Fonds consists of essays from an annual essay competition at the University College of Cape Breton, advancing research in traditional history, songs, narrative traditions of Gaelic culture. Essays are arranged by year of competition.

1. 1987/88:
   a. Marilyn Dwyer, "Presenting, The Ancient Tradition of Gaelic Psalm Singing in the Presbyterian Church". Essay includes three tapes with an index. T-3193 (a-b-c)
   b. Kate Dunlay, "Cape Bretoners in Boston: Maintaining Identity".
   c. Donald J. MacNeil, "Cape Breton Folksong Tradition".

2. 1988/89:
   a. Marilyn Dwyer, "An nì nach cluinn mi an diugh chan aithris mi 'maireach, Eòin MacGilliosa MacFhionghuin (Jonathan Gillies MacKinnon)".
   b. Marilyn MacDonald, "Milling Frolics on the North Shore a Look at the Past, Present, and Future". One video tape is included. FT 41
   c. Winnifred J. MacDonald, "Sang abune a' sang" (Collections, Composers, and Fiddlers). One audio tape is included. T-3194

3. 1990: Kathleen Dunlay, "The Playing of Traditional Scottish Music: Old and New - World Styles and Practices".

4. 1991: Jacqueline Ann Dunn,"Tha Blas na Gàidhlig Air A h- Uile Fidhleir". (The Sound of Gaelic is in the Fiddler's Music)

5. 1992: Jeff MacDonald,"Bràighe na H-Aibhne Iarmad mo Shluaigh" (Life and Times of the Scottish Settlers at St. Mary's Parish, River Denys Area.)

6. 1993-1994: Margaret Bennett "Gaelic Song in Eastern Canada: Twentieth Century Reflections"

7. 1994: K. Diane Grant "A Study of the Second Sight in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and Nova Scotia"

8. 1994: Rannie Gillis "Celtic Education". Family history and an account of how one would be enculturated and socially educated in the Gaelic culture of Cape Breton.

9. 1994: Paula Rice "Mary with the Ewe". Agricultural practices in Scotland and pioneer Cape Breton.

Item is an audio recording of a series of interviews and conversations from various informants in Cape Breton.

MacCormick, Hector Loch Lomond (N.S.), Richmond County Chanada, Thir an Aigh

MacCormick, Hector Loch Lomond (N.S.), Richmond County Interview about the above song

Morrison, Kenneth A. Framboise (N.S.) Oran Cheap Breatunn

MacDonald, Donald Alex Interview with Fred MacAuley

MacQueen, Neil Interview with Fred MacAuley

MacAskill, Johnnie Oran Campa (a' gearradh coille)

Munro, Roderick William Loch Lomond (N.S.), Richmond County "'S 'n gille dubh is aille"

MacLeod, Mary "Fear a' Bhata"

MacAskill, Johnnie "Soraidh leibh is oidhche mhath leibh"

Morrison, Kenneth A. Cape Breton Island (N.S.) Oran Cheap Breatunn

MacAuley, Fred Scotland Talk about a gathering in Framboise (N.S.) Hall

MacDonald, D.A. Interview with Fred MacAuley

MacQueen, Neil Interview with Fred MacAuley

MacAuley, Fred Speaks

MacLeod, Donald Halifax (N.S.) Interview with Fred MacAuley

MacAuley, Fred Scotland Address Scotland in a few words

Chafe, Winnie Glace Bay (N.S.) Violin selections

MacAuley, Fred Scotland Speaks about the purity of Gaelic in Cape Breton

MacLeod, Danny K. MacLeod, Malcolm A. Sgeir Dhu A hiu oro hu o, mo run mo nighean donn bhoidheach

