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 – a 44% increase in submissions from 2024.
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.
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Highlights include singing workshops led by Gaelic vocalist Mischa Macpherson in partnership with Refuweegee in Glasgow, a Gaelic cake decorating workshop on Skye, a day of Gaelic harmony singing in North Sutherland and a celebration of Gaelic involving nearly 200 pupils from three local primary schools in Lanarkshire.
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.
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.
People can also take part in the hugely popular Say a Gaelic Phrase Day as part of Seachdain na Gàidhligon on Thursday, February 27, which engages thousands online each year.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig director Joy Dunlop (Image: Jamie Simpson)
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.
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 February 24 to March 2. For a full list of events running throughout the week and information on how to get involved, visit: www.seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.