World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date
Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
Article Source: Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week)
Last Updated: 14 January 2025 12:04
Image Credit: Jamie Simpson
The fourth edition of the nationwide language initiative will take place from 24th February – 2nd March 2025 celebrating the theme, Ceanglaichean gun Chrìch (pronounced kyeh-leech-un gun chreech), which signifies Building Connections in English.
More than 60 groups across Scotland and beyond, have been awarded funding through the initiative’s Small Grants Fund, supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, to stage events and activities championing the Gaelic language next month.
A record number of people applied for funding to be part of the celebrations this year, with over 100 applications received. This was a 44% increase in submissions from 2024, as the appetite for and appreciation of the indigenous language continues to grow.
A wide range of events are set to take place, all united by the common bond that demonstrates the linguistic, cultural and human connections that language forges, with a range of programme highlights across Scotland and beyond:
● Singing workshops led by Gaelic vocalist Mischa Macpherson in partnership with Refuweegee will be held in Glasgow during Seachdain na Gàidhlig. Gàidhlig & Seinn le Refuweegee will deliver a series of free sessions for refugees and asylum seekers, and Gaelic speakers and learners will be encouraged to attend, welcoming New Scots to the city and giving a warm introduction to Gaelic and Scottish language, music and culture. Drawing on shared experiences of displacement that goes back hundreds of years, this project will build heartfelt connections between Gaels and refugees.
● North Lanarkshire Council’s Gaelic and Community Resettlement teams will work together to create a Gaelic Ceilidh House at Chapelside Community Centre in Airdrie, inviting local residents including New Scots who have recently made Scotland their home to connect with Gaelic language and culture, and one another. The week will include performances from Cumbernauld Gaelic Choir and local Gaelic learners and speakers will be invited to participate and share songs, poems and phrases, and their love of Gaelic and life in Scotland.
● In Islay, Comunn na Gàidhlig Ìle will mark the bi-centenary of the iconic Rhinns of Islay Lighthouse on Orsay Island. The Taighean-solais Ìleach (Islay Lighthouses) project will bring people from across the community together during Seachdain na Gàidhlig to share songs, stories and music about the history and heritage of Islay’s lighthouses and delve into the connections they kindled across Scotland between seafaring families.
● Skye will host Cèicean Cruthachail (Creative Cakes) – a Gaelic cake decorating workshop to mark the nationwide language celebration. Organised by the Trotternish Centre and led by Elizabeth Munsie of Skye Cakes, the session will give people a chance to use their Gaelic in an informal setting, create delicious baked goods adorned with Gaelic words and phrases, and learn a new creative skill.
● Three primary schools across Lanarkshire will come together for the very first time to stage G anns a’ Phàirc (G in the Park). This celebration of Gaelic at Calderglen Park will unite nearly 200 pupils from Ben Cameron, Innis an Uillt and Condobhrait primary schools for a day of games and activities which improve their understanding of Gaelic’s value. The shared event will allow the schools to forge new connections which expand the Gaelic community and allow young speakers to learn from one another.
● On the North Sutherland Coast, The Big Sing will host a day of Gaelic harmony singing to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Borgie Gaelic Alphabet Tree Spiral. In collaboration with North Sutherland Community Forest Trust and Gaelic tutor Christine Stone, the Big Sing choir based in Bettyhill will provide participants with the chance to speak, sing and share Gaelic, explore traditional folklore and raise awareness of Gaelic in the local environment, including the names of nearby places, trees and wildlife.
● The celebrations will extend beyond the borders of Scotland. In Northern Ireland’s Newry, Craobh an Iúir of Conradh na Gaeilge will seek to explore and strengthen links between Scottish Gaelic and Ulster Gaelic. Gàidhlig-Gaeilge: Na Ceanglaichean (The Links) will host Scottish Gaelic language workshops with Irish speakers at a local primary school and host an exhibition of Gaelic books, records, cassettes, magazines and other materials which showcase indigenous language’s identity and importance.
People across Scotland and in diaspora communities around the world are being encouraged to get involved in this year’s Seachdain na Gàidhlig and stage their own events.
Individuals, community groups and organisations with any level of Gaelic can host an activity in their community that promotes the language and builds connections. Events can be added to the World Gaelic Week website at seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.
People can also take part in the hugely popular Say a Gaelic Phrase Day as part of Seachdain na Gàidhligon Thursday 27th February 2025, which engages thousands online each year.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 showcased over 170 events in 100 locations throughout Scotland and across the world, including Nova Scotia and New York. The initiative also delivered its first-ever programme of digital assemblies for schools, which engaged 12,600 pupils from 136 schools across 27 local authority areas and will be expanded for 2025.
Joy Dunlop, Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “From using Gaelic to welcome refugees to Scotland, to new connections being forged to share the language among communities and schools, there’s an incredible wealth of activity planned for Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2025 which will have far-reaching positive impacts. This year’s funded programme demonstrates the power Gaelic has in building bonds, enriching lives and enhancing community cohesion. Seachdain na Gàidhlig continues to grow year on year and provides an important platform for Gaelic cultural exchange. We are very grateful to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for their support to make the initiative possible and would encourage anyone with a love of or interest in Gaelic to stage their own event and get involved.”
Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “It is wonderful to see the range of Gaelic events which will take place in communities all over the country. This reflects the activities which take place regularly throughout the year across our vibrant arts sector and in our communities. Bòrd na Gàidhlig would encourage everyone to participate and with such a packed calendar there will be something for everyone.”
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.