MacAuley, Fred Scotland Speaks of the beauty of the Cape Breton countryside

Price, Mary Halifax (N.S.) Interview with Fred MacAuley

MacAuley, Fred Scotland A final word

MacLeod, Malcolm A. Sgeir Dhu Interview with Fred MacAuley

MacLeod, Malcolm A. Sgeir Dhu Tuireadh na Hiortach

MacLeod, Malcolm A. Sgeir Dhu Interview with Fred MacAuley

MacLeod, Malcolm A. Sgeir Dhu An oidhche bha luadh ann

MacLeod, Malcolm A. Sgeir Dhu Interview with Fred MacAuley

MacLeod, Malcolm A. Sgeir Dhu Oran na Pioba and Oran na Seilge

MacLeod, Malcolm A. Sgeir Dhu Interview with Fred MacAuley

MacLeod, Malcolm A. Sgeir Dhu Recitation - Fear na Feusag Ruaidh

MacLeod, Malcolm A. Sgeir Dhu Oran na ba riabhaich

MacAuley, Fred Sgeir Dhu Speaks

MacLeod, Danny K. Sgeir Dhu Oran na ba riabhaich

MacLeod, Danny K. Sgeir Dhu Interview with Fred MacAuley

MacLeod, Danny K. Sgeir Dhu Dh'olainn deoch a laimh mo run

MacLeod, Danny K. Sgeir Dhu Dh'eirich mi gu moch roimh latha

MacLeod, Danny K. Sgeir Dhu Thug mi gu siubhal nan gleannaibh

MacLeod, Malcolm A. And MacLeod Danny K. A hiu oro hu o, mo run mo nighean donn bhoidheach

MacLeod, Malcolm A. And MacLeod Danny K. He mo leannan, ho mo leannan

Munro, Roderick O teannaibh dluth

Morrison, Dan Neil Loch Lomond (N.S.), Richmond County Suas leis a' Ghaidhlig

Morrison, Dan Neil Loch Lomond (N.S.), Richmond County Interview with Fred MacAuley

Munro, Roderick Oran an Tractor

Munro, Roderick Interview with Fred MacAuley about the above song

Morrison, Dan Neil Loch Lomond (N.S.), Richmond County
Psalm 23, verse 1-3 (Percenting)

MacKenzie, Phyllis Cape Breton Isle

MacLeod, Norman Iosa, gleidh mi dluth do'n chrann

Item is a collection of tunes, in sol-fa notation, used for psalm singing also known as precenting or lining out. The book was commissioned and published by the Free Church of Scotland.

Item is a sound recording of Gabarus Milling Frolics, hymn singing and precenting.

Cassette notes it as tape #123.

Track List:
Side A
Track A1 - Gur tu mo Nighean Donn Bhòidheach. Singer: unidentified. 04:34
Track A2 - Ged a Sheòl mi air m'Aineol. SInger: Allan MacLeod, New Boston. 03:27
Track A3 - Na Horo Hi Hoireannan. Singer: Unidentified. 04:30
Track A4 -Nionag a' Chùil Duinn nach Fhan thu. Singer: Allan MacLeod, New Boston. 02:40
Track A5 -A Fheasgaich Òg an Òr-fhuilt Chraobhaich Chais. Singer: unidentified. 02:53
Track A6 - An Gille Donn. Singer: unidentified. 01:09
Track A7 - Tha Tighinn Fodham. The first part of the song appears to be a local composition about bachelors while the majority is a song in praise of Clan Ranald by John MacDonald (Iain MacDhùghaill). 05:59
Track A8 - OIdhche Dhomh 's mi Siubhail a'Chuain. See MacEdward Leach: https://www.mun.ca/folklore/leach/songs/CB/9-09.htm . Singer: unidentified. 02:47
Track A9 - 'S e mo Ghaol a'Mhaighdean Lurach. Singer: Unidentified. 03:05
Track A10 - Dan do Sheann Ford. Composed by William MacVicar of Catalone. Singer: Allan MacLeod, New Boston. 02:54

