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 Stirling News
Local runner swaps sneakers for shackles in spooky Stirling shopping centre sleepover
A Stirling local is set to spend the night in one of the city’s most unusual, and eerie, locations to raise vital funds for children across the world.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.
READ MORE
Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025
Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!
READ MORE
Find your next business opportunity at Forth Valley Meet the Real Buyer event
Local businesses and social enterprises across the Forth Valley are being invited to explore supply chain opportunities in a free-to-attend event at Alloa Town Hall.
READ MORE
Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.
READ MORE
Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie
Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour
Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Fair Trade Stirling going the distance in cycling fundraiser for Malawi
Fair Trade Stirling is holding a sponsored bike ride to raise money for its long-term partners in the Karonga District of Malawi.
READ MORE
Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland
Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.
READ MORE
20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.
READ MORE
A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival
Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.
READ MORE
Seriously fun ideas for your work Christmas Party
It might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!
READ MORE
Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month
Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.
READ MORE
Go Forth Stirling Launch 2026 Business Awards
Stirling’s outstanding independent and national retailers are set to be recognised and rewarded at the city’s 2026 Business Awards.
READ MORE
Drop in sessions begin on draft Visitor Levy scheme for Stirling
Businesses, visitors and residents are urged to feedback on Stirling’s draft Visitor Levy scheme as drop-in sessions begin.
READ MORE
Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland
Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.
READ MORE
From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!
The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
READ MORE
Stirling Photography Festival goes Beyond with exhibitions across Stirlingshire
The Stirling Photography Festival is proud to announce the launch of a series of exhibitions in rural Stirling as part of their 2025 programme.
READ MORE
Stirling marks 30th Anniversary of Braveheart
Braveheart continues to be a huge draw for visitors to Scotland as Stirling prepares to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Oscar-winning epic.
READ MORE
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
New Forth Valley Five Campaign Launches to Champion Local Food and Drink
Businesses across Stirling and beyond are being invited to take the ‘Forth Valley Five’ pledge: a bold new initiative designed to celebrate local food and drink and boost community wealth.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Clans @ The Croft team mountain bike enduro event returns
A multiple Clan skirmish of epic proportions is on the cards again for mountain bike Enduro riders when Clans @ The Croft, the first team event on the UK's Enduro calendar, returns to Creiff.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
Call for sites and ideas for new Local Development Plan in Stirling
Residents, community groups and other key stakeholders will have the opportunity to shape Stirling’s future as the consultation on the area’s new Local Development Plan enters crucial new phase.
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025
Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORE
Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links