Taing mhòr mhòr dhan a h-uile duine a ghabh pàirt ann. // A massive thank you to everyone who took part.

Abair seachdain a th’ air a bhith againn rè Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 – agus tha e doirbh a chreids gum bi e bliadhna mus till e!

Taing mhòr mhòr dhan a h-uile duine a ghabh pàirt ann. An fheadhainn a chuir tachartas air chois, a chaidh gu tachartas, a choimhead air seisean sgoile le @joydunlop, a ghabh pàirt air loidhne air #LàAbairtnaGàidhlig, a cheannaich bathar, a chuir thugainn dealbhadh lèine-t no a thug taic o fhada fhada thall. Mòran taing dhuibh uile o sgioba @sngaidhlig airson taic a chumail rinn!

Feuch cuid dhe na h-àireamhan mòra o thachartas na bliadhna.

Cùm a’ dol le bhith gar tagadh sna dealbhan agad is clàraich aig a’ chuairt-litir againn is gheibh thu fios mu sheachdain 2026 air thoiseach air chàch.

Tillidh Seachdain na Gàidhlig 22mh – 28mh dhen Ghearran 2027.

Chì sinn ann thu!

//

What an incredible week Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 was—we can’t believe it’s over for another year!

A massive thank you to everyone who took part. Whether you organised an event, turned up as an attendee, watched a school session with @joydunlop, joined in online with Say a Gaelic Phrase day #SayAGaelicPhraseDay, bought some merchandise, submitted a t-shirt design or just supported from afar. A huge thanks from everyone in the @sngaidhlig team for the support!

Check out some of the key numbers from this year’s event. 

Keep tagging us in your photos, and sign up to our newsletter to be the first to find out about the 2027 week.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return 22 to 28 February 2027.

See you then!

#SeachdainNaGàidhlig #CommunityIdeas #GaelicEvents #Gàidhlig #scottishgaelic #GaelicWeek #GaelicCulture #cleachdinocailli #SeachdainNaGàidhlig2026 #WorldGaelicWeek2026 #cleachdi #Gaelic  #bòrdnagàidhlig

’S e Là Abairt na Gàidhlig a th’ ann! // It’s Say A Gaelic Phrase Day!

*Scroll for English*

’S e Là Abairt na Gàidhlig a th’ ann!

Gabh pàirt san iomairt le bhith a’ clàradh na h-abairt agad agus ga sgaoileadh air na meadhanan-sòisealta! Feuch gun cleachd thu an taga-hais #LàAbairtNaGàidhlig.

Thèid aig duine sam bith air pàirt a ghabhail innte: fileantaich, luchd-ionnsachaidh no feadhainn aig nach eil facal fhathast.

Tha abairtean air an làraich-lìn againn a ghabhas cleachdadh, no faodaidh sibh faighneachd do chuideigin aig a bheil a’ Ghàidhlig airson beagan cuideachaidh.

Tha sinn airson ’s gun gabh an àireamh as motha de dhaoine ’s a ghabhas pàirt ann an #LàAbairtNaGàidhlig – bithibh leinn! 

Cùm sùil air na meadhanan-sòisealta againn an-diugh – ’s dòcha gun nochd cuid de na caraidean ainmeil againn orra!

//

It’s Say A Gaelic Phrase Day!

Join in the fun, by selecting and recording your phrase, and share it on social media. Make sure to use the hashtag #SayAGaelicPhraseDay

Anyone can take part, whether you are a fluent speaker or this is your first encounter with Gaelic! 

We have some phrases for you to practice on our website, or ask a Gaelic speaker to teach you some new phrases.

We want as many people as possible to take part in this year’s #SayAGaelicPhraseDay – make sure you join us!

Keep an eye on our socials today – some famous friends will be making appearances throughout the day!

#SeachdainNaGàidhlig #CommunityIdeas #GaelicEvents #Gàidhlig #scottishgaelic #GaelicWeek #GaelicCulture #cleachdinocailli #SeachdainNaGàidhlig2026 #WorldGaelicWeek2026 #cleachdi #Gaelic #bòrdnagàidhlig

Sgoilearan Gàidhlig agus suaichnean oifigeil Gheamaichean a’ Cho-Fhlaitheis 2026, Finnie // Gaelic speaking pupils, and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot, Finnie

Sgoilearan Gàidhlig agus suaichnean oifigeil Gheamaichean a’ Cho-Fhlaitheis 2026, Finnie

Thadhail Joy Dunlop, Stiùriche Sheachdain na Gàidhlig air Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu gus a’ chòigeamh Seachdain na Gàidhlig a chur air bhog.
Le cuideachadh bho sgoilearan na bunsgoile, chaidh aig Finnie, suaichnean oifigeil Gheamaichean a’ Cho-Fhlaitheis 2026, a bhith an sàs sa chùis agus i a’ cur eòlas air a’ chànan.
Abair spòrs a th’ air a bhith againn gur ruige seo, agus tha fadachd oirnn ris a’ chòrr den t-seachdain.

//

Gaelic speaking pupils, and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot, Finnie

Seachdain na Gàidhlig director Joy Dunlop visited Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu (Glasgow Gaelic School) to kick off the record-breaking fifth edition.

With the help of Gaelic speaking pupils, the official mascot for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Finnie, even got involved, becoming familiar with the language.

What fun we are having this week, can’t wait to see what the rest of the week holds!

Images credit Jamie Simpson

Seachdain na Gàidhlig as motha a-riamh fo sheòl // Biggest ever World Gaelic Week blasts off

Brath naidheachd

Diluain 23mh dhen Ghearran 2026

Seachdain na Gàidhlig as motha a-riamh fo sheòl

Thòisich Seachdain na Gàidhlig an-diugh, a’ chiad latha ann an seachdain a chomharraicheas aon dhe na cànain oifigeil ann an Alba agus tha e gu bhith nas motha na a-riamh roimhe.

Thèid còrr is 200 tachartas a chumail le luchd-labhairt, luchd-ionnsachaidh agus luchd-taice na Gàidhlig air feadh na h-Alba agus air feadh an t-saoghail fad fèill 2026 – suas 15% an coimeas ri an-uiridh.

Nas motha na riamh roimhe, seo an còigeamh turas a thèid an iomairt cànain bhliadhnail a chumail, am-bliadhna fon t-suaicheantas Cleachd i no caill i, a’ brosnachadh na Gàidhlig mar chànan beò.

Bidh pailteas air a’ phrògram eadar pìobaireachd, ceòl tradaiseanta is seiseanan seinn, òraidean is blasadan dhen chànan, dannsa-ceum is dannsa Gàidhealach, fèilltean fhilmichean, coiseachd san nàdar is innse sgeulachdan, thathar am beachd gun gabh còrr is 40,000 neach pàirt sna tachartasan air feadh 24 sgìre ionadail rè na seachdaine.

Bidh iomairt fhèillmhor Là Abairt na Gàidhlig air ais Diardaoin 26mh dhen Ghearran is na mìltean de dhaoine a’ feuchainn no a’ sgaoileadh facal no abairt Ghàidhlig sna meadhanan sòisealta, a’ sealltainn gu bheil gaol aca air a’ chànan.