Side B
Track B1 - Three songs: An Tulach Bhòidheach. Composed by Archibald J. (Eairsidh Sheumais) MacKenzie. Singer: unidentified. Mo Chridhe Trom 's Cha Neònach. Well-known sailing song. Singer: unidentified. Am Bràighe. Composed by Malcolm H. Gilis of Southwest Margaree. Singer: unidentified. 10:13
Track B2 - Pipe music - Amazing Grace (Various Artists) 05:30
Track B3 - Precenting Psalm 103. Singers: unidentified. 06:10
Track B4 -2 Hymns - An t-Seann, t-Seann Sgeul and The Old One Hundredth (Gaelic). SIngers: unidentified. 05:10
Track B5 - "How Great Thou Art" in Gaelic (Various Artists) 05:49
Track B6 - Hymn - O Mhiorbhail Gràs. 02:58
Track B7 - Hymn - Soillse an Àigh 03:43
Track B8 - Gàidheal Albainn Ùr. Composed by Kenneth A. Ferguson after WWI. In: Beyond the Hebrides p. 110. SInger: Angus MacDonald, Gabarus Lake. 06:43

Item is a recording of a Gaelic church service held at the Bethel Presbyterian Church

Rev. E. Bean opened the service with the introduction of Rev. A.D. Mackinnon.

Organ Music
Gaelic Sermon by Rev. A.D. MacKinnon
Gaelic Singing by Loch Lomond Gaelic Choir (Singing of Psalms in Gaelic)

Preacher: Rev. Angus MacKinnon ; Welcome & Background: Rev. Donald Sutherland ; Recentors: Rod Munro, Ken Morrison, Hector MacCormick

Gairm gu Aoradh - Call to Worship
Salm 103: 1-4 (Kilmarnock) - Psalm 103
Urnigh - Prayer
Dan Spiordal - Hymn (choir)
Sgriobtuir: Lucas 14: 12 - 24 - Scripture: Luke 14: 12 - 24
Laoidh 2: 1-2, 4-5 (Stroudwater) - Paraphrase 2: 1-2, 4-5
Searmoin: Aoibhneas na Slainte; Sermon, Joy of Salvation
Tabhartar - Offering
Coisrigeadh - Dedication
Ainmichean - Intimations
Salm 46: 1-4 (Bangor); Psalm 46: 1-4
Am Beannachdh - Benediction

Alex MacKinnon "Tha mula, tha mulad..."
Hector MacKinnon & Family Precenting - Psalm 23
Unidentified Singer "Ille Dhuinn"
Unidentified Singer "Ho ro 's toigh leam fhein thu..."
Hector Carmichael "Mo chridhe trom 's duilich leam..."
Unidentified Singer "Ged chaih Iain a leaba..."
Hector Carmichael "Dheanain sugrah leis a nigh'n uibh"
Hector Carmichael "Ho ro i ri ill o ro"
Hector Carmichael "The buaih air an uisge-bheatha..."

Item is an audio recording of Gaelic songs, stories and precenting recorded in Vancouver, B.C, Canada.

Featuring:

MacIver, Mary Interview with Fred MacAulay
MacDonald, William An Gleann 'san robh mi og
MacDonald, WIlliam Eilean mo Chridh
Kileen, Ann (nee Duncan) A' Chuthag
Kileen, Ann A Mhairi Bhan
Finlayson, Alex Gaelic introduction and song: Balaich an Iasgach
Finlayson, Alex Tiugainnaibh leam do eilean an fhraoich
MacKinnon, Kay Bheir mi o (Eriskay love lilt)
Gaelic Choir Jingle Bells
Gaelic Choir Cailin mo Run-sa
Gaelic Choir Psalm 23, verse 1-3 (Percenting)
Gaelic Choir Na laithean fada bhuainn
MacIver, Murdo Vancouver Interview with Fred MacAulay
MacInnes, Hugh Vancouver Interview with Fred MacAulay
Thompson, Malcolmina Vancouver Interview with Fred MacAulay

