Dumfries and Galloway has deep Gaelic connections, reflected in its place names, culture and history. Many place names, such as Kirkcudbright (Cille Chuithbeirt) and particularly within Galloway (Gall-Ghàidhealaibh), have Gaelic origins, reflecting the language’s lasting presence in the region.
World Gaelic Week (Seachdain na Gàidhlig) is an opportunity for people across the region to come together, celebrate this shared history and explore what Gaelic means to them today.
With support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Dumfries and Galloway Council is working in partnership with voluntary group Gàidhlig DumGal and local organisations to deliver a wide-ranging programme of events for World Gaelic Week, which runs from 24 February to 2 March 2025.
The week will bring together people of all ages to enjoy and explore Gaelic through music, storytelling, learning and community events. Gaelic Bookbug sessions will take place in libraries for nursery-aged children, and a free Gaelic taster session in Stranraer will offer a chance to try out the language. There will also be a ceilidh in Thornhill, featuring live traditional music, and a Gaelic film screening at the Robert Burns Centre in Dumfries, bringing Gaelic storytelling to the big screen.
For those interested in the history of Gaelic in the region, Professor Robby Ó Maolalaigh will give a talk at Kirkcudbright Galleries, exploring the nature of the Gaelic once spoken in Galloway. Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Library Service is also celebrating Seachdain na Gàidhlig by launching specially curated Gaelic book collections for adults and children, available in local libraries and digitally via BorrowBox, as part of a wider Cultural Connections programme supported by the Scottish Library and Information Council.
This diverse programme is designed to offer something for everyone, whether people want to experience Gaelic music and dance, enjoy a film, learn a few words or dive into a new book.
This initiative contributes to the delivery of the council’s Gaelic Language Plan, which aims to protect and promote Gaelic as a valuable part of local heritage and culture. The work is being coordinated by the council’s recently appointed Gaelic development officer, a temporary post funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, demonstrating the national support behind the project.
Councillor Maureen Johnstone, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee, said: “We are delighted to be working with voluntary group Gaelic DumGal and local partners to help promote a range of activities that will be available during World Gaelic Week.”
Vice Chair, Councillor Lynne Davis, commented, “The council has a statutory requirement to have a Gaelic Language Plan in place and we are very grateful to the national body Bòrd na Gàidhlig for providing funding for a one-year post to help take forward the activities and projects outlined within our Plan.”
Chair of Gàidhlig DumGal, Eilidh Scammell, said: “Gàidhlig DumGal is a voluntary organisation dedicated to promoting our Gaelic heritage and language learning here in Dumfries and Galloway. Our Gaelic heritage is written in our place-names and personal names right across the region and we are delighted to be participating with the local Council and Bòrd na Gàidhlig in the programme for Seachdain na Gàidhlig World Gaelic Week.”
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit: World Gaelic Week – Seachdain na Gàidhlig – 24 February to 2 March | Dumfries and Galloway Council