Gheibh còrr is 7,000 sgoilear cothrom air clas cànain làitheil tron t-seachdain agus chlàraich 357 clas air feadh na dùthcha airson tionalan is seiseanan rè Seachdain na Gàidhlig.

Ged a tha a’ Ghàidhlig air a bhith mun cuairt còrr is 1,000 bliadhna, ach cha d’fhuair i inbhe mar chànan oifigeil ann an Alba ach sia mìosan air ais – a’ toirt togail fheumail dhan chànan.

Tha mu thuaiream 70,000 neach ann an Alba an-diugh aig a bheil Gàidhlig, agus tha co-dhiù beagan dhith aig 1 ann an 40 a rèir a’ chunntais-shluaigh mu dheireadh agus b’ ann am measg daoine fo aois 30 agus sna bailtean a bha am fàs as motha, ag innse dhuinn gu bheil an cànan dùthchasach seo a’ tighinn am feabhas.

Thuirt Joy Dunlop, Ceannard Seachdain na Gàidhlig: “Abair bliadhna de chlachan-mìle! Tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig air a bhith mun cuairt còig bliadhna a-nis agus tha e a’ toirt misneachd cho mòr dhomh mar a tha an taic is othail mun iomairt, agus mun chànan, a’ fàs. ’S e cànan is cultar ath-sheasmhachd, spèis, dhàimhean is blàiths a th’ ann an Gàidhlig – tha e na cheangal domhain eadar sinn fhìn agus ar tìr, ar dualchas, ar faireachdainnean agus daoine eile a tha mun cuairt oirnn. Tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig a’ sealltainn dhuinn gur e cànan a th’ ann a tha beò, beòthail agus a’ fàs – cha leig thu leas ach coimhead air na ceudan de thachartasan a tha gu bhith againn an t-seachdain seo agus an àireamh de luchd-ionnsachaidh a tha a’ sìor-fhàs. 

“Ma bha annas agad dhen chànan roimhe, ’s e an t-seachdain seo cothrom air leth airson a dhol an sàs innte – tha uiread a’ dol agus ’s e àm cho togarrach a th’ ann a bhith nad neach-labhairt no neach-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig. Tha sinn cho taingeil dhan fheadhainn a tha a’ cur taic dhan iomairt agus bidh e cho math na diofar dòighean fhaicinn air an comharraich daoine aon dhe na cànain dhùthchasach ann an Alba an t-seachdain seo. Tha an cànan beò!”

Thuirt an Leas-Phrìomh Mhinistear Ceit Fhoirbeis na leanas: “Chan e dìreach dualchas na h-Alba a th’ anns a’ Ghàidhlig – ’s e àm ri teachd na h-Alba a th’ innte, ’s i a’ ceangal coimhearsnachd eadar-nàiseanta ri chèile de chòrr is 130,000 neach-labhairt is neach-ionnsachaidh.

“’S ann eachdraidheil a tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig am-bliadhna – a’ chiad Sheachdain bho fhuair a’ Ghàidhlig inbhe oifigeil tro Achd nan Cànan Albannach againn. Tha an t-Achd a’ toirt seachad chumhachdan ùra leis an gabh an cànan fhàs, nam measg cumhachdan do phàrantan airson sgoil Ghàidhlig iarraidh anns na sgìrean aca.

“Tha sinn a’ cumail taic ris na cumhachdan seo le £1.8 millean a bharrachd ann an dreachd a’ Bhuidseit againn, airson soirbheas a’ chànain a chumail suas fad ghinealaichean ri teachd.”

Thuirt Ealasaid Dhòmhnallach, Ceannard Bhòrd na Gàidhlig: “Tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig a’ toirt cothrom do dhaoine pàirt a ghabhail ann an agus iomadh seòrsa gnìomhachd agus tachartas Gàidhlig a tha a’ gabhail àite air feadh na h-Alba agus faicsinneachd a thoirt don chànan. Tha mi an dòchas gun còrd e ribh uile a bhith a’ comharrachadh ar cànain tro Sheachdain na Gàidhlig agus gun toir sibh an gnìomhachd sin air adhart tron bhliadhna.”

Tha an dà chuid Bòrd na Gàidhlig agus Riaghaltas na h-Alba a’ cumail taic ri Seachdain na Gàidhlig agus ’s e buidheann cultar is ceòl tradaiseanta na h-Alba, Hands Up for Trad, a tha ga lìbhrigeadh.

Thig Seachdain na Gàidhlig gu crìoch Didòmhnaich 1ad dhen Mhàrt 2026. Tadhail air seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

//

Media release

Monday 23rd February 2026

Biggest ever World Gaelic Week blasts off

The biggest ever edition of Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) blasts off today, heralding the start of seven days of celebrations for one of Scotland’s official languages.

More than 200 events are set to be staged by Gaelic speakers, learners and supporters across Scotland and around the world for the 2026 edition – up 15% on last year.

The record-breaking fifth edition of the annual language initiative aims to promote the theme, Use it or Lose it (Cleachd i no Caill i), championing the vitality of Gaelic as a living language.

From bagpiping, folk music and singing sessions, talks and language tasters, to step dance, Highland dance, film festivals, nature walks and storytelling, the diverse programme of events taking place across 24 local authority areas are expected to attract more than 40,000 attendees across the week.

The popular Say a Gaelic Phrase Day will also take place this Thursday 26th February, where thousands of people share or try a favourite Gaelic word or phrase and highlight their love of the language on social media.

Daily language classes will also reach more than 7,000 school children across the week, with 357 classes across the country signed up for World Gaelic Week online assemblies and sessions.

Despite being spoken for over 1,000 years, Scottish Gaelic has only been an official language of Scotland for around six months – and the minority language is enjoying a welcome buoyancy.

There are now around 70,000 Gaelic speakers in Scotland, with 1 in 40 people thought to have some level of understanding in Gaelic according to the last Census, while the greatest areas of growth for the language are among under 30s and in urban communities, spelling a bright future for the indigenous tongue.

Joy Dunlop, Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “Talk about a milestone year! Five years into World Gaelic Week and it is heartening to see the growing support and excitement for the initiative, and the language. Gaelic is a language and culture of resilience, passion, connection and warmth – it helps us connect deeply with our landscape, heritage, emotions and others around us. World Gaelic Week shows us that Gaelic is alive, dynamic and thriving – just look at the hundreds of events taking place this week and the growing numbers of learners.

“If you’ve ever been tempted to discover the language, this week is the perfect opportunity to get involved – there is so much going on and it is such an exciting time to be a Gaelic speaker or learner. We’re very grateful to all those getting behind the initiative and can’t wait to see the different ways people celebrate one of Scotland’s indigenous languages this week. Tha ar cànan beò – our language is alive!”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Gaelic is not just Scotland’s heritage – it’s Scotland’s future, connecting a global community of more than 130,000 speakers and learners.