"Party Telephone Song" (D.J. MacDermaid)
"Eilean mo Chridhe 't truaighe nach" (Angus MacDonald)
"Psalms..." (D.N. Morrison) Precenting
"Laithean Sona M'Oige" (D.N. Morrison)
"Laithean Sona M'Oige" (Kenneth Morrison)
"Eilean Sgiathanach" (Alex MacLeod)
"Hith-ill-en na hill-ean i"(Angus MacDoanld)
Dan W. Strachan
Angus MacDonald
"'Faill ill o agus ho-ro eile" (Dan W. Strachan)
"Hith-ill-en na hill-ean i" (Kennie Angus)
"Ged tha sheol mi air M'Aneol" (Neil Morrison)
"Hug Oireann O" ( Neil Morrison)
"Hith-ill-en na hill-ean i"
"HIth-ill-en na hill-ean i" (cont'd)
"Hithill-en na hill-ean i" (Kennie Angus)
"Nighean donn an t-sugraidh" (Norman MacDermaid)
Kennie Angus
"Suas Leis a' Ghaidhalig" (Dan Neil Morrison)
Kenneth Morrison
"Ballad of John Harvey" (Mrs. Mary MacLeod)
"Cabar feidh" (Mrs. Mary MacLeod)

Item is a sound recording of Gaelic songs.

Cassette notes it as tape #150.

Track List:
Side A

Track A1 - Iain Ghlinn Cuaich (W. Matheson, N. MacCuish, Hector MacCormick) 04:27

Track A2 - Hug oireann òro gur toigh leam fhìn thu (Willie Matheson) 02:47

Track A3 - Piping recorded from the Radio (Pipe-Major Angus MacDonald of the Scots Guards) 01:53

Track A4 - Piping recorded from the Radio (Pipe-Major Angus MacDonald of the Scots Guards) 02:48

Track A5 - Piping recorded from the Radio (Pipe-Major Angus MacDonald of the Scots Guards) 01:56

Track A6 - Biodh an deoch seo 'n làimh mo rùin (Willie Matheson) 02:48

Track A7 - Mhic Iain 'ic Sheumais (Willie Matheson) 02:34

Track A8 - Iain Ghlinn Cuaich (Willie Matheson) 00:29

Track A9 - Màiri Dhonn Bhòidheach Dhonn (Willie Matheson) 04:29

Track A10 - Màiri Dhonn Bhòidheach Dhonn (W. Matheson, N. MacCuish, Hector MacCormick) 03:30

Track A11 - Nuair bha mi òg (W. Matheson, N. MacCuish, Hector MacCormick) 03:27

Track A12 - Dh' olainn deoch a laimh mo run (W. Matheson, N. MacCuish, Hector MacCormick) 00:17

Side B

Track B1 - Two Psalms 1- Psalm 137 to the tune of Kilmarnock "Air sruthaibh coimheach Bhàbileoin" 2- Unknown Psalm Number "Do thròcair tha 's na nèamhan shuas" (W. Matheson, N. MacCuish, Hector MacCormick) 06:39

Track B2 - Psalm 103 "O m'anam beannaich thusa nis" (W. Matheson, N. MacCuish, Hector MacCormick) 03:21

Track B3 - Hymn: Buanaichean Bhòais (W. Matheson, N. MacCuish, Hector MacCormick) 04:14

Track B4 - 2 Unidentified Hymns (W. Matheson, N. MacCuish, Hector MacCormick) 03:16

Track B5 - Unidentified Hymn (W. Matheson, N. MacCuish, Hector MacCormick) 00:51

Track B6 - 13 seconds of a Gàidhlig prayer (W. Matheson, N. MacCuish, Hector MacCormick) 00:13

Track B7 - 3 short songs: - Chan iongnadh na gillean (a North Uist song published in the Stewart Collection 1804)

Track B8 - Fraoch a Ròniadh (another Uist song) (W. Matheson, N. MacCuish, Hector MacCormick) 01:05

Track B9 - Cailleach mhòr Staghlaidh (North Uist) (W. Matheson, N. MacCuish, Hector MacCormick) 00:51

Interview with Mrs. Freida Jones

Sister Margaret Beaton introduces Mrs. Frieda Jones

Questions Mr. Jones

History of her father, the Rev. Mr. MacMillan of Sydney Mines (N.S.) in early days

Mrs. Jones went to school in Sydney Mines (N.S.). The Principal was Mr. Haggerty, Teachers were Ella Partridge, and Margaret Morrison.

