The biggest ever edition of Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) blasts off today, Monday 23 February, heralding the start of seven days of celebrations for one of Scotland’s official languages.
More than 200 events are set to be staged by Gaelic speakers, learners and supporters across Scotland and around the world for the 2026 edition – up 15% on last year.
The record-breaking fifth edition of the annual language initiative aims to promote the theme, Use it or Lose it(Cleachd i no Caill i), championing the vitality of Gaelic as a living language.
From bagpiping, folk music and singing sessions, talks and language tasters, to step dance, Highland dance, film festivals, nature walks and storytelling, the diverse programme of events taking place across 24 local authority areas are expected to attract more than 40,000 attendees across the week.
The popular Say a Gaelic Phrase Day will also take place this Thursday 26th February, where thousands of people share or try a favourite Gaelic word or phrase and highlight their love of the language on social media.
Daily language classes will also reach more than 7,000 school children across the week, with 357 classes across the country signed up for World Gaelic Week online assemblies and sessions.
Despite being spoken for over 1,000 years, Scottish Gaelic has only been an official language of Scotland for around six months – and the minority language is enjoying a welcome buoyancy.
There are now around 70,000 Gaelic speakers in Scotland, with 1 in 40 people thought to have some level of understanding in Gaelic according to the last Census, while the greatest areas of growth for the language are among under 30s and in urban communities, spelling a bright future for the indigenous tongue.
Joy Dunlop, (pictured) Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “Talk about a milestone year! Five years into World Gaelic Week and it is heartening to see the growing support and excitement for the initiative, and the language. Gaelic is a language and culture of resilience, passion, connection and warmth – it helps us connect deeply with our landscape, heritage, emotions and others around us. World Gaelic Week shows us that Gaelic is alive, dynamic and thriving – just look at the hundreds of events taking place this week and the growing numbers of learners.
“If you’ve ever been tempted to discover the language, this week is the perfect opportunity to get involved – there is so much going on and it is such an exciting time to be a Gaelic speaker or learner. We’re very grateful to all those getting behind the initiative and can’t wait to see the different ways people celebrate one of Scotland’s indigenous languages this week. Tha ar cànan beò – our language is alive!”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Gaelic is not just Scotland’s heritage – it’s Scotland’s future, connecting a global community of more than 130,000 speakers and learners.
“This World Gaelic Week is historic – the first since Gaelic gained official status through our Scottish Languages Act. The Act provides new powers to grow the language, including empowering parents to request a Gaelic school in their area.
“We are backing those powers with an additional £1.8 million in our draft Budget to help the language thrive for generations to come.”
Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO), Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “Seachdain na Gàidhlig is providing an opportunity to participate in and showcase the wide variety of activity that goes on across Scotland all in Gaelic. I hope you all enjoy celebrating our language throughout Seachdain na Gàidhlig and take that activity forward throughout the year.”
Seachdain na Gàidhlig is supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Scottish Government, and is delivered by Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 runs until Sunday 1st March 2026. Visit seachdainnagaidhlig.scot