“This World Gaelic Week is historic – the first since Gaelic gained official status through our Scottish Languages Act. The Act provides new powers to grow the language, including empowering parents to request a Gaelic school in their area.

“We are backing those powers with an additional £1.8 million in our draft Budget to help the language thrive for generations to come.”

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “Seachdain na Gàidhlig is providing an opportunity to participate in and showcase the wide variety of activity that goes on across Scotland all in Gaelic. I hope you all enjoy celebrating our language throughout Seachdain na Gàidhlig and take that activity forward throughout the year.”

Seachdain na Gàidhlig is supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Scottish Government, and is delivered by Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 runs until Sunday 1st March 2026. Visit seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

‘S e Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 a th’ ann! // Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 is here!

*Scroll for English*

‘S e Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 a th’ ann!

Thèid còrr is 200 tachartas a chomharraicheas cànan is cultar na Gàidhlig a chumail an t-seachdain seo, chan ann an Alba a-mhàin ach air feadh an t-saoghail – ann an Sasainn, Canada, Astràilia,  san Argantain agus air loidhne!

Tadhail air an làrach-lìn againn is faic na bhios a’ dol. Tha tachartasan againn air feadh na h-Alba agus thall thairis – feuch na tha a’ dol faisg ort fhèin. https://seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/whats-on/ 

Tha sinn uile air ar bioran gus am faic sinn na tha romhainn an t-seachdain-sa!

Na dìochuimhnich puist mun tachartas a sgaoileadh sna meadhanan sòisealta le taga air @sngaidhlig, agus an taga-hais #SeachdainNaGàidhlig2026 #cleachdinocailli a chleachdadh

Ionnsaich an abairt Ghàidhlig as fheàrr leat. ’S e an 26mh dhen Ghearran Là Abairt na Gàidhlig – tagh abairt, clàraich video dheth ’s cleachd ar taga ann.

Le tac bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig

//

Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 is here!

Over 200 events celebrating Gaelic language and culture will take place this week, not only across Scotland but across the world – in England, Canada, Argentina, Australia and online!

Visit our website and see what’s on. We’ve got events happening across Scotland and the globe —find out what’s happening near you. https://seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/whats-on/ 

We can’t wait to see what lies ahead for us all this week!

Remember to post about your event on social media and tag us using @sngaidhlig, along with our hashtags #SeachdainNaGàidhlig2026 #cleachdinocailli

Practice your favourite Gaelic phrase. Say A Gaelic Phrase Day is the 26th of Feb—pick a phrase, record a video and tag us in it.

With support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Aon seachdain eile! 📣 🎉// One week to go! 📣 🎉

*Scroll for English*
Aon seachdain eile! 📣 🎉
Chan eil Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 ach seachdain air falbh! Seo dhut ceithir dòighean airson ullachadh air a shon:
1. Tadhail air an làrach-lìn againn is faic na bhios a’ dol. Tha tachartasan againn air feadh na h-Alba agus thall thairis – feuch na tha a’ dol faisg ort fhèin.
2. Ionnsaich an abairt Ghàidhlig as fheàrr leat. ’S e an 26mh dhen Ghearran Là Abairt na Gàidhlig – tagh abairt, clàraich video dheth ’s cleachd ar taga ann.
3. Luchdaich a-nuas is clò-bhuail aon dhe na postairean againn, is cuir suas am badeigin e far a bheil thusa.
4. Sgaoil am post seo san inbhir agad is innis dhan a h-uile duine gum bi thu a’ gabhail pàirt ann an #cleachdinocailli #SeachdainNaGàidhlig2026
//
One week to go! 📣 🎉
It’s only one week until Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026! Here are four ways you can get ready:
1. Visit our website and see what’s on. We’ve got events happening across Scotland and the globe —find out what’s happening near you.
2. Practice your favourite Gaelic phrase. Say A Gaelic Phrase Day is the 26th of Feb—pick a phrase, record a video and tag us in it.
3. Download and print a poster from our collection, and put it up in your local space.
4. Share this post to your feed and let everyone know you’ll be taking part in #cleachdinocailli #SeachdainNaGàidhlig2026
#SeachdainNaGàidhlig #CommunityIdeas #GaelicEvents #Gàidhlig #scottishgaelic #GaelicWeek #GaelicCulture #cleachdinocailli #SeachdainNaGàidhlig2026 #WorldGaelicWeek2026 #cleachdi #Gaelic
Le taic bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig / With support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Gàidhlig air feadh an t-saoghail is Seachdain na Gàidhlig a’ tilleadh an còigeamh turas // Gaelic goes global as World Gaelic Week counts down to fifth edition

*Scroll for English*

Gàidhlig air feadh an t-saoghail is Seachdain na Gàidhlig a’ tilleadh an còigeamh turas

Tillidh Seachdain na Gàidhlig an còigeamh turas eadar 23mh dhen Ghearran is 1ad dhen Mhàrt 2026 agus bheir e cruinn luchd-labhairt is luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig eadar ceithir rannan ruadha an t-saoghail mar nach do rinn e a-riamh roimhe, a’ sealltainn dè cho mòr ’s a tha an fhèill oirre air feadh an t-saoghail. 

Eadar coimhearsnachdan air a’ Ghàidhealtachd is cathair Lunnainn agus cho fad air falbh ri Astràilia, thèid an t-seachdain air leth seo a chomharradh air iomadh mòr-thìr, làn-fhianais air dè cho beòthail ’s a tha Gàidhlig na h-Alba.

Bidh prògram beòthail de thachartasan aig Seachdain na Gàidhlig ann an àitichean fad is farsaing agus iomadh roinn-tìde, nas lugha na cola-deug air falbh, agus stèidhichte air a’ chuspair Cleachd i no caill i.

Tha an iomairt airson brosnachadh a thoirt do dhaoine a tha dèidheil air a’ Ghàidhlig a dhol an sàs innte agus a’ togail sluagh-ghairm mhòr a sheallas neart a’ chànain air feadh an t-saoghail.

Am measg brod nan tachartasan tha cruinneachadh air loidhne de Ghàidheil ann an Astràilia, ag innse dhuinn gu bheil gaol air a’ Ghàidhlig fiù air taobh thall na cruinne. Thig daoine ann an Astràilia agus na dùthchannan am fagas cruinn air an eadar-lìon is a’ dol an sàs a’ chànain is a’ chultair le gàire.

Bidh na bùthan-obrach air loidhne ann an dannsa-ceum leis an dannsair-ceum Albannach ainmeil Sophie NicSteafain fosgailte do dhaoine àite sam bith san t-saoghal, cuireadh ion-ghabhalach eadar-nàiseanta a chomharraicheas cultar na Gàidhlig tro ghluasad is ceòl.

Tillidh iomairt fhèillmhor Là Abairt na Gàidhlig Diardaoin an 26mh latha dhen Ghearran agus tha sinn an dùil gun gabh na mìltean de dhaoine pàirt a-rithist sna meadhanan sòisealta air feadh an t-saoghail is iad airson leigeil ris gu bheil gaol aca air a’ Ghàidhlig no feadhainn a tha ag iarraidh blasad dhith.