William Snow was a school mate

Mrs. A.C. Day tells a funny story about William Snow, Manager of the Isle Royale Hotel

Tell us about your career in music. Where did you study?

What about the social gatherings at that time? Discussion follows.

The people were mostly miners, paid three dollars a month

What do you know of the dinner parties? Velvets and the best of dress

There is a story of the Archibalds

Archibalds entertained quite a bit..

Sutherland - Paymaster with G.M.A.

Pauline Johnson came because boats on their way to Newfoundland stopped in North Sydney (N.S.)

Tell us about the Brown's old home

Did the Brown's entertain very much?

What do you know of the Sydney Mines (N.S.) militia?

Formal dress for dinner - evening dress

Tell the story about Mrs. Sutherland and the fellow on the street car

What about the Bridges?

Were the people more religious than they are today?

Presbyteruan Precentors - Singing Mrs. Jones does not like it; Sister Beaton loves it

Organs were not liked in the Presbyterian Church

Very good friends - Rev. Mr. MacMillan and Father MacKinnon.

One night out a week - in at 10 pm

Eggs 26 cent a dozen; they had their own cows; made their own butter and food

Plays "School Days" on her piano

How about another story...

Halloween stories and tricks. Human nature is the same - one generation of youngsters not too different from preceding generations seen by these Halloween tricks

Item is an audio recording of Malcolm Angus MacLeod, John MacLeod and an unidentified singer performing a selection of Gaelic songs.

John MacLeod North Shore
"Cha mhor nach bu mhath dhuinn sguir a bhi stri..."
"Bithibh aotrom 's togaibh fonn..."

Malcolm Angus MacLeod North Shore "An Te a chaill a'Ghaihlig"

Unidentified Singer "Ho ro mo nigh 'n donn bhoiheach"

Unidentified Singer Gaelic psalm - precenting

Unidentified Singer "Tha mo bhreacan dubh fo'n dile..."

Malcolm Angus MacLeod North Shore
"Cha bhi mi buan..."
"Chunna mi lar honn aig Seumas..."
"Ho ro 's tu mo run thu..."
"Cha threiginn fhein mo chruinneag dhonn..."

Item is an audio recording of an anniversary service at Loch Lomond's United Church.

Guest Speaker is Rev. A.C. Fraser.

Psalm 125 by John A. MacDonald (Sacred Song)

Psalm 42, Verse 5 by Hector MacCormack (Sacred Song)

Psalm 51, Verses 1-4 by Angus MacKinnon (Sacred Song)

Psalm 102, Verses 19-21 by James R. Morrison (Sacred Song)

"I will Sing the Wondrous Story" by Ross MacDonald (Sacred Song)

Dan Morrison North Shore
"Nighean donn a' bhroilleach shoilleir"
"Gaol an t-seolaair"

Neil MacQuarrie North Shore "Ma phosas mi, cha ghabh mi te mhor"

Unidentified Singer "The mo bhreacan dubh fo'n dile..."

Unidentified Singer "Il o, il ho, horo eile..."

George MacAskill Precenting - Psalm 68

George MacAskill North Shore "Ma phosas mi, cha ghabh mi te mhor..."

Unidentified Singer
"Hi ill iu ill agus o..."
"O hi ri ill obha ho..."
Unidentified Informant "Domhnall agus Alasdair..."

