Biggest ever World Gaelic Week blasts off

The fifth edition of World Gaelic Week gets underway today. This year is the biggest celebration yet, with more than 200 events taking place across the week.

Article Source: World Gaelic Week
Last Updated: 23 February 2026 12:07

Image Credit: Jamie Simpson

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, 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

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Lanarkshire News

M&Ds to host ASN Family Festival

Following the incredible success of the first event, M&D's Scotland's Theme Park is delighted to welcome families back for an ASN Family Festival on Sunday 10th May.

Spring clean shoes to protect heritage, urges National Trust for Scotland

With warmer days on the way, visitors to gardens at National Trust for Scotland places are being asked to follow biosecurity measures throughout the spring and summer seasons.

Fan favourites return to Vue venues in Scotland this spring

Vue is bringing a roster of much-loved film favourites back to the big screen this spring as part of a special anniversary season celebrating some of Hollywood’s most iconic titles.

Aldi calls on shoppers across Scotland to donate pet food in stores this National Pet Month

Aldi is encouraging shoppers in Scotland to donate pet food at its in-store community donation points this April to mark National Pet Month.

Crossbasket Castle reveals first look CGIs of new spa and Hebridean inspired cabins

Crossbasket Castle enhances its luxury wellness offering as it reveals first-look CGIs of new Four Angels Spa and Hebridean-inspired cabins.

Dig up some fun this half term at the National Museum of Rural Life

Spring has arrived at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride this half term!

Loch Lomond Springfest is back

Get ready for a brilliant weekend at the free Loch Lomond Springfest on 4th and 5th April, featuring world-class chefs, wild foraging, tasty street food and non-stop family fun for all ages!

Top family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this Easter

Families looking to make the most of the Easter holidays in Scotland will find plenty to enjoy over the break!

Spring starts with Dobbies Spring Shopping Evening

Celebrate the colours of spring at Dobbies Spring Shopping Evening, a free-to-attend evening event dedicated to outdoor living and seasonal inspiration, taking place on Thursday 2nd April!

Last chance to enter for lunch with George Clooney

Entries are closing soon for the chance to have lunch with Hollywood icon George Clooney as part of itison's fundraising campaign for Social Bite.

Cloned sheep that paved the way for Dolly the sheep goes on show at the National Museum of Rural Life

Morag the sheep, an important cloned predecessor to the world-famous Dolly the sheep, has gone on permanent display at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.

Doors set to reopen across the country to some of the most iconic historic sites in Scotland

More than 40 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Wednesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) marks the start of its spring/summer season.

One of the best loved food brands in the country is bringing back its popular Golden Easter Hunt

Launching just in time for the school holidays, this year it's set to be bigger, bolder and even more exciting - and it's free for anyone to enter!

Spectacular stage productions to enjoy at Vue this spring

To celebrate World Theatre Day (27 March), Vue is highlighting upcoming theatre and opera productions showing on the big screen.

Pool set to reopen following major refurbishment

The John Smith Swimming Pool in Airdrie is set to reopen to the public on Monday 6th April 2026 after the completion of a significant refurbishment programme.

March madness at M&Ds Theme Park Preview Weekend

Scotland’s favourite family destination, M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, is to host a special Preview Weekend to launch the new season!

Venue celebrates 10 Years of supporting community at the heart of Hamilton

Ten years of success gave plenty of reason to celebrate as community members and VIP guests gathered in a popular Hamilton community venue.

Snap up free tickets to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow or Edinburgh

The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Scotland's only dedicated consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, is back and we have free tickets up for grabs!

Community project delivers nature improvements

A community project to improve Dumbreck Marsh Local Nature Reserve for residents and visitors has been successfully completed.

Time to spring into clean up action again

South Lanarkshire Council is supporting Spring Clean Scotland again this year and is hoping that everyone else will too.

Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring

Scotland's biggest home event is back at Glasgow SEC from 22nd - 25th May 2026 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our readers!

Summer events taking place at historic sites across Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland has announced its summer events programme, with events taking place at iconic heritage sites across the country!

Hop into Easter at Dobbies with Gabbys Dollhouse Little Seedlings Club

Dobbies is teaming up with Gabby's Dollhouse to bring an extra special spring themed experience to families at its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club on 4th April, packed with fun and creativity.

Spring fun returns as New Lanark hosts family friendly Easter Festival

Families are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring at the Easter Festival at New Lanark, with a packed programme of activities, entertainment and seasonal fun for visitors of all ages.

Scottish Excellence Awards 2026 Shortlist showcases strength of hospitality sector

Finalists have been announced for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026.

Support for bereaved families in Scotland is vital ahead of Mothers Day

As Mother's Day approaches, the charity Sands is sharing simple ways anyone in Scotland, and across the UK, can show they care for a mum they know, who's been touched by pregnancy or baby loss.

Celebrate Mothers Day at Zizzi

Zizzi is offering a three-course set menu for £29.95 this Mother's Day, with a special treat for every matriarch.

Raw Material and Cumbernauld Theatre announce Aladdie by Forbes Masson for Christmas 2026

Raw Material and Cumbernauld Theatre will work together this Christmas to co-produce Aladdie, written by acclaimed actor and playwright Forbes Masson and directed by Gordon Dougall.