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 Stirling News
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has curated a unique experience to help guests unwind
To mark World Sleep Day, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is introducing the Sleep Retreat Essential Spa Break, designed to help guests prioritise rest and relaxation.
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival has all the ingredients for the perfect foodie day out!
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next month and looks set to be the biggest yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before.
READ MORE
Visitors to celebrate 2,000 years of history at summer events
Over 2,000 years of history will be celebrated this summer as Historic Environment Scotland announces its 2025 summer events programme!
READ MORE
STEP named Business Support Provider of the Year
STEP is proud to announce that it has been awarded Business Support Provider of the Year 24/25 by the CorporateLiveWire Global Awards.
READ MORE
Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring!
Get ready, Scotland! Ideal Home Show Scotland sponsored by EcoFlow is back at Glasgow's SEC from 23rd - 26th May 2025 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!
READ MORE
Cineworld brings back IMAX Film Fest
Cineworld, the UK's leading cinema chain, will be holding its eighth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 15th March, with tickets on sale for only £5!
READ MORE
Discover the best of Belfast on a day trip from Scotland
A beautiful city with a rich history, high street favourites, independent boutiques and a giant adventure to explore around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible experiences to be had!
READ MORE
Dobbies welcomes applications for community gardens initiative
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming applications for Dobbies Community Gardens, offering local schools, charities and community groups the opportunity to receive support for their green spaces.
READ MORE
Six by Nico unveils brand new six course tasting menu, The Italian
Six by Nico's Road Trip, inspired by Chef Nico Simeone's Italian heritage and travels, will take you on a culinary journey through Italy!
READ MORE
Winners Unveiled at 2025 Stirling Business Awards
Stirling’s independent business owners were recognised for their achievements and rewarded with trophies at the city’s annual Business Awards ceremony last night.
READ MORE
Action Classics Hit Vue Venues in Scotland this March
An array of action films is screening at Vue venues in Scotland throughout the month of March, kicking off with the king of the genre, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
READ MORE
FROM GLASTO TO GLASGOW: Artists performing at TRNSMT 2025 and Glastonbury
Check out the Glastonbury artists that music fans can catch in Glasgow, straight off the heels of their Worthy Farm performance at TRNSMT Festival!
READ MORE
Full Casting Announced for Restless Natives: The Musical
Kirsty MacLaren, Kyle Gardiner and Finlay McKillop lead a multi-talented ensemble as the Clown and the Wolfman take to the road once again!
READ MORE
Stirling 900 Commemorative Photography Book
Call for Submissions as The Stirling Photography Festival announce the creation of a special commemorative photography book: Stirling 900... A Celebration of the People and the Place.
READ MORE
Forth Valley Celebrates Community Climate Action
Dozens of local people, organisations and climate champions gathered in Dunblane last week for a day of celebration and connection.
READ MORE
Dobbies launches spring with special shopping weekend
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting the nation to get excited for the busiest season in the gardener's calendar with its Spring Launch Weekend, taking place 6-10 March!
READ MORE
Stirling 900 celebrations to climax with spectacular pipe band parade
A spectacular massed pipe band parade on Saturday 29th March will be the exciting centrepiece of Stirling’s 900th anniversary finale celebrations.
READ MORE
The UK Pantomime Association announces major sponsorship partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment
The UK Pantomime Association is delighted to announce a significant new sponsorship partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment (ATGE).
READ MORE
Arriving near you! Adventure Cinema returns for special Summer screenings under the stars
The UK's largest outdoor cinema, Adventure Cinema announces its most spectacular season to date with incredible films at new magical locations!
READ MORE
Free gardening workshops at Dobbies this March
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting two free workshops this March for gardeners of all ages; Prepare to Propagate and Beyond the Secret Garden.
READ MORE
Snap up free tickets to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow or Edinburgh
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Scotland's only dedicated consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, is back and we have free tickets up for grabs!
READ MORE
Roblox hits the big screen at Vue Cinemas
British kids will go head-to-head on Roblox to be crowned the Gaming Challenge UK champion.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland Announces CHAS as the Official Charity Partner for its 2025 Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland has proudly announced Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as the official charity partner of its long running and hugely popular Supermarket Sweep initiative for 2025.
READ MORE
Homebuilder announced as headline sponsor of Stirling 900 finale celebrations
Persimmon Homes (East Scotland) has been unveiled as the headline sponsor for the Stirling 900 finale celebrations.
READ MORE
Hop along to Dobbies this Easter
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming families and four-legged friends to hop along and get set for spring at its brand-new Easter-themed events, taking place across the UK.
READ MORE
Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland
The initiative enables customers across the UK to donate pre-loved children's books in-store, for onward gifting to families with fewer books of their own.
READ MORE
Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru
To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!
READ MORE
Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign
Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Stirling to Host Sizzling Showcase of Food, Drink and Tourism
Stirling is turning up the heat this March with a dynamic line up of events designed to inspire, connect and showcase the region’s food, drink and tourism industry.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links