Step into a Morning of Gàidhlig, History, Poetry and Song!
Join us on Saturday 31 January 2026 for an inspiring online gathering via Zoom celebrating the depth and diversity of Gaelic language and culture. Beginning at 08:30am with a friendly check-in and meet-up, the day unfolds with two engaging class blocks at 09:00am and 10:30am, offering you the chance to learn, listen, and connect.
*All times are in Pacific Time (PST).
**Please sign in no later than 8:45am to give organizers time to get everyone sorted.
Choose from a rich programme of classes exploring Scotland’s longest river, learning traditional Gàidhlig songs, uncovering Gaelic perspectives on the 1745 Jacobite Rising, and delving into the traditional influences on the poetry of Sorley MacLean. Sessions are delivered in Gàidhlig and Beurla (English), making them accessible while staying true to the language and its traditions.
Whether you’re a learner, speaker, historian, musician, or simply curious, this is a chance to immerse yourself in Gaelic culture from wherever you are. Come for the learning, stay for the community.
Remember, members receive a $5 discount on each workshop!
9:00am Class Options:
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An intro-level Gaelic class, based around Uisge Tatha - the River Tay. Across 2025, Calum set out to swim down the length of the river. Looking at the Gaelic history and placenames of the river, Calum will combine this with his modern-day swimming adventure, sharing with you some of the sights & sounds of Alba.
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The 1745 Jacobite Rising has been described by modern anglophone commentators as a civil war, as a doomed and irrational act of self-harm, and many other things. It has been the historic backdrop for centuries of novels, from Walter Scott’s Waverley to Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander. In this workshop, we will examine three different contemporary texts composed by three different native Highlanders in order to get a glimpse of Gaelic perspectives on this event and how Gaels used literature to express their opinions and record their experiences.
10:30am Class Options:
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In this class you will learn Gaelic songs in an enjoyable and informative manner. You will learn one òran luaidh (waulking song), one puirt-à-beul (mouth music), and a ballad. The class is aimed at both Gaelic learners and fluent speakers.
Songs:
Gu Tu Mo Chruinneag Bhòidheach, Mo Nighean Donn, 'S Toigh Leam Thu, A' Cur nan Gobhar as a Chreig
*Lyrics will be provided in advance.
**Microphones will be off during class so all attendees’ can participate. -
Sorley MacLean/Somhairle MacGilleEathain is rightfully known as a poet who brought Modernism to Gaelic poetry in the 20th century. However, while his work is undoubtedly groundbreaking in its scope, his background, steeped in Gaelic culture, should not be ignored. Rather than tradition being an aspect of his work which could be viewed as restrictive, his knowledge of the Gaelic old songs, his family of tradition-bearers and his awareness of Gaelic history actually provided him with the rootedness which was necessary to connect his poetry to the important threads running from past to present within cultural and political contexts of his day. In this workshop we will explore the traditional influences of his work, with particular emphasis on the Gaelic oral tradition. This workshop will be accessible for all levels of Gaelic learner - the discussion will be in English, with poetry, prose passages and song lyrics provided for study in the original Gaelic.
Prices:
Members $20/ class
Non-members $25/ class
You can only choose one class from each time block.