ORGANISERS of Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2024 have shared their pride after "multiple generations from across the globe" took part in events to celebrate Gaelic.
Returning for its third edition, the global event took place from 19-25 February with over 170 events across Scotland.
New York, Nova Scotia and London, were among the 100 international locations reached during Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 - which united Gaelic speakers around the theme of Do Chànan. Do Chothrom. which translates to Your Language. Your Opportunity.
Events included Fèis Rois in Cromarty, who hosted a two-day Gaelic Residential event focused on Gaelic music, dance, storytelling for S1-4 learners at The Old and in Uist, Grimsay Community Association held three daily workshops focussing on local stories and forgotten phrases.
READ MORE: Anger as Scottish Gaelic language scheme scrapped amid funding cuts
North Uist Historical Society welcomed locals for an open discussion on Gaelic poetry and song.
Elsewhere, a showcase of Gaelic and Scots song at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow was produced and a performance from experimental musician Brìghde Chaimbeul took place at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
In Inverness, FC Sonas teamed up with both the Highland Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to create the Highland and Island World Gaelic Week Football Festival for school pupils in S1 to S3.
And, last week also saw the launch of the ‘Sgeul’ exhibition which will run beyond Seachdain na Gàidhlig until Saturday 20 April at the National Library of Scotland, celebrating the magical Gaelic folk tales collected by John Francis Campbell of Islay between 1859 and 1885.
Overall, around 12,600 pupils from 136 schools across 27 local authority areas in Scotland engaged in the initiative’s first ever online schools’ workshop programme - with a mix of games, songs, music and special guest appearances from renowned Gaelic speakers who use the language in their everyday lives
The programme culminated in the first ever National Gaelic Assembly, which brought together 66 schools and 2500 pupils across the country to celebrate and experience Gaelic and featured a special guest appearance from Tide Lines frontman Robert Robertson.
READ MORE: World Gaelic Week: Scottish schools 'responding well' to learning programme
Joy Dunlop, director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 has really demonstrated the enduring vibrancy and richness of Gaelic culture, and we are immensely proud of the diverse programming and widespread participation that have made this year's event truly unforgettable.
"Seeing multiple generations from across the globe actively engage in events like this highlights the enduring passion, interest and support that surrounds the language.
"It's truly an exciting time for Gaelic culture, and each participant in this year’s Seachdain na Gàidhlig has played a vital role in preserving and celebrating the legacy and longevity of our rich heritage."
Ealasaid MacDonald, ceannard of Bòrd na Gàidhlig who supported the event, said: “I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in Seachdain na Gàidhlig, for inspiring such a wonderful week showcasing the best of Gaelic.
"With events taking place all over Scotland, abroad and online, it showcased how important the Gaelic language is to communities and that it is central to our national culture and identity. It’s been a pleasure to see so many people coming together and getting involved, from those celebrating that Gaelic is part of their daily lives to those embracing engaging with it for the first time.”
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