The week-long celebration gives Scottish Gaelic speakers, learners and supporters the opportunity to celebrate the language at home and internationally and drives national recognition and awareness.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2025 will take place from 24th February - 2nd March 2025. For a full list of events running throughout the week and information on how to get involved, visit: www.seachdainnagaidhlig.scot
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Diving Into History as Glenogle Swim Centre Hosts Great Lengths Exhibition
The ‘Your Health is for Life – Great Lengths’ exhibition comes to historic Glenogle Baths, a stunning Victorian facility in the heart of Stockbridge, as it marks its 125th anniversary year.
READ MORE
World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date
Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
READ MORE
Roxy Rose Street launches Ballers Bottomless Brunch
Roxy Lanes Rose Street launches The Ballers Bottomless Brunch featuring 90 minutes of competitive fun with a game of your choice, bottomless drinks, and American-style sharers.
READ MORE
Milestone move as National Galleries of Scotland to host the Scottish Portrait Awards 2026
The Scottish Portrait Awards are back and bigger than ever, as the Scottish Arts Trust and National Galleries of Scotland announce a landmark move to the Portrait gallery for 2026!
READ MORE
Stay Active this January at Gravity Active
Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!
READ MORE
Beat the January Blues with Family Tickets Offer at Volcano Falls in Edinburgh
Volcano Falls is inviting families to get rid of the winter gloom with a special online-only offer – 20% off family tickets Sunday 19th January 2025!
READ MORE
Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh
Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh with visit to Tinderbox Collective to launch his new Foundation supporting music education.
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Celebrates Burns Night with an affordable set menu
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh will celebrate Burns Night on Saturday January 25th in honour of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns, with a chef-curated set menu for under £30.
READ MORE
Strike a PAWse: Brand new Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies
Dobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
READ MORE
BrewDog launches brand new Touchdown Lager ahead of big game watch parties in Glasgow and Edinburgh
BrewDog, is partnering with Tesco to launch a brand new grid-iron inspired Wingman Lager. If only there was a massive game coming up that it could tie-in perfectly with...
READ MORE
Cruden Homes and City Of Edinburgh Council support North Edinburgh Community Festival with Donation
North Edinburgh Community Festival (NECF), one of the city’s most anticipated family-friendly events, has received a £2,000 donation from Cruden Homes and City of Edinburgh Council.
READ MORE
Scots brewery launches series of Iron Brew beers to beat January blues
Edinburgh-based brewer Vault City has paid tribute to an iconic Scottish drink, launching a four-part series of Irn-Bru-inspired sour beers.
READ MORE
Brace yourselves, burger lovers... Veganuary just got an upgrade!
Veganuary is well and truly underway and Fat Hippo's BurgerLab has been cooking up a limited-edition vegan masterpiece that proves going vegan doesn't mean skimping on the good stuff!
READ MORE
The Biscuit Factory announces a range of new events in celebration of its neighbours
The Biscuit Factory, housed in the historic Crawford’s Biscuits on Anderson Place in Leith, is thrilled to announce a slew of new and exciting events for 2025.
READ MORE
Roxy Leisure partner with Everleaf and Lucky Saint for Dry January
For Dry January 2025, Roxy Leisure is teaming up with premium non-alcoholic brands Everleaf and Lucky Saint, offering guests exclusive mocktails and promotions from 2nd - 31st January.
READ MORE
Coming This Month: Trio of Stunning Varna International Ballet Performances
Edinburgh Playhouse welcomes Varna International Ballet’s trio of stunning performances this month!
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth Expands Inclusive Access with New 2025 Relaxed Opening Dates
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is excited to announce two additional Relaxed Opening Hours sessions as part of its continued commitment to inclusivity.
READ MORE
Lost Shore Surf Resort to Launch Inaugural Wellbeing Month in January
Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf resort in Ratho, Edinburgh, is kicking off the New Year with its first-ever Wellbeing Month, launching on 1st January 2025.
READ MORE
First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.
READ MORE
The Edinburgh Gin Distillery At The Arches
World-renowned distillers, Edinburgh Gin, has opened the doors to its brand new distillery at The Arches.
READ MORE
Acclaimed Chinese art exhibit brings vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations to textile heartland of Scotland
A highly acclaimed textile exhibit celebrating part of China’s intangible cultural heritage will make its UK debut when it goes on display at the Great Tapestry of Scotland!
READ MORE
Back by popular demand: Murder on the Midnight Express returns to Somewhere By Nico
Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a limited time only.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird confirms festive opening hours
Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out with family and friends over the Christmas period.
READ MORE
Australian superstar Jason Donovan makes a much anticipated return to one of his most famous roles
Jason Donovan makes a much anticipated return to one of his most famous roles: playing Frank-N-Furter in Richard O'Brien's anarchic musical, The Rocky Horror Show at Edinburgh Playhouse.
READ MORE
Vault City toasts first ever supermarket listings for stout with major UK name
Jingle Brew: Edinburgh-based independent beer firm Vault City now has its Gingerbread Latte Imperial Stout stocked by Tesco in time for festive season.
READ MORE
Room to Recharge: Kimpton Hotels in Scotland launch new wellness program, Stay Well
Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched 'Stay Well', a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests 'feel good, travel better, and stay well' while travelling.
READ MORE
Two Weeks Til Edinburghs Hogmanay First Footin
The countdown to the New Year has begun as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay prepares for four days of events to ring in 2025, running from December 29th to January 1st.
READ MORE
Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day
After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MORE
Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition
A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORE
Win a year of free flights as Loganair invites Edinburgh residents to share the joy of reuniting
Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, is spreading the joy of Christmas as it gifts free flights for an entire year for reconnecting with loved ones.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links