Information and contact details for Gaelic groups in and around Edinburgh A-G. The information below has been provided by the individual groups themselves. Our thanks to all who have contributed, without whom this project would not have been possible. An Comann Gàidhealachd - Edinburgh Branch The Edinburgh Local Mòd (held in May each year) is a warm, family-friendly cultural event for all ages. Although the Mòd is primarily a competitive opportunity, taking part and having fun are considered the most important aspects. The Fringe offers fun activities without the element of competition and can be enjoyed by all! The Edinburgh Gaelic Lunches have returned. A speaker is invited to give an address, in Gaelic, on a topic of interest. Learners of Gaelic are welcome to attend and will benefit from a relaxed and immersive atmosphere. Website localmodedinburgh@gmail.com Facebook Bilingualism Matters Bilingualism Matters is a research and information centre that studies bilingualism and language learning and communicates its findings to enable people to make informed decisions based on scientific evidence. Bilingualism Matters believes everyone can enjoy the benefits of speaking more than one language and works with both Gaelic-speaking communities in Scotland and with other minority languages in Europe. As well as providing news and events online and being active on social media, Bilingualism Matters offers a quarterly newsletter. You can join the mailing list on the Bilingualism Matters webpage. Website bilingualism-matters@ed.ac.uk Facebook Twitter Bothan Dhùn Èideann Am Bothan is a large gathering of Gaelic speakers in Edinburgh: a place where Gaelic speakers come together for an evening full of craic, Gaelic arts and friends. Am Bothan meets monthly, usually on the first Friday of the month. Am Bothan is run by a volunteer committee which meets regularly to plan the programme and always welcomes new people who want to get involved. bothanduneideann@googlemail.com Facebook Twitter Instagram Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce A warm welcome awaits you at Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce, Edinburgh’s Gaelic primary school. The school’s vision is to deliver to pupils learning opportunities of the highest quality, through the medium of Gaelic. With almost 500 pupils, from nursery to P7, and around 50 staff members, the school is home to one of the largest Gaelic communities in the city. It will be a pleasure for the staff to help in any way they can, and they look forward to working with you. Website admin@taobhnapairce.edin.sch.uk YouTube Camanachd Dhùn Èideann Camanachd Dhùn Èideann is a constituted youth shinty club affiliated with the shinty governing body, the Camanachd Association. The club provides training in its own right and in conjunction with those Edinburgh schools offering shinty within the PE curriculum. Shinty is a physical, fast, fun and health-building sport, rooted in the Gaelic community, and the club invites anyone interested to go along and try Scotland’s top sport! Website camanachd@duneideann.net Facebook Cearcall Còmhraidh Dhùn Èideann Cearcall Còmhraidh is a friendly, relaxed group where Gaelic speakers of all levels from beginner to fluent are welcome. The group meets every Tuesday evening, except at Christmas and Hogmanay, and the meetings are open invitation. There is no need to reserve a place – just go along. Website cearcall.net@gmail.com Facebook The City of Edinburgh Council The City of Edinburgh Council has a statutory duty to produce a Gaelic language plan every five years. The 2018 to 2022 plan builds on the success of the first plan which saw: the expansion of Gaelic Medium Education, a new GME primary school, and improved relations with Gaelic communities. The appointment of a Corporate Gaelic Development Officer has helped to raise awareness, encourage participation, and build partnerships. The Council aims to strengthen links with the Gaelic community, create a positive environment for Gaelic language and culture, improve the visibility of Gaelic, and develop joint working with partners and stakeholders. ann.paterson@edinburgh.gov.uk The Clarsach Society Since 1931, The Clarsach Society has been promoting and encouraging the playing of the clarsach, Scotland’s oldest instrument. Associated with the Mòd since its inception, The Society has a long history of promoting Gaelic music, language and culture: both through its network of 13 branches and its annual showcase event, the Edinburgh International Harp Festival. Membership is open to all, and the Edinburgh Branch is one of the busiest branches, organising regular meetings and special events. The Clarsach Society Edinburgh International Harp Festival office@clarsachsociety.co.uk Facebook Comann nam Pàrant (Edinburgh and the Lothians) Comann nam Pàrant is the representative organisation for parents and carers of children at all stages of Gaelic Medium Education in Edinburgh. It is a constituted voluntary organisation run by a volunteer committee of parents. The organisation holds regular open meetings for parents where issues relating to Gaelic Medium Education and to the promotion and development of Gaelic are discussed. You can sign up for newsletters on the website. Website Comunn Tìr nam Beann Dùn Èideann Founded in 1920, Comunn Tìr nam Beann Dùn Èideann’s objective is to promote, revive and preserve Gaelic language and traditions, including bygone Highland skills, crafts and pastimes that are in decline. A traditional ceilidh is held on the first Saturday of the month (October to April, excluding January). This features a varied programme of Gaelic and Scots singers and musicians and aims to encourage young artists to continue the Highland traditions. Check local press and Radio nan Gàidheal for details. Facebook tam.burke@mypostoffice.co.uk This article was published on 2024-10-29