From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.

Article Source: Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week)
Last Updated: 12 February 2025 11:19

Everyone from lifelong speakers and enthusiastic learners to those curious about the language and Scottish culture are being encouraged to get involved.

Events which 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 Gaelic college on the Isle of Skye is hosting a Gaelic T-Shirt Day on 26th February, while the Scottish Storytelling Centre is hosting a Gaelic Songs and Stories Workshop. In Edinburgh, TheNational 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. Events can be added to the World Gaelic Week website at seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

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.

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, or to add your own and access information on how to get involved, visit: www.seachdainnagaidhlig.scot

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

Go Forth Stirling announce Longlist for 2026 Stirling Business Awards

The Go Forth team has announced the longlist for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards as voting begins to choose the winners of the annual honours.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!

Young Stirlingshire golfers follow in footsteps of Ryder Cup heroes

Two young golfers from Stirlingshire are aiming to make history in Portugal in December when they tee off in the 2025 Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship at Quinta do Lago.

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

Bridge of Allan restaurant launches festive feast Take Home Christmas Box

The Meadowpark, one of Bridge of Allan’s most popular family restaurants, is bringing the magic of festive dining to homes around Stirling this Christmas.

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

BID Launches Drop In Business Hour Session for Stirling Business Community

Go Forth Stirling has launched a new initiative for the city’s business community giving them the opportunity to consult with the BID team and other partners.

Residents and businesses invited to Forthside project drop in event

A drop-in session is being held on Friday (21 November) for local residents and businesses to learn more about the major redevelopment at Forthside.

Residents and businesses across Stirling urged to get ready for winter

Residents and businesses across Stirling are being urged to get ready for the impacts of wintry weather as the council steps up its preparations to keep people safe in adverse conditions.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Stirling shoppers invited to celebrate their furry friends in new Thistles photography competition

Thistles, shopping centre in Stirling, has teamed up with a local Community Interest Company, Paws for Progress, to launch a heart-warming photography competition.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

National Wallace Monument wins Frankenstein approval from renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro made a personal visit to The National Wallace Monument before deciding to cast the iconic Stirling landmark in his new movie ‘Frankenstein’.

Time to Nominate Outstanding Companies for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards

The public has just two weeks left to nominate outstanding independent retailers for Go Forth Stirling BID’s annual Business Awards.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings