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.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

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.

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

Bonnie & Wild and Fierce Beer team up for craft bar residency

Craft brewery Fierce Beer shows appetite for Bonnie & Wild with launch of new bar residency and tailored food and drink pairings.

Local Charities and Communities at the Heart of Edinburghs Christmas 2025

Spreading Christmas cheer, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers over 8,500 free tickets to local community groups and charities.

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

Two Edinburgh Bakeries launch unique Macaron and Cake Tower

Mademoiselle Macaron and Mimi’s Bakehouse have announced a new collaboration which combines handcrafted French macarons with signature sponge tiers in a bespoke macaron and cake tower.

Full Line up Announced for Soundhouse Winter Festival

The 2025 Soundhouse Winter Festival returns from Thursday 27 November to Monday 1 December at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

Hard Rock Edinburgh goes pink for PINKTOBER

Hard Rock Edinburgh is honouring Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October through Hard Rock International’s 26th annual PINKTOBER campaign.

The Wee Waddle is back at Edinburgh Zoo

From tomorrow (Thursday 2 October) Edinburgh Zoo’s penguin colony will take part in the Wee Waddle, a reimagined version of the world-famous Penguin Parade.

Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season

Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.

Breast Cancer UK is launching its bold Street Nipples campaign in Edinburgh

Breast Cancer UK is launching its bold ‘Street Nipples’ campaign, uniquely transforming everyday pavement studs across Edinburgh into striking reminders for people to check their breasts.

CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween

Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!

Edinburgh families sleeping in layers of coats just to stay warm

The Leith Collective launches annual Winter Coat Exchange and hopes to make it more accessible than ever.

The List celebrates 40 years championing arts and culture scene

The List, Scotland's guide to what's on in arts, culture and entertainment, is celebrating its 40th birthday in October.

Lara Denning joins cast for Steps Musical at Edinburgh Playhouse

The producers of the brand-new musical HERE & NOW, presented by UK pop sensation, Steps, are delighted to announce that West End actress Lara Denning will take over the role of Caz.

New Zealand boutique winery Little Beauty set for winemakers dinner at Ka Pao Edinburgh

Ka Pao Edinburgh is set to host a one-night-only winemaker’s dinner with acclaimed New Zealand winery Little Beauty.

Philharmonic orchestra Capella Edina announces first Patron and Honorary President

As Edinburgh’s first resident philharmonic orchestra for almost 90 years, Capella Edina is delighted to announce two new key supporters of the orchestra and its vision.

Popeyes announces restaurant at Fort Kinnaird

The wait is over for fried chicken lovers in Greater Edinburgh, as Popeyes® UK has announced that it will be launching its second restaurant in the Lothians this Autumn.

Free tickets for The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Edinburgh

With just days until The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Edinburgh opens, snap up two free tickets worth £24!

SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.

UK Roadshow to champion impact of local small businesses

Small Business Saturday UK Tour will be coming to Edinburgh on 5th November as part of its nationwide roadshow celebrating the nation’s favourite small businesses.

Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service join forces for Blood Cancer Awareness Month

For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.

Forever Edinburgh launches new Resident Days as a celebration of Edinburgh residents

Forever Edinburgh launches Resident Days, an initiative giving people who live in the capital exclusive opportunities to enjoy free or discounted access to local attractions, tours and experiences.

Step into Frankensteins Edinburgh with The Balmoral

As Netflix's highly anticipated Frankenstein prepares to premiere this Autumn, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, unveils an immersive experience of Edinburgh's darker delights.

East Lothian set to host flagship conference on collaboration and change

The 2025 VCEL Third Sector Conference will unite community organisations, East Lothian Council, the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP) and national partners.

Government roadshow showcases Scottish talent and boosts SME exports

Small business exporters and ambitious SMEs across Scotland will be front and centre of a new roadshow in Edinburgh - Made in the UK Sold to the World.

Japanese expert offers perfect blend for ultimate afternoon tea experience in Edinburgh

A Japanese cultural expert will be sailing aboard luxury floating hotel, Fingal, on Saturday 1st November to enrich one of Edinburgh’s ultimate afternoon tea experiences.

Winners Crowned at the 2025 Edinburgh Bar Awards

The Capital’s finest pubs, bars and hospitality stars were celebrated last night (Monday, 22 September 2025) at the Edinburgh Bartenders’ Ball.

Jali Collective launches Film Weekender

Jali Collective launches its inaugural Jali Film Weekender, a new film festival celebrating Black, African and diaspora stories to be held in Edinburgh from 30 October - 2 November 2025.