Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it
Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
Article Source: Seachdain na Gàidhlig
Last Updated: 3 October 2025 12:16
The Gaelic language will be celebrated from 23rd February – 1st March 2026 as the annual initiative reaches its milestone fifth year of highlighting Gaelic's vitality and enduring presence as a living language.
Funding opens today for individuals, groups and organisations to apply for grants of up to £500 to support activities which celebrate Gaelic in their community. Backed by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Smalls Grant Fund is open to speakers, learners and enthusiasts alike, with singing workshops, ceilidhs and cake decorating lessons among the previously supported events.
Designed to unite communities, ignite meaningful conversations, and encourage a new wave of Gaelic speakers across Scotland and beyond, Seachdain na Gàidhlig has seen a year on year increase in applications to the fund.
This resulted in the most diverse, ambitious and largest programme yet in 2025. People have until midnight on Friday 31st October 2025 to apply for funding for 2026 at seachdainnagaidhlig.scot
The 2026 theme Use It or Lose It (Cleachd i, no caill i) carries particular poignancy, highlighting the critical importance of actively engaging with Gaelic to ensure its preservation and growth.
Joy Dunlop, Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “Five years into Seachdain na Gàidhlig and we can see that the appetite for and appreciation of Gaelic continues to grow, particularly in urban areas. Our mission is to foster and grow that energy and excitement. We want to encourage people of all backgrounds to connect with the language, whether they are fluent speakers or completely new to Gaelic. Our Small Grants Fund is the perfect opportunity to be able to get involved and play your part in making the week a success.
“Languages are living entities, and they thrive through use – in fact, studies show that continued use and enthusiasm are central to maintaining language skills and proficiency. When we stop engaging with a language, we risk losing not only its words and expressions, but the culture, traditions and history embedded within it. Gaelic is such a treasure, and it’s vital that we continue to speak, share and celebrate it; ensuring it remains a vibrant part of our lives and communities. Whether you’ve never said a Gaelic word or it’s been a while since you connected with the language, our message is simple: start now!”
Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig are delighted to be supporting the Small Grants Fund again this year as it supports events and activities across the country, showcasing the strength and breadth of Gaelic language, culture and heritage.”
Supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig 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.
Around 170 events were staged in Scotland and worldwide for the 2025 iteration, generating participation and attendances of 40,000, while participation in the schools programme reached 16,700 – a 32% increase on the previous year. People celebrated World Gaelic Week in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, England, New Zealand, Northern Ireland and the USA.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig also encompasses the hugely popular Say a Gaelic Phrase Day which engages thousands online each year and will be back on Thursday 26th February 2026.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 will take place from 23rd February - 1st March 2026. For more information or to apply for funding, please visit seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig is delivered by cultural charity Hands Up for Trad and donations make their work possible. Find out more about how to support the initiative at seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.
Sponsored Links
Latest Fife News
Kirkcaldy pupils named amongst cast of Snow White in excellent opportunity
Ten children from a Kirkcaldy primary school are set to join the professional cast of an enchanting dance theatre production of classic fairytale Snow White.
READ MORE
Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!
READ MORE
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
Kids in Kirkcaldy can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas
Children in Kirkcaldy are in for a festive treat this year, as a local toy retailer has announced it will be giving away all 15 toys featured in this year’s coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Biggest Ever Quiz Turnout Raises Record Amount In Memory Of Local Hero
The family of Captain David Seath has paid an emotional tribute to the local people of Dunfermline who attended this year’s annual Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Quiz.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
Work Begins on River Park Project at Levenmouth
Work begins on a vibrant new park stretching from Leven Rail Station to Cameron Bridge -reconnecting people, nature, and communities along the River Leven.
READ MORE
The Seafood Ristorante in St Andrews Unveils Its Winter Culinary Collection
The Seafood Ristorante has unveiled a bold new Autumn/Winter menu, bringing a refined, seasonal focus to its coastal dining experience in St Andrews.
READ MORE
Find a Festive Backdrop in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife
From frosty gardens to candlelit palaces, National Trust for Scotland places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links