The four-day cultural festival will take place in Edinburgh from 29 January to 1 February 2026, bringing together lectures, workshops, music and conversation. Leugh sa Ghàidhlig Organised collaboratively by An Comunn Gàidhealach, The University of Edinburgh, Bothan Dhùn Èideann, and Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann, the festival offers a rich programme rooted in Gaelic language, literature, music, and cultural exchange. Commemorating 30 years since the death of renowned Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean, the festival this year focuses on the past, present and future of Gaelic literature, song and creativity. The Musical Journey of VerseThe festival will commence with the annual John MacLeod Memorial Lecture on Thursday 29 January, delivered by Gaelic singer and musician Màiri Callan. Màiri is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh and a double Gold Medalist at the Royal National Mòd, winning An Comunn Gàidhealach Gold Medal in Inverness in 2021 and the Traditional Gold Medal in Lochaber in 2025. Drawing on her research and creative practice, Màiri will explore how melody, voice and musical accompaniment can restore rhythm, emotion, and historical context to Gaelic poetry. John MacLeod Memorial Lecture 2026 Slighe Fonn na Bàrdachd / The Musical Journey of Verse, delivered by Màiri Callan 19:00, Thursday 29 January 2026G.01 Davidson Lecture Theatre, Lister Learning and Teaching Centre, 5 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh The lecture will be delivered in Gaelic with simultaneous English translation. Video available on An Comunn Gàidhealach's YouTube channel shortly after. An Comunn Gàidhealach Focus on Gaelic literature, music and song Workshops taking place on Friday 30 January will focus on two towering figures of Gaelic culture: Sorley MacLean and Margaret Fay Shaw. The workshops will explore their work, influence, and continuing relevance, led by Niall O’ Gallagher, Emma Dymock and Fiona J Mackenzie, bringing a range of scholarly, creative, and practical perspectives to the sessions. In the evening, Bothan Dhùn Èideann will host Oidhche Chiùil is Cultar na Gàidhlig (An Evening of Gaelic Music and Culture), with music and stories from Martin MacIntyre, Màiri NicIlleMhaoil, Grace Stiùbhart Skinner, and Claire Frances NicNìll. Workshops on Gaelic literature and song 13:00-13:45, Friday 30 January 2026 The Project Room, 50 George Square, Edinburgh 13:00-13:45: Writing workshop, with Gaelic Writer in Residence at the University of Edinburgh, Niall O' Gallagher 14:00-15:30: Sorley MacLean in Edinburgh, with Emma Dymock and Niall O' Gallagher Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean (1911-1996) had a strong connection to the University of Edinburgh, as a graduate and returning in the 1973 as the first Writer in Residence. Dr Emma Dymock and Niall O' Gallagher will explore the life and legacy of the poet in the city.15:45-16:45: Cadence of a Song, with Fiona Mackenzie Book launch of "Cadence of a Song" by Fiona Mackenzie, celebrating the life and legacy of renowned poet and folklore collector, Margaret Fay Shaw. An Evening of Gaelic Music and Culture 19:00-21:30, Friday 30 January 2026The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, EdinburghAn Evening of Gaelic Music and Song, hosted by Bothan Dhùn Èideann A festival of song and stories with Gaelic poet Martin MacIntyre, and musicians Màiri NicIlleMhaoil, Grace Stiùbhart Skinner and Claire Frances NicNìll. Bothan Dhùn Èideann tickets Cultural Events The festival continues on Saturday and Sunday. Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann (Edinburgh Gaelic Centre) will host "Cruinn Còmhla", a Gaelic community day for Edinburgh, including Gaelic classes, a talk on Gaelic in local placenames, cafe, and workshops on Gaelic and nature with Keep Scotland Beautiful. On Sunday 1 February, there will be a memorial service for John MacLeod in Greyfriars Kirk. Cruinn Còmhla Community Day 10:00-16:00, Saturday 31 January 2026Darroch, 7 Gillespie Street, Edinburgh EH3 9NH A full programme of events is available on the Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann website. Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann Memorial Service for John MacLeod 12:30-13:30, Sunday 1 February 2026Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ Gaelic advocateThe Memorial Lecture was established in 2019, following the death of John MacLeod (Iain Macleoid), former president of An Comunn Gàidhealach, an organisation that promotes Gaelic language.Originally from Lewis, MacLeod was active in the Gaelic community of Edinburgh, working to promote the language and culture.In 1996 he re-launched the Edinburgh branch of An Comunn Gàidhealach. He was presented the “Sàr Ghàidheal” award from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in 2017 for his work and dedication to the Gaelic language. The series – hosted by the University of Edinburgh and An Comunn Gàidhealach – builds on McLeod’s work to develop opportunities for Gaelic use in the city.Useful Links An Comunn Gàidhealach Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann Bothan Dhùn Èideann Publication date 22 Jan, 2026