Bidh iomadh cothrom aig luchd-labhairt, luchd-ionnsachaidh is gràdhaichean na Gàidhlig ann an Lunnainn a dhol an sàs a’ chànain, a’ gabhail a-staigh tron tachartas aig Còisir Lunnainn a tha a’ cur air chois Club Cèilidh Lunnainn ann an Camden agus seirbheis eaglaise ann an Covent Garden.

Air ais ann an Alba, bidh pailteas thachartasan ann an dà chuid dhan fheadhainn aig a bheil agus aig nach eil an cànan. Cluinnear òrain Ghàidhlig leis an t-seinneadair ainmeil Màiri NicGilleBhràith aig The Living Lore ann an Eanstair agus ann an Dùn Èideann bidh Guid Crack: To the Gaels with Love le Caroline NicGilleMhìcheil ag innse seann sgeulachdan Gàidhlig agus oidhche làn bàrdachd is sgeulachdan ann an Dùn Dè, leis an sgrìobhadair is bàrd Gàidhlig Donnchadh MacCàba, sùil air cultar na Gàidhlig tro bhàrdachd is tron chànan labhairte.

Tha iomairt Seachdain na Gàidhlig a’ fàs gach bliadhna. Ann an 2025, thàlaidh còrr is 170 tachartas 40,000 duine o gach ceàrn dhen t-saoghal thuice agus fhuair maoin nan tabhartasan beaga – a chuireas taic ri tachartasan Seachdain na Gàidhlig – barrachd thagraidhean am bliadhna na a-riamh roimhe.

Thuirt Joy Dunlop, Ceannard Seachdain na Gàidhlig: “Cha robh Seachdain na Gàidhlig a-riamh nas cudromaiche no nas eadar-nàiseanta leis gur e 2026 a’ chiad turas a bhios i againn an dèidh dhan Ghàidhlig inbhe cànain oifigeil fhaighinn ann an Alba. Bidh na ceudan de thachartasan a’ dol, aghaidh ri aghaidh agus air loidhne, a’ toirt iomadh cothrom do choimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig air feadh an t-saoghail ceanglaichean a dhèanamh is an cànan a chomharradh. Mar a thig fèis mhòr na bliadhna nas fhaisge, chì sinn gu bheil spèis gun chrìoch aig daoine, eadar bailtean mòra agus clachain bheaga, dhan Ghàidhlig.”

Bidh Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 ann eadar 23mh dhen Ghearran is 1ad dhen Mhàrt 2026, le taic Bòrd na Gàidhlig agus Riaghaltas na h-Alba agus fo stiùir buidheann cultar is ceòl tradaiseanta na h-Alba, Hands Up for Trad. Tadhail air seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

Faodaidh daoine, buidhnean coimhearsnachd is buidhnean eile le comas sam bith de Ghàidhlig gnìomhachdan a chur air chois iad fhèin a bhrosnaicheas an cànan sna coimhearsnachd aca. Faodaidh tu tachartas a chur ri làrach-lìn Seachdain na Gàidhlig an seo: seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

’S e carthannas cultarach Hands Up for Trad a ruitheas Seachdain na Gàidhlig agus is ann air tabhartasan a thig ar n-obair beò mar sin. Cùm taic ris an iomairt aig seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/support-us.

// 

Gaelic goes global as World Gaelic Week counts down to fifth edition

In a true testament to its growing international appeal, the fifth annual Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week), running from 23rd February – 1st March 2026, is set to unite Gaelic speakers and learners on a global scale like never before. 

From rural Scottish Highland communities to the city of London, and as far away as Australia, this extraordinary celebration will take centre stage across continents, highlighting the undeniable vitality of the Scottish Gaelic language.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will showcase a vibrant programme of events in far-flung locations and varying time zones in just over two weeks’ time, centered around the theme Use It or Lose It (Cleachd i no caill i).

The initiative aims to inspire Gaelic enthusiasts everywhere to actively engage with the language and send a powerful message of strength that resonates worldwide.

Highlights include an online gathering for Gaels in Australia, proving that the love for Gaelic stretches halfway around the world. Participants in Australia and neighbouring regions will come together virtually to share language, laughter and culture.

Meanwhile, online step dance workshops led by renowned Scottish step dancer Sophie Stephenson are open to participants on every continent, offering an inclusive, international invitation to celebrate Gaelic culture through movement and music.

The popular Say a Gaelic Phrase Day returns on Thursday 26th February, and is once again expected to engage thousands of digital participants from around the globe who want to share their love of Gaelic, or give it a try, on social media.

Gaelic speakers, learners and lovers in London will have multiple opportunities to connect with the language, including through Còisir Lunnainn (the London Gaelic Choir), who are staging a London Ceilidh Club in Camden, and a Gaelic church service in Covent Garden.

Back in Scotland, a rich variety of events offers something for speakers and non-speakers alike. The Living Lore in Anstruther will shareGaelic song from celebrated singer Mairi McGillivray, Edinburgh’s Guid Crack: To the Gaels with Love event will see storytelling Caroline Carmichael celebrate the rich tales of Gaelic folklore, and an immersive Gaelic Spoken Word Night in Dundee, hosted by Gaelic writer and poet Donnchadh MacCàba, will explore Gaelic culture through poetry and spoken word.

Every year, the World Gaelic Week movement grows stronger. In 2025, more than 170 events attracted 40,000 people from every corner of the world and this year’s Small Grants Fund which supports the staging of Seachdain na Gàidhlig events received a record number of applications.

Joy Dunlop, Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “With 2026 marking the first edition since Gaelic became an official language of Scotland, World Gaelic Week has never felt more significant or more international. There are literally hundreds of activities, both in person and online, scheduled to take place, giving Gaelic communities worldwide countless ways to connect and celebrate. As we count down to this year’s landmark celebration, we can see that across the globe, in both bustling cities and close-knit villages, the enthusiasm for the Gaelic language knows no bounds.”

Supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Scottish Government, and spearheaded by Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad, Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 will take place from 23rd February – 1st March 2026. Visit seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

Individuals, community groups and organisations with any level of Gaelic can stage their own events or host an activity in their community that promotes the language. Events can be added to the World Gaelic Week website at seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig is delivered by cultural charity Hands Up for Trad and donations make their work possible. Support the initiative at seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/support-us.

Seo agaibh deagh dhòighean gus pàirt a ghabhail ann an Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026! // Here are some fun ways to get involved in Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026!

*Scroll for English*

Seo agaibh deagh dhòighean gus pàirt a ghabhail ann an Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026!

👉Abairt na Gàidhlig

📆 Diardaoin 26mh dhen Ghearran 2026  

Airson pàirt a ghabhail, cha leig daoine a leas ach abairt Ghàidhlig a thaghadh, ionnsachadh mar a chanar e agus a phostadh sna meadhanan sòisealta leis an taga-hais #LàAbairtNaGàidhlig no #SayAGaelicPhraseDay. Barrachd fiosrachaidh.

