Comhairle Ghall-Ghaidhealaibh Gaelic and Manx Gaelg, similaricies and differences

A talk by Robby Ó Maolalaigh, Professor of Gaelic, Glasgow University and Michael Ansell of Gaidhlig DumGal.

As part of Seachdain na Gäidhlig 26, Gàidhlig DumGal is pleased to announce that Robby Ó Maolalaigh, Professor of Gaelic, University of Glasgow will be returning to Kirkcudbright on Saturday the 28th February to give a talk on ‘Comhairle Ghall-Ghaidhealaibh Gaelic and Manx Gaelg, similarities and differences’. He will be supported in this by Michael Ansell of Gaidhlig DumGal. The north of the island is almost as close to Comhairle Ghall-Ghaidhealaibh as it is to Douglas and it is clear that the Gaelic heritage of both areas is closely intertwined. Robby will discuss what can be said about the closeness (or otherwise) of the Gaelic spoken in Comhairle Ghall-Ghaidhealaibh until relatively recently to Manx Gaelg (the last native speaker of which died as recently as 1974). Michael will look at similarities in terms of Gaelic origin place and personal-names.

Talk: Gaelic Migration to Dundee

A fascinating talk by Nicky MacCrimmon in Verdant Works Museum (an 1833 mill) exploring the forgotten history of Scottish Gaels’ contribution to Dundee’s industrial history, including why Gaels came to Dundee, where they came from, and the lives of Gaels in 19th century Dundee.

Nicky MacCrimmon is a researcher into the Gaelic placenames, history and folklore of eastern Scotland.

Cù Giobach Children’s Competition – Writing or Drawing

To celebrate the launch of a new chapter book Cù Giobach, based on a bestselling French story, we are running a competition for the best drawing of a doggie character or the best short story (written in Gaelic) inspired by the characters or events in the book. “Gillebrìde Mac’IlleMhaoil’s Gaelic version of the story flows so fluently and naturally that it feels like the tale originated in Gaelic. It is a joy to read aloud. “(Mòrag Stiùbhart)

ENTRIES TO BE SENT VIA enquiries@bellemedia.co.uk

Entrants can either send in a drawing or write a short story (up to 50 words) in Gaelic, inspired by this tale of a rather flea-bitten dog, with a big heart. There is a prize for the winning story and the winning drawing. Details of the competition are as follows:
Rules
• One entry per entrant per category.
• No AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools or assistance to be used.
• Entrants must be aged 12 or under at the time of entry.
• Send entries as a Word doc attached to an email to enquiries@bellemedia.co.uk.
• Entries must include the name and age of the entrant in the covering email only.
• Within the Word doc only include the actual entry – story or drawing.
• Entries are to be judged anonymously.
• The judges’ decision is final, and no discussion will be entered into.
• Closing date/time: 5pm Dihaoine 27mh dhen Ghearran 2026.
• Entries are not returnable.
• Belle Media & GBC agree to use this information only in relation to the competition.
• Winning entries may be published in the Comhairle nan Leabhraichean Newsletter.
• By entering, contestants agree to the above publication.
• Prizes will be mailed out to winners no later than 1st May 2026.
The Gaelic text is by Gillebride Mac ‘IIleMhaoil from the original book by Colas Gutman and illustrations by Marc Boutavant. The publication is supported by the Gaelic Books Council.

Gaelic Bookbug

Thigibh gu na seiseanan spòrsail seo le sgeulachdan, òrain is rannan! ’S e dòigh shocair is thlachmhor a th’ ann air tìde a chur seachad le ur pàiste.

National Seminar – STEM Nation Award in Gaelic – World Gaelic Week 2026

National Seminar – STEM Nation Award in Gaelic – World Gaelic Week 2026

As Education Scotland’s keynote event for Seachdain na Gàidhlig – World Gaelic Week 2026, we present an opportunity to explore the Duais Nàisean STEM – the STEM Nation Award in Gaelic.
This event’s keynote speaker will be Iona Lynch from Bun-sgoil Innis an Uillt/Meadowburn Primary School, Bishopbrigg, the first ever school to achieve the STEM Nation Award entirely through Gaelic.

This is an unmissable opportunity to engage in dialogue with colleagues involved in STEM through Gaelic and to meet members of the Education Scotland STEM team.
Please note that every Gaelic provision in Scotland has two places reserved for a strategic/middle leader and classroom practitioner respectively to attend on behalf of their school or setting.

