The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in a forthnight;s time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig – World Gaelic Week – gets set to return.
Everyone from lifelong speakers and enthusiastic learners to those curious about the language and Scottish culture are being encouraged to get involved.
Events between 24th February and 2nd March will showcase how the language builds
connections, marking this year’s theme – Ceanglaichean gun Chrìch (pronounced kyeh-leech-un
gun chreech), are set to take place around the world, from Barra to Buenos Aires.
With more than 170,000 people stating they have “some skills in Gaelic” or are able to understand or speak the language in the last Scottish census; a growing number of speakers in urban areas and cities; and two million worldwide signed up to learn Gaelic on Duolingo, the language continues to grow in popularity and prevalence.
Organised to connect communities, spark conversations, and inspire the next generation of Gaelic speakers, the week promises a packed schedule filled with music performances, storytelling sessions, workshops and discussions.
More than 100 activities globally are expected to champion the resilience and vibrancy of Gaelic as living language for this year’s event.
Hundreds of schoolchildren across the country will take part in daily online workshops led by Seachdain na Gàidhlig. While Say a Gaelic Phrase Day on Thursday 27th February will allow anyone around the world to have a crack at speaking Gaelic on social media.
As well as the 60 groups across Scotland and beyond awarded funding through the initiative’s Small Grants Fund, supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, to stage events and activities, hundreds more individuals, businesses and organisations are planning their own events to mark the occasion.
From a night geared towards Gaelic speakers in the Park Bar (Glasgow) and a Gaelic song workshop led by Deirdre Graham in Applecross, to an online Gaelic mindfulness session and a celebratory ceilidh on Mull, there is something for everyone across the week.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is hosting a Gaelic T-Shirt Day while the Scottish Storytelling
Centre plans a Gaelic Songs and Stories Workshop. In Edinburgh, the National Library
of Scotland welcomes an evening of music and song from six-piece Gaelic band Amadan,
a creative writing session on Uncovering Queer Gaelic Voices in Gaelic, and a play
featuring primary 7 pupils from Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirc who will tell the story
of the Highland Clearances.
In South America, Gaelic Argentina is staging Buenos Aires Gaèlica – a celebration marking 200 years since Gaelic settlers arrived in Buenos Aires and highlighting the language’s global footprint.
There will also be the return of the much-loved Gaelic Meme Machine competition on
Facebook. Previously announced events funded by Bord na Gàidhlig include a tie up
between Gaelic singer Mischa Macpherson and Refuweegee, while elsewhere Keep Scotland
Beautiful are hosting a series of activities around Gaelic place names.
Individuals, schools, community groups and organisations with any level of Gaelic can still register to host an activity in their community that promotes the language and builds connections.
Joy Dunlop, Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “Gaelic is a relevant, exciting language with an invaluable place in Scotland today. Seachdain na Gàidhlig aims to further promote its use and demonstrate its richness, relevance and importance to our everyday lives.
“Most of all, language is a connector and this year we’re inviting everyone from around the world to connect with home, with one another, with something new and experience World Gaelic Week in whichever way works for them. The wait is nearly over for this year’s celebration and we plan on making it our most successful to date.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Each year Seachdain na Gàidhlig demonstrates the dynamism and innovation of Gaelic culture. Within just a few years it has grown to become a key event within the language’s calendar – illustrating the demand for Gaelic which exists across Scotland and the world.
“This year’s theme of Ceanglaichean gun Chrìch speaks to the essential truth that language is something which unites us and opens our horizons – a point ably demonstrated by the diverse schedule of events being offered.
“I look forward to engaging with Seachdain na Gàidhlig and seeing it continue to build on its ongoing success.”
Organised by Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad, with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Seachdain na Gàidhlig was inspired by the success of other minority language initiatives such as Seachtain na Gaeilge in Ireland and Mìos nan Gàidheal in Nova Scotia.
For a full list of events running throughout the week, or to add your own and access information on how to get involved, visit: www.seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.
From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner
12 February 2025