☀️Gabh pàirt ann an coiseachd air tràigh ann an Arainn

 Rùraich cladach Arainn is ionnsaich mun dàimh dhomhain a th’ againn uile ris an tìr mun cuairt oirnn le Urras Grunnd-mara Coimhearsnachd Arainn (COAST) agus Fèis Arainn. Barrachd fiosrachaidh.

Fidir ceòl Gàidhlig aig Taigh-tasgaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba 

Thèid Seachdain na Gàidhlig a’ cur air bhog le fruis ann an Taigh-tasgaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba spaideil Diluain air an 23mh latha dhen Ghearran le dà chuirm-chiùil saor ’s an-asgaidh. Barrachd fiosrachaidh.

🎥  Coimhead air film cloinne Gàidhlig

 Gabh tlachd san tionndadh Ghàidhlig dhen fhilm bheòthaichte ghaolmhor leis an RNSO dhan fheadhainn òg, Yoyo agus a’ Cholcach Bheag. Barrachd fiosrachaidh.

🎵 Mìorbhail nan òran-luaidh

 Feuch mìorbhail nan òran-luaidh tradaiseanta is fiosraich carson a tha iad cudromach ann an cultar na Gàidhlig ann an Dùn Èideann Diardaoin air an 26mh latha dhen Ghearran. Barrachd fiosrachaidh.

🎉Latha tadhail air gàla Gàidhlig

Eadar clasaichean Gàidhlig, bùthan-obrach ceòl fèise dhan chlann, seiseanan còisir a’ Mhòid, fèill làmh-cheàrdan, cèilidh agus cuirm-chiùil, bidh fàilte ron a h-uile aig Latha Gàla Gàidhlig san Àrchar Disathairne air an 28mh latha dhen Ghearran, cothrom spaideil air cultar na Gàidhlig. Barrachd fiosrachaidh.

📝 Blasad nam meadhanan Gàidhlig

 Rùraich craoladh is meadhanan digiteach na Gàidhlig eadar an-dè agus an-diugh aig tachartas Ga cleachdadh no ga call: dè cho cudromach ’s tha na meadhanan Gàidhlig ann an Leabhar-lann Nàiseanta na h-Alba Diardaoin air an 26mh latha dhen Ghearran. Barrachd fiosrachaidh.

💫Fàs eòlach air na gaisgich Ghàidhealach o shean

Cuiridh Culturlann Inbhir Nis air chois òraid dhà-chànanach le dealbhan leis a’ chraoladair agus ùghdar Ghàidhlig Ruairidh MacIllEathain a bhruidhneas mu àitichean air a’ Ghàidhealtachd agus sna h-Eileanan a tha co-cheangailte ri gaisgich na Fèinne. Barrachd fiosrachaidh.

🧡 Fàs eòlach air na ceanglaichean Gàidhlig aig Lannraig 

Èist ri sgeulachdan is fàs eòlach air a’ cheangal eadar Lannraig Ùr agus fuadaichean nan Gàidheal. Thèid sàr-mheasgachadh de choimhearsnachd is eachdraidh a chumail aig Làrach Dualchas na Cruinne ann an Lannraig Ùr aig 1f Dihaoine air an 27mh dhen Ghearran mar phàirt dhen t-sreath thachartasan aig an ionad, Sgeulachdan on Mhuileann. Barrachd fiosrachaidh.

🎤Co-sheinn Ghàidhlig

Bheir Seachdain na Gàidhlig cothrom do dhaoine am bliadhna òrain Ghàidhlig ionnsachadh agus chan e oide àbhaisteach a nì sin ach buannaiche bonn òr a’ Mhòid, Kerrie Cheannadach. Bidh fàilte ro luchd-tòiseachaidh is luchd-ionnsachaidh a’ chànain aig an tachartas is teagaisgidh an seinneadair ainmeil seo faclan is abairtean dhaibh tro mheadhan òrain ann an seisean air loidhne sònraichte, Gabh Òran, Dimàirt air an 24mh latha dhen Ghearran. Barrachd fiosrachaidh

//

Here are some fun ways to get involved in Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026!

👉Say a Gaelic phrase

 📆 Thursday 26th February 2026

To take part, people simply pick a Gaelic phrase, learn how to say it and post it on social media using the hashtag #LàAbairtNaGàidhlig or SayAGaelicPhraseDay. More information.

☀️Join a Gaelic beach walk on Arran

Explore the Arran shore and learn the deep connections to Gaelic all around us with the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) and Fèis Arainn. More information.

Discover Gaelic music at the National Museum of Scotland

Enjoy two free drop-in Gaelic concerts in the stunning setting of the National Museum of Scotland on Monday 23rd February, kicking off World Gaelic Week in style. More information.

🎥Watch a Gaelic children’s film

Immerse your family in a Gaelic version of the RNSO’s charming animated film for wee ones, Yoyo and the Little Auk. More information.

🎵Wonder at waulking songs

Experience the traditional waulking songs (òrain luaidh) and learn about their cultural significance in Edinburgh on Thursday 26th February. More information.

🎉Go to a Gaelic Gala Day

From Gaelic language classes, fèis music workshops for children, Mòd choir sessions, craft fair and a ceilidh and concert, the Arrochar Gaelic Gala Day on Saturday 28th February will be a fitting showcase of Gaelic culture that is open to all.  More information.

📝Get to grips with Gaelic media

Explore Gaelic-language digital media and broadcasting through the generations at the Using it or losing it: how important is Gaelic media? event at the National Library of Scotland on Thursday 26th February. More information.

💫Uncover ancient Gaelic heroes

The Gaelic cultural centre in Inverness – Cultarlann Inbhir Nis – will host a  bilingual illustrated lecture from Gaelic broadcaster and author Ruairidh MacIlleathain, who will introduce people to places in the Highlands and Islands which are linked to tales of the ancient Gaelic heroes, known as the ‘Fianna’. More information.

 🧡Learn about Lanark’s Gaelic connections

Discover New Lanark’s connection to the Highland Clearances through storytelling. An event providing the perfect mix of history and community will be held at New Lanark World Heritage Site at 1pm, Friday 27 February as part of the centre’s Stories from the Mill series of events. More information.

🎤Singalong in Gaelic

This year’s Seachdain na Gàidhlig will give people the chance to learn Gaelic song from none other than Mòd Gold Medallist Kerrie Kennedy. The acclaimed Gaelic singer and chorister is welcoming beginners and learners of the language to learn words and phrases through song in a special online season, Gabh Òran (Give us a Song) on Tuesday 24 February. More information.

#SeachdainNaGàidhlig #CommunityIdeas #GaelicEvents #Gàidhlig #scottishgaelic #GaelicWeek #GaelicCulture #cleachdinocailli #SeachdainNaGàidhlig2026 #WorldGaelicWeek2026 #cleachdi #Gaelic 

https://seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/whats-on/

Tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig a’ fàs is prògram 2026 ga chur air bhog // Seachdain na Gàidhlig grows as 2026 programme launched

*English below*

Tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig a’ fàs is prògram 2026 ga chur air bhog

Thèid Seachdain na Gàidhlig a chumail airson a’ chòigeamh thurais agus bidh am prògram maoinichte fiù nas motha am bliadhna.