Education Scotland aims to have an inclusive environment for all participants, by identifying and removing barriers in our practices.

Target Audience – Please be aware that the target audience for this event is for professionals within the Education Sector in Scotland. To register, please enter either a school/establishment/setting/local authority or Glow email address. We understand not all education professionals have access to a school/establishment/setting/local authority or Glow email address, if this is the case, please email esevents@educationscotland.gov.scot with the name of your setting or service, to request a place. Thank you for your understanding.

Ticket Allocation – It is not possible to transfer your booking to anyone else. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your booking to free up a space for another participant. Please remember that for security purposes it is very important that you do not share event information with anyone else to provide them access to this event.

Code of Conduct – Please be aware by registering/attending an Education Scotland online event attendees agree to abide by our code of conduct, for more information visit code of conduct.

Air loidhne Event – Joining instructions will be sent out 48 hours before the event. Attendees are advised to double check they received a confirmation email from Eventbrite to the email address they registered with as this may result in not receiving these instructions and could obstruct you from attending the event. Please contact us if you have still not received joining instructions by one hour before the event time. We would advise you to check your junk files for emails about the event.

Accessibility Information – If you have specific accessibility requirements (e.g. if you need the slides or more information to be sent to you in advance or need breaks at specific intervals) we would welcome more information about this beforehand. Whilst it is your choice to disclose this information, doing so will help us to better understand your needs and plan how to best support your engagement. Our aim is to make appropriate adjustments to our programme delivery to ensure the best possible experience for our delegates.

The use of third party AI notetaking apps is not permitted by Education Scotland. When a live event is recorded, a transcription can be provided after the event, but please note that not all events are recorded. Education Scotland has the right to remove the use of any AI notetaking app that appears in a live event. This is to protect the privacy of all participants.

Learn a Gaelic Goodnight Song online workshop on Zoom

Learn a Scottish Gaelic Song: Soraidh leibh – Goodnight Song. Zoom workshop. Words, translation, phonetics, audio recordings provided. No knowledge of Gaelic required. Linn has led over 100 Learn Gaelic Song workshops especially online, from America to Èirinn, Scotland, England, France and Australia. Requests welcome! Contact LLPhipps@aol.com for materials / info.

Live luadh (waulking songs) performance

We will perform and explain about waulking songs, Orain Luaidh. Waulking was done usually by women to thicken tweed by shrinking it, and the lengthy task lightened by singing. Amongst Scots migrants to Canada, men would sing too. In person. Opportunity to participate.

Glasgow Islay Gaelic Choir Annual Concert

Conductor: Kirsteen Grant

Fear an taigh: Ruairidh Gray

Join us at our 82nd annual concert – a top night of ceol is craic!

Alongside the voices of our senior choir and ladies and male voice sections, you’ll enjoy performances from some of our talented traditional musicians, plus songs from Gaelic scholar and poet Robbie Macleod.

We’re delighted to welcome award-winning Gaelic singer Ruaraidh Gray as our fear and taigh, and he’s bound to keep us entertained with stories and more!

Add in a raffle with top prizes, a cuppa and a caramel wafer and it makes for an evening not to be missed – we’d love to see you there!

Tickets £10 (under 15s free) on the door

For more info, email secretary@gigc.org.uk

World Gaelic Week

🎉Celebrate Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) – Cleachd I No Caill I (Use it or Lose It)
Join us for a joyful night of dancing, music, and community spirit as the brilliant Island Fling Ceilidh Band brings the hall to life. Expect toe‑tapping tunes and lively reels, perfect for seasoned dancers and total beginners alike. It’s a warm, welcoming evening for all ages, filled with laughter, rhythm, and the unmistakable buzz of a proper ceilidh. Come along, meet your neighbours, and enjoy a fantastic night out!

Gaelic Service in London

Còisir Lunnainn (the London Gaelic choir) is collaborating with Crown Court Church of Scotland to bring Gaelic into their Sunday service on 1 March 2026. There will be a reading in Gaelic, as well as prayers and hymns. Afterwards, there will be free refreshments in the church hall and everyone is encouraged to come and speak Gaelic with choir members. All are welcome! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact coisirlunnainn@gmail.com