is called 'Albanach' - with one 'n'. Both spellings seem to be used extensively in Scotland (I've Googled both) - I wonder if there is any subtle difference when translated? Alas, although part Scot, I have no Gaelic.

Hamish, it is a bit of a mystery.

Albannach is the usual Gaelic for Scotsman, just as Sasannach refers to one from your own country. Yet a Russian is a Ruiseanach (note the single "n"). And somebody from Uist is a Uibhisteach (no "n's" at all).

Are we all confused now? ;)

[Graham]

Mike, the band seem to be wearing plain kilts now, no more Ardbeg! Maybe Laphroaig will be their sponsor, do they have a tartan?

[Mike1]

Graham, check your PM's.

For now, HERE is a video that was taken of Albannach, last evening at the Sheriffmuir Inn.

[Graham]

Thanks Mike, great video, thanks for making it available.

[switchblade5984]

i like the video! good to see the drummer doesnt look like a zombie still!

[Owl of Oban]

Very cool, hope to see them one day.

Thanks for posting the vid.

[highlander_Daz]

Albannach, :as regards the spelling, the kingdom of Alba was established in approx 900AD formed by Pictish people and Dai Raita, with the foundations laid by the warlord Kenneth Macalpin as a way of fending off the Vikings, "Alba" isnt simply another word for "Scotland" Alba was a Kindom within Scotland basicailly the east and west together, Large parts of the north had running battles with the Vikings and the borders waged war with the Angles and Britons in the south, so really "Alba" is the name of the parts of Scotland that were brought together. A lot of people labour under the impression that Scotlands "Proper" name is Alba, which of course its not, Alba was a kingdom establised within the mainland. A kingdom that no longer exists, however establising of ALBA was the first step in the creation of what we now know as Scotland, previous to this Scotland was a country divided by warring factions.

any back to the point I have spoken today to some very fluent speakers and its been suggested that an alternative word for "Alba" is "Albainn" hence the two Ns, the common way of spelling it is with 2 Ns and "Ban-albannach" is the feminine and "Albannaich" being the plural.

[Graham]

That's interesting, you have fired up my interest here.

Here is what Brittanica says (it pretty confirms what you've said 'Daz)

ALBA the kingdom formed by the union of the Picts and Scots under Kenneth I MacAlpin in 843. Their territory, ranging from modern Argylland Bute to Caithness, across much of southern and central Scotland, was one of the few areas in the British Isles to withstand the invasionsof the Vikings. The ancient link with Ireland (from which the Celtic Scots had emigrated) was broken as a cordon of Scandinavian settlements were established in the Western Isles and Ireland. With southern England also conquered by the Norsemen and Danes, Alba was left isolated. With the withdrawal of the Norsemen, England, under the English, then launched invasions against Alba but were ultimately repelled by Malcolm II at the Battle of Carham (1016/18). When Malcolm's grandson and successor Duncan I came to the throne in 1034, he united Alba with Strathclyde, Cumbria, and Lothian. Thereafter, the name Alba began to fade away; and every king, at least in retrospect, was normally styled “king of Scots.” The first extant recorded use was by Duncan II, the “Rex Scotie,” in 1094.

[highlander_Daz]

A fluent colleague has just pointed out that the bands name should be "Albannaich" because there is more than one of them in the band- Pedant!!!!

great band though!

[Steeplechase]

Just saw the video,.....Wow!