Research and Collections

Our principle and commitments to Research and Collections.

Principle

We will promote, protect, and make accessible our internationally significant Gaelic collections and encourage and support Gaelic research at the University. 

Our Commitments 

The University will: 

  1. Support and promote the University’s specialist and internationally significant Gaelic collections, particularly: the School of Scottish Studies archives, which contains thousands of audio recordings in Gaelic; rare printed Gaelic books and archives, including the UNESCO-recognised Carmichael-Watson Collection; other important Gaelic and Celtic holdings in the Centre for Open Research; and, our extensive library holdings. 
  2. Ensure that University Gaelic archives and collections are accessible to students and staff, including widening physical access to the archives, and offer opportunities for members of the public to engage with collections. 
  3. Encourage and promote Gaelic in research both internally and externally, including through the delivery of a series of regular research seminars and conferences. 
  4. Develop a cross-University research network on Gaelic to promote further collaboration between departments and Schools.  
  5. Explore the possibility of establishing a position at doctoral or post-doctoral level to research the history of Gaelic at the University and across the city of Edinburgh. 
Researcher interviewing Gaelic storyteller in a field.
Hamish Henderson interviewing Gaelic storyteller Ailidh Dall Stiùbhart in 1958. School of Scottish Studies Archives, ref. SSSA/A4/147/35 (8045). Photographer: Sandy Paton.