World Gaelic Week – Seachdain na Gàidhlig – 24 February to 2 March

Dumfries and Galloway has deep Gaelic connections, reflected in its place names, culture and history. Many names, such as Kirkcudbright (Cille Chuithbeirt), and particularly those within Galloway (Gall-Ghàidhealaibh), have Gaelic origins, showing the language’s lasting presence in our region.

Logo for Seachain na Gàidhlig, representing World Gaelic Week, featuring vibrant colours and Gaelic cultural elements.
Logo for Seachdain na Gàidhlig, representing World Gaelic Week, featuring vibrant colours

World Gaelic Week (Seachdain na Gàidhlig) runs from 24 February to 2 March 2025, bringing together people of all ages to explore Gaelic through storytelling, music and learning.   

With support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Dumfries and Galloway Council is working with Gàidhlig DumGal and local organisations to deliver a varied programme of events, including Bookbug sessions, Gaelic taster classes, a family ceilidh, Gaelic book collections available in local libraries, a lecture on Gaelic in Galloway and a Gaelic film screening at the Robert Burns Centre. 

Programme of events 

Monday 24 February 

Bookbug Session (nursery invite only) – Georgetown Library, 10am (facilitated by Dumfries and Galloway Council) 

Bookbug Session (nursery invite only) – Castle Douglas Library, 11.30am (facilitated by Dumfries and Galloway Council) 

Tuesday 25 February 

Bookbug Session (nursery invite only) – Thornhill Library, 1pm (facilitated by Dumfries and Galloway Council) 

Wednesday 26 February 

Gaelic Taster Session (public and free) – Stranraer Library, 10.30am – 12pm (facilitated by Gàidhlig DumGal)  

Thursday 27 February 

Bookbug Session (nursery invite only) – Annan Library, 1pm (facilitated by Dumfries and Galloway Council)  

Gaelic Song and Games Workshop for Primary Children (free) – A’ The Airts, Sanquhar, 3.30pm – 4.15pm (facilitated by A’ The Airts and Dumfries and Galloway Council)  

Film Screening: I Know Where I’m Going! (Public and ticketed) – Robert Burns Centre, Dumfries, 11am and 5pm (facilitated by Dumfries and Galloway Council)  

Friday 28 February 

Bookbug Session (nursery invite only) – Newton Stewart Library, 10.20am (facilitated by Dumfries and Galloway Council) 

Lecture: The Story Of Gaelic In Galloway (public and free) – Kirkcudbright Galleries, 3pm – 4pm (facilitated by Dumfries and Galloway Council and Gàidhlig DumGal – Michael Ansell and Prof. Robby Ó Maolalaigh) 

Saturday 1 March 

The Wee Music Group Gaelic Session (public and free) – Thornhill Community Centre, 10.30am – 11.15am (facilitated by The Wee Music Group and Dumfries and Galloway Council) 

Rachel Walker and Aaron Jones Gig (public and ticketed) – Old School, Thornhill (facilitated by Old School Thornhill)  

Sunday 2 March 

Rachel Walker Gaelic Song Workshop For Adult Beginners (public and free) – Old School, Thornhill (facilitated by Dumfries and Galloway Council) 

Family Ceilidh With Shore Road Ceilidh Band (public and free, ticketed) – Old School, Thornhill, 2pm – 4pm (facilitated by The People’s Parish, Morton and Dumfries and Galloway Council) 

How to attend  

Public events are free to attend unless otherwise stated. Ticketed events require advance booking. For more details on specific events, booking information or general enquiries contact emily.smith@dumgal.gov.uk