Cumaidh an iomairt bhliadhnail seo taic ri 63 pròiseact is tachartas am bliadhna eadar 23mh dhen Ghearran is a’ 1ad dhen Mhàrt 2026 agus tha sinn an dùil gum bi na ceudan de thachartasan eile a’ dol rè na seachdaine cuideachd.

Chuir 20% a bharrachd a-steach airson airgead Maoin nan Tabhartas Beag – a tha ga mhaoineachadh le Bòrd na Gàidhlig agus Riaghaltas na h-Alba – an coimeas ri 2025 is barrachd dhaoine airson pàirt a ghabhail san iomairt nàiseanta seo agus Gàidhlig a chomharradh sna coimhearsnachdan aca.

Tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig a’ sealltainn do dhaoine gu bheil a’ Ghàidhlig fhathast na cànan beò agus beòthail. Tha cuspair 2026 Cleachd i no caill i a’ tarraing gu ar n-aire dè cho cudromach ’s a tha e gun cuir sinn Gàidhlig gu feum airson ’s gum mair i beò agus airson fàs a thoirt oirre.

Seo a’ chiad turas a bhios Seachdain na Gàidhlig leinn on a chaidh inbhe cànain oifigeil a bhuileachadh oirre ann an Alba fon lagha, clach-mhìle eachdraidheil ann an urram is dìon a’ chànain agus a’ sealltainn aon turas eile gu bheil i na pàirt ro-chudromach ann am beatha agus dearbh-aithne chultarach na dùthcha.

Rè seachdain na bliadhna-sa, bidh gnìomhachdan is tachartasan a’ dol ceithir-thimcheall na dùthcha, le gach rud eadar filmichean is bingo, dannsa agus cuairtean, gach rud le Gàidhlig aig an teis-meadhan.

Tha an fheadhainn as nochdte a’ gabhail a-staigh na leanas:

  • Cumaidh Ros an Iar fèill fhiolmichean Gàidhlig aca fhèin fon ainm Fiolmaichean Coimhearsnachd is iad a’ dèanamh taighean-dhealbh de thallachan-coimhearsnachd air feadh Bith-chruinne Ros an Iar fad latha. Bidh prògram goirid dhe filmichean Gàidhlig aig gach ionad, a’ gabhail a-staigh feadhainn a tha ionmhainn aig teaghlaichean, feadhainn ghoirid is chruthachail agus feadhainn aithriseach a chomharraicheas muinntir is cultar an àite.
  • Cuiridh Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhràdhagair agus Àrnoil ann an Leòdhas air chois seiseanan cluiche is coiseachd eadar-ghinealach eadar clann, pàrantan, luchd-glèidhidh agus seann-daoine, tachartas air am bi Beul ri Beul, a’ toirt cothroman cudromach dha na diofar ginealaichean a thighinn cruinn agus Gàidhlig a bhruidhinn còmhla.
  • Tha An Lòchran a’ planadh deagh àireamh de thachartasan, ’s iad ag amas air daoine le diofar ìrean de Ghàidhlig, bho luchd-tòiseachaidh gu daoine aig a bheil Gàidhlig on ghlùn agus a h-uile duine eadar an dà bhuidheann sin. Bidh iad a’ cumail seisean do dhaoine le Gàidhlig lapach, oidhche-fhiolm, oidhche-bhàrdachd, bùth-obrach ealain agus seisean do luchd-tòiseachaidh agus daoine aig ìre eadar-mheadhanach. Agus bidh an còrr ann cuideachd.
  • Bidh cothrom aig daoine, ge be dè an aois no ìre de Ghàidhlig aca, ann an Ionad Thròndairnis san Eilean Sgitheanach na h-àireamhan Gàidhlig aca a chur gu feum aig Oidhche Bingo.
  • Cumaidh buidheann Sreapadaireachd Alba seisean air loidhne a mhìnicheas ainmean àite ’s chnoc dhan fheadhainn a choisicheas sna beanntan. Bheir a’ bhùth-obrach seo sùil air a’ cheangal domhain eadar a’ Ghàidhlig agus beanntan na h-Alba – a’ sealltainn mar a tha ainmean-àite, sgeulachdan is abairtean Gàidhlig ag innse dhuinn dè cho mòr ’s a bha an tuigse aig daoine air an tìr aca.
  • Cumaidh Taigh-tasgaidh Iasgaireachd na h-Alba ann am Fìobha tachartas ciùil sa choimhearsnachd agus ceum tron taigh-tasgaidh le òrain, sgeulachdan is faclan Gàidhlig, a’ toirt sùil air dìleab an iasgaich ann an Alba.
  • Cuiridh Sgrìn Earra Ghàidheal Gàidhlig air sgrìnichean ann an Tiriodh agus Muile ’s iad a’ cumail cèilidhean filmichean teaghlaich.
  • Thèid Leabhar-lann Nàiseanta na h-Alba a Ratharsaigh a chumail bùth-obrach mu bhriathrachas an uisge sa bhun-sgoil, a’ toirt sùil air beartas nam facal Gàidhlig a bhuineas do dh’aimsir fhliuch.
  • Ann an Earra Ghàidheal is Bòd, cluichidh iomairt Gaelic Music for Littles ceòl Gàidhlig ann an sgoiltean-àraich Beurla ann an Comhghall.

Faodaidh daoine, buidhnean coimhearsnachd is buidhnean eile le comas sam bith de Ghàidhlig gnìomhachdan a chur air chois iad fhèin a bhrosnaicheas an cànan sna coimhearsnachd aca. Faodaidh tu tachartas a chur ri làrach-lìn Seachdain na Gàidhlig an seo: seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/events/community/add.

Tha Là Abairt na Gàidhlig, iomairt air a bheil fèill mhòr, na phàirt de Sheachdain na Gàidhlig cuideachd agus gabhaidh na mìltean mòra pàirt ann gach bliadhna agus bidh e air ais Diardaoin 26mh dhen Ghearran 2026.

Thuirt Joy Dunlop, Ceannard Seachdain na Gàidhlig: “Comharraichidh Seachdain na Gàidhlig an cànan mar rud beò, a’ sealltainn dhuinn gu bheil i fragarrach agus cudromach fhathast agus gu bheil sìor-fhàs a’ tighinn air an fhèill air a’ chànan. Tha an iomairt seo a’ toirt cothrom do luchd-labhairt, luchd-ionnsachaidh is luchd-taice a’ chànain a’ Ghàidhlig a bhrosnachadh far a bheil iad fhèin agus air feadh an t-saoghail.

“Tha e a’ toirt toileachas mòr dhuinn prògram nan tachartas maoinichte 2026 a chur air bhog, prògram a sheallas gu bheil uiread a dhòighean ann a’ Ghàidhlig a chomharradh. Tha gach gnìomhachd co-cheangailte ri cuspair na bliadhna, cleachd i no caill i, abairt a chuireas nar cuimhne gu bheil soirbheachas a’ chànain a’ crochadh oirnn fhìn is sinne ga cleachdadh an-diugh nar beatha làitheil.

