Gaelic language set to be celebrated from Buenos Aires to Barra

THE Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in a week’s time with the return of Seachdain na Gàidhlig – World Gaelic Week.

More than 100 activities globally, from Barra to Buenos Aires, are expected to champion the resilience and vibrancy of Gaelic as a living language for this year’s event.

Everyone from lifelong speakers and enthusiastic learners to those curious about the language and Scottish culture is being encouraged to get involved.

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.

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 February 27 will encourage 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 Glasgow’s Park Bar, a Gaelic song workshop in Applecross, to an online Gaelic mindfulness session and a celebratory ceilidh on Mull, there is something for everyone across the week, according to organisers.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Gaelic college on the Isle of Skye is hosting a Gaelic T-shirt Day on February 26, while the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh is hosting a Gaelic Songs and Stories workshop.

The National Library of Scotland is hosting 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 P7 pupils from Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce who will tell the story of the Highland Clearances.

There will also be the return of the much-loved Gaelic Meme Machine competition on Facebook.

Further afield 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.

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.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the week demonstrated “the dynamism and innovation of Gaelic culture”.

Kate Forbes“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,” she said.

“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.

For a full list of events running throughout the week, or to add your own and access information on how to get involved, visit seachdainnagaidhlig.scot