23 February — 1 March 2026
World Gaelic Week (Seachdain na Gàidhlig) is Scotland’s annual week-long celebration of Scottish Gaelic language, culture, and community. From Monday 23 February to Sunday 1 March 2026, people across Scotland — and around the world — are invited to take part in events, learning activities, community projects, and fun experiences that bring Gaelic to life.
What Is World Gaelic Week?
World Gaelic Week is a chance to highlight Gaelic as a living and growing language — not just a part of Scotland’s past but a vibrant part of its present and future. Each year has a theme, and for 2026 the theme is “Use It or Lose It” (Cleachd i no caill i) — encouraging everyone to speak, share, and enjoy Gaelic in everyday life.
Key Dates in 2026
- 23–1 March 2026 — World Gaelic Week runs across Scotland and online.
- Thursday 26 February 2026 — Say A Gaelic Phrase Day: A fun online initiative inviting people to learn and use Gaelic phrases on social media with the hashtags #LàAbairtNaGàidhlig and #SayAGaelicPhraseDay.
What’s On This Year (Highlights)
Across Scotland and online, events take place throughout the week to suit families, schools, learners, and curious newcomers. Here are some examples from the programme:
📅 23 February
- Sing a Gaelic Song — 7:30pm–8:30pm, online. A chance to join a virtual sing-along session celebrating Gaelic music and voice.
📅 23–27 February
- Our Week of Gaelic — 9am–1:15pm each day at Plockton High School: Family and community celebration of Gaelic language and culture, with activities suitable for children and adults alike.
📅 24 February
- International Students Gaelic Taster — 12pm–1pm, University of Glasgow: Interactive session where young people can learn about Gaelic language and community together.
📅 25 February
- Ceumannan is Cabadaich — 1:30pm–2:00pm, University of Glasgow: A friendly Gaelic meet-up around campus for speakers and learners.
…plus many more local events such as community walks, traditional music sessions, storytelling, family ceilidhs, film screenings, beginner Gaelic classes, and more — all designed to make Gaelic fun and accessible.
Easy Ways Families Can Join In
You don’t need to attend a formal event to enjoy World Gaelic Week — here are simple, fun ways families can get involved:
- Learn a new Gaelic word or phrase each day.
- Listen to Gaelic songs and music together.
- Watch Gaelic-language content made for children or families.
- Try saying a Gaelic phrase on 26 February and share it online.
Why World Gaelic Week Matters
Celebrating Gaelic helps keep Scotland’s linguistic heritage alive and encourages pride and curiosity in learning — showing children that languages connect us to history, identity, and shared culture. World Gaelic Week is about celebrating diversity, creativity, and community connection through language.