“Chan eil e gu diofar a bheil thu fileanta, ga h-ionnsachadh no mura h-eil agad ach ùidh agad sa chànan – bidh Seachdain na Gàidhlig na dheagh chothrom a dhol an sàs innte, a chomharradh an dualchais mhòir aice agus a dhearbhadh gum bi àite aice ann an Alba san àm ri teachd. Tha sinn air ar bioran; a’ faicinn dè cho mòr ’s a tha an spèis aig coimhearsnachdan air feadh na dùthcha agus thall thairis dhi is iad a’ tighinn cruinn a shealltainn gu bheil a’ Ghàidhlig beò, beòthail agus ionmhuinn aig daoine.”

Thuirt an Leas-Phrìomh Mhinistear Ceit Fhoirbeis: “Tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig fhathast a’ dol bho neart gu neart, agus tha ùidh nach robh ann a-riamh roimhe ann am prògram na bliadhna seo. Tha seo a’ sealltainn gu bheil an dealas a thaobh na Gàidhlig a’ fàs air feadh na h-Alba agus thall-thairis.

“Seo a’ chiad Sheachdain na Gàidhlig bho fhuair a’ Ghàidhlig inbhe oifigeil ann an Alba. Mar sin, ’s e àm air leth sònraichte a bhios ann, agus bu chòir dhuinn a chomharrachadh.

“Tha cuspair na bliadhna seo – cleachd i no caill i – a’ mìneachadh gu soilleir carson a tha tachartasan mar seo cudromach. Co-dhiù ma tha thu fileanta ann an Gàidhlig no am impis tòiseachadh oirre, tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig na chothrom mìorbhaileach airson cànan is cultar na Gàidhlig a chomharrachadh agus a dhol an sàs innte.”

Thuirt Ealasaid Dhòmhnallach, Ceannard Bhòrd na Gàidhlig: “Tha e air leth math fàs fhaicinn anns na tha de thachartasan Gàidhlig maoinichte a thèid a lìbhrigeadh ann an coimhearsnachdan air feadh na dùthcha mar phàirt de Seachdain na Gàidhlig am-bliadhna. Bidh cothroman air leth ann dha daoine tighinn còmhla agus Gàidhlig a chleachdadh ann an raon farsaing de shuidheachaidhean ‘s cinnteach gum bidh buannachd ri fhaighinn bhon phrògram thachartasan seo tron bhliadhna a tha romhainn cuideachd.”

Thuirt Moira Piazzoli, Oifigear Coimhearsnachd Gàidhlig, An Lòchran: “An seo ann an Glaschu, bidh sinn a’ comharrachadh Seachdain na Gàidhlig le tachartasan am pailteas, ’s an cuspair cleachd i no caill i aig cridhe gach fear dhiubh! Bidh rudeigin ann dhan a h-uile duine, bho luchd-tòiseachaidh gu daoine aig a bheil Gàidhlig on ghlùin agus a h-uile duine eadar an dà bhuidheann sin. Le seisean do dhaoine le Gàidhlig lapach, oidhcheannan-fiolm, oidhcheannan-bàrdachd, bùthan-obrach ealain agus seisean do luchd-tòiseachaidh ann, bheir am prògram againn an cothrom dhut a dhol an sàs ann an cànan brèagha na Gàidhlig, agus anns a’ chultar co-cheangailte rithe.”

Thuirt Màiread Bush, oifigear leasachadh na Gàidhlig aig Bith-chruinne Ros an Iar: “Tha amas sìmplidh againn: tha sinn airson àitichean a chruthachadh far an cluinnear is far am faicear a’ Ghàidhlig air an sgrìn mhòr, a’ toirt cruinn na coimhearsnachd aig an aon àm. Tha na tallachan againn nan ionadan cruinneachaidh cudromach rè mìosan fada a’ gheamhraidh. Tha am pròiseact seo gan cumail beò agus beòthail leis a’ Ghàidhlig, ceòl-gàire agus solas. Tha cuspair na bliadhna 2026 na dheagh shamhla air na tha fa near dhuinn. Le bhith a’ cleachdadh na Gàidhlig ann an dòighean spòrsail agus sòisealta, tha sinn airson a dhèanamh nas fhollaisiche agus airson spèis dhaoine dhan chànan a chur am meud agus, le bhith a’ cleachdadh nan tallachan ionadail againn, a’ neartachadh nan coimhearsnachdan dùthchail againne.”

Le taic bho Bòrd na Gàidhlig agus Riaghaltas na h-Alba, agus fo stiùir buidheann cultar is ceòl tradaiseanta na h-Alba, Hands Up For Trad, tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig air a spreigeadh le iomairtean eile d’ a leithid ann am mion-chànain eile mar Seachtain na Gaeilge ann an Èirinn is Mìos nan Gàidheal ann an Alba Nuadh.

B’ e an iomairt seachdain seo a’ chiad seachdain cànain nàiseanta d’ a leithid ann an Alba a’ toirt cothrom do luchd-labhairt, luchd-ionnsachaidh is luchd-taice na Gàidhlig urram a thoirt dhan chànan is a bhrosnachadh aig ìre ionadail is air feadh an t-saoghail, a’ brosnachadh aire ’s ìomhaigh nàiseanta nas motha.

Tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig air a bhith a’ sìor-fhàs bliadhna air bhliadhna, le 170 tachartas agus 40,000 neach a’ gabhail pàirt ann an 2025. Dh’fhàs àireamh nan daoine a ghabh pàirt ann am prògram nan sgoiltean le 32% ann an 2025 is ghabh 16,700 oileanach pàirt uile gu lèir. Chomharraich daoine Seachdain na Gàidhlig san Argantain, ann an Sasainn, Canada, Astràilia, Èirinn a Tuath, san Fhionnlann, sa Ghearmailt agus sna Stàitean Aonaichte.

Bidh Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 ann eadar 23mh dhen Ghearran is 1ad dhen Mhàrt 2026. Tadhail air seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

’S e carthannas cultarach Hands Up for Trad a ruitheas Seachdain na Gàidhlig agus is ann air tabhartasan a thig ar n-obair beò mar sin. Cùm taic ris an iomairt aig seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/support-us.

//

Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) grows as 2026 programme launched

Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is set to grow for the fifth consecutive year as it launches its funded programme of events.

Taking place from 23rd February – 1st March 2026, the annual initiative is this year supporting 63 projects and events, with hundreds more expected to be staged across the week.

Applications for their Small Grants Scheme, funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Scottish Government, broke records once again, up almost 20% on 2025 as even more people sought to get involved in the nationwide initiative and celebrate Gaelic in their community.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig highlights the vitality and enduring presence of Gaelic as a living language. The 2026 theme, Use It or Lose It (Cleachd i no caill i), emphasises the importance of actively using Gaelic to keep it thriving.

