With World Gaelic Week 2026 underway, there are many events taking place across Scotland and the world to celebrate the ancient language.
As expected, Edinburgh isn’t short of things to get up to for speakers, learners and supporters of one of Scotland’s official languages.
Below you’ll find everything the capital has to offer for the rest of Seachdain Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann – or Gaelic Week Edinburgh.
February 24
- Gaelic Conversation Circle (4pm-5pm)
The Gaelic Conversation Circle is led by Catherine Tinney, Gaelic teacher at the Centre for Open Learning. It is a “welcoming, supportive space” to practise and develop your Gaelic language skills.
Based at the Resource Centre in Paterson’s Land on Holyrood Road, the event is free, with participants invited to drop in and take part.
- Seinnidh Sinn (5pm-6pm)
Seinnidh Sinn is a Gaelic singing circle that meet weekly. All abilities are welcome, with the group singing “for the joy of singing”. The group meets every Tuesday and sing a variety of Gaelic songs.
Based at the Leith Depot on 138-142 Leith Walk, the circle is free to join in on.
- Conversation Circle (7:30pm-9pm)
Another conversation circle, the group meets every Tuesday to talk about anything and everything. Learners at any stage and fluent speakers are welcome. Participants will be matched with others at a similar level in small groups.
Based in the St Andrew Rooms on 16 North St Andrews Street, the event is free to attend.
February 25
- Gaelic Resources at the School of Scottish Studies Archives (11:30am-1pm)
The School of Scottish Studies’ presentation will explore sound recordings, photographs and manuscripts to give an insight into the lives of Gaels, Gaelic language and culture during the past century.
The School of Scottish Studies Archives is located at 29 George Square and its event is free to attend but spots can be reserved here.
- Gaelic and a Pint (6pm-8pm)
Gaelic and a Pint offers an opportunity to gather with other Gaelic speakers and learners in an informal, friendly space. The group meets on the first Wednesday of every month throughout the year.
Anyone interested should meet at The Safari Lounge on 21 Cadzow Place.
February 26
- Exploring our Gallery Collections: gallery tour and talk (10:30am-12pm and 2pm-3:30pm)
This free gallery tour and talk explores a recent project focused on historical Gaelic objects at National Museums Scotland.
The event is based again at the National Museum of Scotland and is free to attend, but with registration required here.
- Cofaidh is Cabadaich (11am-12pm)
Cofaid is Cabadaich is another conversation circle based at the Resource Centre in Paterson’s Land on Holyrood Road and is open to all to come along and join in for a cuppa and a chat.
The conversation circle is free to attend.
- Live Luadh (waulking songs) (5pm-6pm)
Here, a group will perform and explain waulking songs, Òrain Luaidh. Waulking was usually done by women to thicken tweed by shrinking it. Singing was often integrated into the task to lighten spirits and pass time.
Based in Room G01 at the University of Edinburgh (50 George Square) the event is free and offers the opportunity to participate.
- Using it or losing it: how important is Gaelic media? (5:30pm-6:30pm)
With contributions from Gaelic media broadcasters Matthew MacIver, Cathy MacDonald and Calum Maclean, a discussion on the expansion of TV broadcasting in the 1990s, to the launch of BBC Alba, to the current world of digital connection.
Free to attend but with registration required here, the event will take place at the National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge.
February 27
- Leugh le Linda BBC (9am-10am)
Linda MacLeod of BBC Alba will be visiting Cròileagan at Bun Sgoil Taobh na Pàirce on 139 Bonnington Road for songs and stories with little ones.
The event is free, but registration should be made on Eventbrite here.
- Gaelic Reading Group (10am-12pm)
The Gaelic Reading Group will be reading An Làmh a Bheir by Seonaidh Charity. Meeting every fortnight at Stockbridge Library on 11 Hamilton Place, the group always reads books by Gaelic writers and works together on the text.
Free to attend, all are welcome.
- Find Out Fridays (1:30pm-4pm)
Another free National Museum of Scotland (Chambers Street) event, visitors will find out about Gaelic history and culture at the Spark Cart in the National Museum’s Grand Gallery.
Museum staff will be on hand to share stories of some of the most interesting Gaelic objects in their collections.
- Anesu and the Water Creatures (2pm-3pm)
An hour of storytelling and music with author Tawana Maramba to celebrate her new Gaelic children’s book Anesu agus na Creutairean Uisge (Anesu and the Water Creatures).
Listeners will hear of Anesu’s journey of friendship, belonging and cultural discovery come to life, and learn about the Zimbabwean water spirit Njuzu.
Located at the National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge, the event is free to attend, with registration required here.
- Oidhche Rannsachadh tro Ghàidhlig (5pm-7pm)
This event aims to deliver new research through Gaelic. The Oidhche Rannsachadh will include talks from two prominent researchers and lightning talks from PhD, Master and early career researchers.
Located at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 43-45 High Street, attendees will hear research from across fields like social sciences, humanities and STEM.
Free to attend, tickets can be acquired here.
- Guid Crack Storytelling Session: To the Gaels with Love (7:30pm-10pm)
Guest storyteller Caroline Carmichael will deliver a celebration of Gaelic stories and culture. Those interested can expect rich and varied tales of warriors and mythical creatures which have inspired generations of storytellers, musicians, poets and artists.
This is part of Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling club, with the usual open-floor section and is open to Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers.
Free to attend, it is based at The Waverley Bar on 3-5 Mary’s Street.
February 28
- Cruinn Còmhla (10am-4pm)
Cruinn Còmhla Gaelic community day offers something for everyone, regardless of age and stage of Gaelic. Attendees can sign up for a Gaelic class or just drop in for the café, games, conversation, and sessions on Gaelic language and culture.
The event will take place in the Darroch Annexe at James Gillespie’s High School (7 Gillespie Street) and is free to attend, but tickets for classes will cost £15 (£12 concession) and can be booked here.
- Cànan is Cèic (3pm-4:30pm)
Gaelic speakers are invited to come along for a chat and a slice of cake at Thomas J Walls on Forrest Road every Saturday at 3pm.
- Learn an Easy Gaelic Song Online (6pm-7:30pm)
A Zoom workshop led by Linn Phipps which will be teaching Soraidh Leibh (Goodnight Song). Words, translation, phonetics, audio recordings are all provided.
Free to attend, enquiries should be made to [email protected].
March 1
- Gaelic Service (12:30pm-1:30pm)
A Gaelic service will be held – as it is every Sunday – at Greyfriars Kirk on Greyfriars Place.
- Easy Sundays: Lothian Gaelic Choir (12:30pm-2pm)
The Lothian Gaelic Choir will have a pop-up performance to celebrate World Gaelic Week, with performances starting at 12:30pm and 1:30pm.
This will take place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 43-45 High Street, and is free to attend.
