Renfrewshire to host World Gaelic Week 2026 events

Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is set to grow for the fifth consecutive year as it launches its funded programme of events.

Taking place from 23rd February – 1st March 2026, the annual initiative is this year supporting 63 projects and events across Scotland, with hundreds more expected to be staged across the week.

Applications for their Small Grants Scheme, funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Scottish Government, broke records once again, up almost 20% on 2025 as even more people sought to get involved in the nationwide initiative and celebrate Gaelic in their community.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig highlights the vitality and enduring presence of Gaelic as a living language. The 2026 theme, Use It or Lose It (Cleachd i no caill i), emphasises the importance of actively using Gaelic to keep it thriving.

2026 is the first time World Gaelic Week will be staged since Gaelic became an official language of Scotland in law, signalling a historic milestone in the recognition and protection of the language, and underscoring its vital place in Scottish life and cultural identity.

This year’s week-long celebration will see activities and events staged up and down the country including across Renfrewshire.

Individuals, community groups and organisations with any level of Gaelic can stage their own events or host an activity in their community that promotes the language. Events can be added to the World Gaelic Week website at seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/events/community/add.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig also encompasses the popular Say a Gaelic Phrase Day which engages thousands online each year and returns on Thursday 26th February 2026.

Joy Dunlop, Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “Seachdain na Gàidhlig celebrates Gaelic as a living language, highlighting its vitality, enduring presence and growing popularity. The initiative provides a platform for speakers, learners, and advocates to promote Gaelic locally and globally.

“We’re so excited to unveil our programme of funded events for 2026 which showcase the diversity of ways to celebrate Gaelic. Each activity is tied into this year’s theme, cleachd i no caill i (use it or lose it), which is a powerful reminder that the future of Gaelic depends on us all actively using and sharing it in our daily lives.

“Whether you’re fluent, learning, or simply curious, Seachdain na Gàidhlig is an opportunity to connect with the language, celebrate its rich heritage, and ensure its place in Scotland’s future. We’re thrilled to see the enthusiasm and creativity of people across Renfrewshire and beyond as they come together to make Gaelic visible, vibrant and valued.”

Supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Scottish Government, and spearheaded by the Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad, Seachdain na Gàidhlig draws inspiration from other minority language movements such as Seachtain na Gaeilge in Ireland and Mìos nan Gàidheal in Nova Scotia.

The week-long initiative was the first official nationwide language week of its kind in Scotland, providing a platform for Scottish Gaelic speakers, learners, and advocates to honor and promote the language locally and globally, fostering greater national awareness and recognition.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig has grown year on year, with 170 events and 40,000 participants in 2025. Participation in the schools programme increased by 32% in 2025, reaching 16,700 students. People celebrated World Gaelic Week in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, England, New Zealand, Northern Ireland and the USA.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 will take place from 23rd February – 1st March 2026. Visit seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig is delivered by cultural charity Hands Up for Trad and donations make their work possible. Support the initiative at seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/support-us.