2026 is the first time World Gaelic Week will be staged since Gaelic became an official language of Scotland in law, signalling a historic milestone in the recognition and protection of the language, and underscoring its vital place in Scottish life and cultural identity.

This year’s week-long celebration will see activities and events staged up and down the country, with everything from film screening and bingo to dance and walking events, all with the Gaelic language at their heart.

Highlights include:

  • Wester Ross will play host to its own Gaelic Film Festival as Filmichean na Coimhearsnachd (Community Films) transform community halls across the Wester Ross Biosphere into welcoming pop-up cinemas for the day. Each venue will screen a short programme of Gaelic films including family favourites, creative shorts and documentaries celebrating place, people and culture.
  • Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhràdhagair agus Àrnoil (the Bragar and Arnol Community Trust) on Lewis will put on intergenerational walk and play sessions with children, parents, guardians and older adults entitled Beul ri Beul (Mouth to Mouth), giving vital opportunities to groups across the generations to speak Gaelic together.
  • In Glasgow, Gaelic charity An Lòchran is planning a number of events aimed at different levels of Gaelic, from beginners to native speakers and everyone in between. This includes a film evening, poetry evening, arts workshop, session for lapsed speakers, and more.
  • On Skye, Oidhche Bingo (Bingo Night) at the Trotternish Centre will let people of all ages and levels of Gaelic have fun and brush up on their numbers.
  • Mountaineering Scotland will host an online session educating hillwalkers on Gaelic place and hill names and what they mean. The workshop will explore the deep links between the Gaelic language and Scotland’s mountain landscapes – uncovering how Gaelic place names, stories and expressions reflect a unique cultural understanding of the land.
  • The Scottish Fisheries Museum in Fife will host a special community music event and visitor trail around the museum which share Gaelic songs, stories and words, delving into their legacy in fishing in Scotland.
  • Screen Argyll will be putting Gaelic Cinema on the screen on Tiree and Mull with their Family Film Cèilidhs.
  • The National Library of Scotland will travel to Raasay for a Rainy Gaelic Words Workshop with the primary school, uncovering the many different Scottish Gaelic words associated with wet weather
  • In Argyll and Bute, Gaelic Music for Littles will see traditional Gaelic music played in English-speaking nurseries in Cowal.

Individuals, community groups and organisations with any level of Gaelic can stage their own events or host an activity in their community that promotes the language. Events can be added to the World Gaelic Week website at seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/events/community/add.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig also encompasses the popular Say a Gaelic Phrase Day which engages thousands online each year and returns on Thursday 26th February 2026.

Joy Dunlop, Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “Seachdain na Gàidhlig celebrates Gaelic as a living language, highlighting its vitality, enduring presence and growing popularity. The initiative provides a platform for speakers, learners, and advocates to promote Gaelic locally and globally.

“We’re so excited to unveil our programme of funded events for 2026 which showcase the diversity of ways to celebrate Gaelic. Each activity is tied into this year’s theme, cleachd i no caill i (use it or lose it), which is a powerful reminder that the future of Gaelic depends on us all actively using and sharing it in our daily lives.

“Whether you’re fluent, learning, or simply curious, Seachdain na Gàidhlig is an opportunity to connect with the language, celebrate its rich heritage, and ensure its place in Scotland’s future. We’re thrilled to see the enthusiasm and creativity of communities across the country and beyond as they come together to make Gaelic visible, vibrant and valued.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Seachdain na Gàidhlig continues to go from strength to strength, with record-breaking interest in this year’s programme demonstrating the growing enthusiasm for Gaelic across Scotland and beyond.

“This is the first World Gaelic Week since Gaelic gained official status in Scotland, making it an especially significant moment to celebrate.

“This year’s theme, cleachd i no caill i (use it or lose it), captures exactly why events like these matter. Whether you’re a fluent speaker or just starting out, World Gaelic Week offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and engage with Gaelic language and culture.”

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “It is wonderful to see the growth in the number and range of funded Gaelic events which will take place in communities all over the country as part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig this year. There are so many opportunities for people to come together and to speak Gaelic in a wide range of settings and there will doubtless be benefits felt throughout the entire year ahead.”

Moira Piazzoli, Gaelic Community Officer at An Lòchran said: “Here in Glasgow we’ll be celebrating Seachdain na Gàidhlig with a flurry of events, with the cleachd i no caill i (use it or lose it) theme at the heart of it all! There’ll be something on for everyone, from beginners to native speakers and everyone in between. With a session for lapsed speakers, film evenings, poetry evenings, art workshops and sessions for beginners in the mix, our programme will give you the chance to interact with the beautiful Gaelic language and the culture around it.”

Mairead Bush, Gaelic Development Officer at Wester Ross Biosphere, said: “Our aim is simple: to create spaces where Gaelic is heard, seen and shared on the big screen, while bringing neighbours together. During the long winter months, our halls are vital gathering spaces. This project keeps them glowing with language, laughter and light. The 2026 theme cleachd i no caill i (use it or lose it) captures the heart of what we hope to do. By using Gaelic in social, joyful ways, we make it more visible and valued, and by using our local halls, we strengthen our rural communities.”

Supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Scottish Government, and spearheaded by Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad, Seachdain na Gàidhlig draws inspiration from other minority language movements such as Seachtain na Gaeilge in Ireland and Mìos nan Gàidheal in Nova Scotia.

The week-long initiative was the first official nationwide language week of its kind in Scotland, providing a platform for Scottish Gaelic speakers, learners, and advocates to honor and promote the language locally and globally, fostering greater national awareness and recognition.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig has grown year on year, with 170 events and 40,000 participants in 2025. Participation in the schools programme increased by 32% in 2025, reaching 16,700 students. People celebrated World Gaelic Week in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, England, New Zealand, Northern Ireland and the USA.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 will take place from 23rd February – 1st March 2026. Visit seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig is delivered by cultural charity Hands Up for Trad and donations make their work possible. Support the initiative at seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/support-us.

Nollaig chridheil is bliadhna mhath ùr/ùr mhath! // Merry Christmas & Happy New year!

Nollaig chridheil is bliadhna mhath ùr/ùr mhath!

Tha sgioba Seachdain na Gàidhlig glè thaingeil airson an taic a gheibh am pròiseact agus na tha de dh’ùidh aig daoine ann. Tha sinn a’ guidhe Nollaig chridheil agus bliadhna mhath ùr/ùr mhath dhuibh uile!

Mòran taing dhan luchd-mhaoineachaidh againn, gu sònraichte Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Fonndas William Syson agus Alba Chruthachail agus gach neach-taice againn. Tha dearg-fheum aig a’ phròiseact air an taic agaibh is cha b’ urrainn dhuinn seo a dhèanamh as ur n-aonais!

//

Merry Christmas & Happy New year!

The Seachdain na Gàidhlig team is grateful for all your support and interest in the project. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thank you to all our funders, in particular to Bord na Gaidhlig, the William Syson Foundation and Creative Scotland, as well as to all our supporters. Your support is vital to our project, and we couldn’t do this without you!