John Matheson "Eilean an Fhraoich"

John Matheson "A' Mhairi Bhoidheach"

Item is the agenda for a Gaelic service in the Church of Scotland to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Highland Church in Edinburgh. A list of psalms, hymns and readings for the service is provided .

Item is an audio recording of a gaelic church service in Loch Lomond, Cape Breton (N.S).

MacDonald, Rev. J.B.N. - Opening prayers

Loch Lomond Gaelic Singers - Hymn

MacDonald, Rev. J.B.N. - Prayer

Loch Lomond Gaelic Singers - Precenting

MacDonald, Rev. J.B.N. - Scripture reading - 23rd Psalm

Loch Lomond Gaelic Singers - Hymn

MacDonald, Ross; Morrison, Kenneth - Hymn - "In the Garden"

Loch Lomond Gaelic Singers - Precenting

MacDonald, Rev. J.B.N. - Sermon

MacDonald, Rev. J.B.N. - Sermon

Loch Lomond Gaelic Singers - Precenting

Item is an agenda for the first annual meeting of the Toronto Gaelic Sunday School.

Item is an audio recording of Malcolm Angus Macleod, Skir Dhu N.S, singing a selection of Gaelic Songs.

"Tuireadh na Hiortach"
"Cha bhi mi buan..."
"Air faill irin iu..."
"Cuir dhiot an cadal..."
"Leis a' Mhaighdean"
"Bodach beag an lòinean"
"O ho ro 'ille dhuinn..."
"Am muileann dubh..."
"Dùthaich MhicLeòid"
"Mo rún, mo nighean donn bhoidheach"
"O hi ri leibh a ho..."
Twenty-third Psalm

Item is a collection of songs proscribed for performance at the National Mod of Scotland. Copy 1 includes the songs: Mo Run Geal Og, Dean Ba Ba Mo Leanamh, Bu Chaomh leam Bhi Mire and Fhuair Mi Naidheachd as Ur. Copy 2 includes the songs: An Dubh Ghleannach, O 's Tu 's Gur E Tu th'Air M'aire, Mort Ghlinne Comhann and Stilt - a Long Gaelic Psalm Tune.

Item is a sound recording of the unveiling of Pioneer Cairn at Framboise.

Cassette notes it as tape #111.

Track List: Side A
Track A1 - Piping, piper is Sally MacPherson of Sydney (Neil MacDonald M.C.) 03:39
Track A2 - Rev. MacLean opening Prayer
Track A3 - Choir sings Psalm 23 in English - The Lord is my Shephard (Neil MacDonald M.C.)
Track A4 - MC introduces Rev. Dr. J.D. Nelson MacDonald who addresses the attendants in Gàidhlig and reads part of the hymn, Dhe Bhetel. (Neil MacDonald M.C.)
Track A5 - Dhe Bhetel tune: Martyrdom. Hymn precented by choir led by Seumas MacFhionghain. (Neil MacDonald M.C.)
Track A6 - MC thanks all members involved with the Pioneer Cairn project (Neil MacDonald M.C.)
Track A7 - An t-Seann t-Seann Sgeul. Singer: Dan Willie Strachan. (Neil MacDonald M.C.)
Track A8 - Rev. Dr. Nelson MacDonald reads Joshua, Chapter 4 in Gaelic. Reading from the 34th Psalm. (Neil MacDonald M.C.)
Track A9 - Precenting, Psalm. Tune: Martyrdom. (Neil MacDonald M.C.)
Track A10 - Rev. Dr. Nelson MacDonald speaks to attendants in Gàidhlig and English (Neil MacDonald M.C.)

Side B
Track B1 - Rev. Dr. Nelson MacDonald speaks to attendants in Gàidhlig, choir sings 51st Psalm Dèan Tròcair Orm a Dhia nan Dràs (Neil MacDonald M.C.) 22:25
Track B2 - Rev. Dr. Nelson MacDonald says a prayer (Neil MacDonald M.C.) 01:33
Track B3 - Piping