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
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Can you give a pair of PJs this Christmas
Fresh new pyjamas are a Christmas essential, and Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron is looking for your help to make sure every child feels cosy and warm this Christmas.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
More free parking in Paisley town centre for festive period
Free parking is being extended during December in Paisley town centre council car parks.
READ MORE
Travelling Gallery transported Paisley visitors to Another Realm
Children in Paisley were transported to Another Realm as they were challenged to think creatively about the impact of the climate crisis.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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).
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire falls silent to pay respect to the Armed Forces
Renfrewshire has paid tribute to the Armed Forces as residents attended services across the area to mark Remembrance Sunday.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Paisley
Paisley will welcome the festive season in style this weekend at the town's Christmas Lights Switch-On event which returns to a Saturday for the first time since 2019!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
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
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween Festival delivers a frightfully fun weekend for all
Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
A decade of cultural impact to be celebrated at anniversary concert
Celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, Fèis Phàislig, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween festival shows visitors a wicked good time!
Paisley Halloween Festival is back at its spooky best as thousands of visitors attended the first night of the festival.
READ MORE
The Beat the Street Renfrewshire winners are announced
The winners of the latest Beat the Street challenge in Renfrewshire have now been announced!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links