ACCLAIMED Scottish singer and broadcaster Joy Dunlop is calling on people across the country to take part in the first official nationwide language week of its kind.
Inspired by the success of language initiatives in Ireland and Nova Scotia, Seachdain na Gàidhlig – World Gaelic Week – aims to promote and preserve Gaelic language and culture across Scotland and the global diaspora.
In February, the week showcased more than 170 events in 100 locations throughout Scotland and across the world, including Nova Scotia and New York.
The initiative also delivered its first-ever programme of digital assemblies for schools, which engaged 12,600 pupils from 136 schools across 27 local authority areas.
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It is hoped next year’s event will be even bigger and involve people from the Borders to the far north. Financial support is available for events but applications have to be made by the end of the month.
Dunlop told the Sunday National that the week was for everyone who wanted to be involved, no matter where they live in Scotland.
“People sometimes associate Gaelic just with the Highland and Islands but if you look at the Gaelic demographic, it is growing throughout Scotland, particularly in urban areas and also abroad,” said Dunlop, who is director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig.
“Our aim is that there is a Gaelic event in every single council area throughout the week, which is a challenge, but we are interested to see how we can expand from last year.
“The Borders, Northern Isles and some areas in the central belt up until now have not really got involved but that doesn’t mean they can’t and I don’t want them to think it is not for them because they are maybe not as recognised as part of the Gaelic heartlands.
“You can do anything anywhere – we are just trying to encourage folk that wherever they are, it is open to them.”
Dunlop pointed out that Gaelic was spoken throughout Scotland in the past, contrary to what some people believe.
“You can really see that when you look at the place names – so many of them have Gaelic roots and while there are areas of Scotland now where Gaelic is not so strong, that doesn’t mean you can’t get involved with language and culture or listen to Scottish traditional music which is rooted in the Gaelic language,” she said.
“The funny thing is that nobody is ever going to say you are not allowed to listen to music if you don’t play an instrument, whereas there is this idea that if you are not a Gaelic speaker you should not be involved in anything to do with Gaelic. I don’t understand that because for me it is for everyone.”
Dunlop said that while the language is still in a very precarious situation, the last census showed that the number of Gaelic speakers and learners is increasing.
“You see and hear Gaelic a lot more now and people are much more aware of the benefits of bilingualism,” she said.
“In Glasgow, they are pushing for another school because parents are seeing the benefit of having another language and the advantage it gives their children.”
The theme for next year’s week is Ceanglaichean gun Chrìch (pronounced kyeh-leek-un gun creek), which means “building connections”.
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“The connections that come with language are integral to every facet of our lives and are the ties that bind us together and this is something that we want to explore, celebrate and build upon this year,” said Dunlop.
“I love that this theme can be interpreted in so many ways – there truly is no wrong way to celebrate Gaelic and build your own connections.”
The week is organised by Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad, with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
Funding of up to £500 is available for individuals, community groups and organisations who want to celebrate Gaelic in their community.
Said Dunlop: “All events are welcome as long as they have a Gaelic element and the Small Grants Fund was created to help support this by awarding grants of up to £500.
“If you have an idea for an event or initiative, please do consider applying.”
Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2025 will take place from February 24 - March 2, 2025. For more information or to apply for funding, go to www.seachdainnagaidhlig.scot
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