Gaelic is growing across the world as appreciation for this wonderful language is ramping up at a fast pace.
To mark the positivity the cultural chatter, the fifth annual Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) runs from 23rd February to 1st March 2026 and is all the more special as it coincides with Gaelic becoming an official language of Scotland.
Set to unite Gaelic speakers and learners on a bigger and better global scale, the event will take in places as obvious as the rural Scottish Highlands to London and as far away as Australia, with the celebration taking centre stage across continents, highlighting the undeniable vitality of the Scottish Gaelic language.
A vibrant programme will encompass varying time zones and centre on the theme Cleachd i no caill i or “Use it or Lose It”, to inspire Gaelic enthusiasts to engage with the language and sending a message of unity to all.
In Australia there will be an online gathering for Gaels, with language, laughter and culture bringing everyone together.
The initiative aims to inspire Gaelic enthusiasts everywhere to actively engage with the language and send a powerful message of strength that resonates worldwide. Online step dance workshops led by Scotland’s expert Sophie Stephenson are open 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 offer something for speakers and non-speakers alike. The Living Lore in Anstruther will share Gaelic song from celebrated singer Mairi McGillivray, Edinburgh’s Guid Crack: To the Gaels with Love event will see storytelling Caroline Carmichael share 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.
It’s brilliant to see the love for Gaelic grow stronger and 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 week, received a record number of applications.
Not only are thousands of people getting behind the national language initiative but also Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games official mascot Finnie, who joined Seachdain na Gàidhlig director Joy Dunlop at Glasgow Gaelic Secondary School to kick things off.
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, with donations welcome via www.seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/support-us and more information can be found at www.seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.
Glasgow has the highest number of Gaelic speakers outside the Highlands and from 9th to 17th October, welcomes the Royal National Mòd.
The 134 year old event has been held in Glasgow 12 times, the last in 2019 and the idea location due to its passionate community of Gaelic learners and speakers, a dynamic arts and music scene, range of outstanding venues and a proven track record for hosting worldclass.
Event organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach are now on the hunt for competitors of all ages and from all art disciplines to submit their entries to be part of the biggest Scottish Gaelic event in the world, marking a significant milestone on the road to the festival.
Last year’s event in Lochaber was a resounding success with 1,900 competitors getting involved.
Over nine days the Mòd will once again stage a range of competitions, including choral singing, solo singing, accordion, fiddle, clàrsach, drama, poetry, storytelling, art and Battle of the Bands.
Peigi MacLennan, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said:
“All roads lead to Glasgow in 2026 as the Mòd returns to Scotland’s largest city. Launching competition entries is an important milestone on our journey towards the event and we are eager to have a repeat of last year’s fantastic turnout. Competitions are the backbone of the Mòd and an essential ingredient in helping people improve their Gaelic language skills. They also foster friendship, pride and a strong sense of community. Inclusivity is at the heart of our event, with every facet of Gaelic culture getting its moment in the spotlight. We would encourage as many people as possible to get involved in this year’s highly anticipated event in Glasgow.”
Competitors have until midnight on Sunday 31st May 2026 to submit their entries at www.enter.ancomunn.co.uk.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photographs courtesy of Seachdain na Gàidhlig
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