Cèilidhs, pints, and storytelling: Here’s your guide to Gaelic Week 2025

Have you ever wanted to learn Scotland’s native language but didn’t know where to start? From the 24th February, Seachdain na Gàidhlig (Gaelic Week) will take Edinburgh by storm with a whole week of events, making the language more accessible than ever. From cèilidhs and storytelling to casual Gàidhlig meet-ups over a pint, Seachdain na Gàidhlig is accessible to all, whether you’re fluent, a learner, or just interested in the language and here for the vibes.

I grew up speaking Gàidhlig —it’s my first language. But for many Scots, Gàidhlig is something associated with our past, the occasional bit of Outlander dialogue and road sign squabbles online. But Gàidhlig is more than that; spoken here for over 1,500 years and once the dominant language of this country, the language is central to Scotland as a nation.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig, however, is a chance to bring the language into the spaces in which it belongs, encouraging its presence in spaces such as pubs, cafés, and music venues. Here’s a look at some of the best events throughout the week:

Conversation Circle

The SNP Rooms | Tuesday 25 February | 7:30 – 9pm

Open for learners and speakers alike, this weekly group offers a friendly but structured introduction to the language.

Conversation circles offer a great way to meet and build relationships with people of all skill levels who are passionate about learning Gàidhlig.

Gàidhlig Lunch

The Portrait Café | Wednesday 26 February | 1 – 3pm

Are you looking for a relaxing place to test your Gàidhlig skills? The Portrait Café is hosting a get-together for speakers of all different levels.

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Not only is this a fantastic way to meet other Gàidhlig speakers and lovers throughout the city, but it’s also a great way to get that speaking practice you so desperately avoid on Duolingo.

Gàidhlig and a Pint

The Safari Lounge | Wednesday 26 February | 6 – 8pm

My two favourite things – this sounds like a dream come bloody true. If you’ve ever wanted to test your Gàidhlig skills in a pub that isn’t the Park Bar, now’s your chance.

TIRED of going to the West End for culture x

The Safari Lounge is hosting a relaxed meet-up for learners and speakers to chat over a drink this Wednesday, be there or be square.

Queer Gàidhlig Voices

Scottish Poetry Library | Thursday 27 February | 2-3:30pm

Exploring LGBTQ+ themes in historical and modern Gàidhlig texts, this event is perfect for those interested in expanding their knowledge of the diversity of Gàidhlig literature.

Led by Gàidhlig writer, songwriter and academic Robbie MacLeod, you’ll surely learn something mind-bogglingly interesting this Monday.

Amadan: An Evening of Gàidhlig Music and Song

National Library of Scotland | Thursday 27 February | 6:30 – 7:30pm

Hailing from Auld Reekie herself, Amadan (Idiot) are a six-piece Gàidhlig band that blends traditional and modern arrangements.

This gig is the ideal way to immerse yourself in live Gàidhlig music without committing to the dancing of a cèilidh, and it’s free!

Pop-Up Gàidhlig Hub

Darroch Annexe | Friday 28 February | 2 – 4:30pm

Whether you’re well on your way to becoming a Gael or looking for where to start, this Friday’s pop-up will have books, music, games and lots of people happy to chat about all things Gàidhlig.

Getting off the ferry before anyone else has to be a big bonus

Whether you spend five minutes or the whole afternoon here, you’ll undoubtedly get a sense of Edinburgh’s expanding Gàidhlig community.

Cèilidh Comunn Tìr nam Beann

Augustine United Church | Saturday 1 March | 7 – 9:30pm

Cèilidhs must be the Gàidhlig answer to clubbing, and if you disagree, head over to this one.

Can’t dance? Learning them as you go is half the fun. You’re bound to have a good time with live Gàidhlig music and a huge mix of students, locals, and cèilidh pros.

Why does Seachdain na Gàidhlig matter?

In such a fragile time for Gàidhlig as a language, a culture, and a defining factor in the birth of our nation and identity today, Seachdain na Gàidhlig is a beacon of hope for the language and its presence in day-to-day life.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig celebrates the language, its speakers, and everyone eager to learn more and join in.

With most events being free and the rest student-budget-friendly, who wouldn’t have a go at ensuring Scotland’s native language isn’t just surviving, but thriving.

Read the full event Seachdain na Gàidhlig itinerary here.

Featured image via Instagram.