Ar Fàrdach: Edinburgh University launches fully Gaelic-speaking flat

The University of Edinburgh has opened applications for Ar Fàrdach, a dedicated Gaelic-language flat opening for the 2025/6 academic year with five to six places available.

Situated in the university’s Fraser Court accommodation, the flat is open to any student, regardless of subject, fluent or able to speak in Gaelic consistently throughout their residency.

Introduced as part of the university’s Gaelic Plan 2025-30, the scheme follows the National Gaelic Plan’s initiative to increase Gaelic use in homes and communities across the nation.

The plan follows a similar scheme, Taigh Na Gàidhlig, at the University of Glasgow, successfully running since its inception in 2009.

While residents will have to option to complete the Edinburgh Award through the medium of Gaelic, financial support for participants in the course remains unconfirmed.

Students interested in applying are encouraged to apply by emailing the University of Edinburgh’s Gaelic Officer, providing their name, course, year of study and a brief statement of interest.

First-year students will be given priority in the application process, and applications close on the fifth of June.

University Provost, Professor Kim Graham, said: “This plan is testament to the University’s ongoing contribution to securing the place of Gaelic in Scotland and to enriching the lives of our Gaelic speakers and learners, as well as our many other students and staff, by creating more opportunities for them to use or engage with the language and its culture.”

Find further information and contact details here.