Gaelic arts and culture in Glasgow are set to be supported and strengthened by plan to promote participation and enable engagement

A new plan has been introduced by Glasgow Life to safeguard, strengthen and celebrate Gaelic language, arts, music and culture in Glasgow.

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 19 February 2025 14:26

Image: Metagama performed at Celtic Connections 2024. The work includes traditional Gaelic song and explores themes of migration, both historic and contemporary. Photo © Kris Kesiak for Glasgow Life.

The Gaelic Arts Plan 2025-2029 aims to nurture and amplify one of Scotland’s most important cultural identities within the city – which has the largest concentration of Gaelic speakers outwith the Western Isles.

The plan’s launch reaffirms the charity’s commitment to deliver and promote a broad spectrum of arts and culture which – reflecting the priorities of Glasgow’s Culture Strategy – are relevant to all of the city’s diverse communities, supporting inclusion, wellbeing, and the local economy.

Glaschu Beò: Plana nan Ealan Gàidhlig will ensure artistic expression in Gaelic, as a living language in Glasgow, is expanded and embedded within the city’s broader cultural offer to widen engagement and increase public participation.

To generate experiences and events which will encourage and inspire existing and new audiences to connect with Gaelic arts, language and culture, the plan sets out an exciting range of initiatives integrated across Glasgow Life’s museums, sports, libraries, learning and community services – as well as major festivals Celtic Connections, Merchant City Festival, Mela, Aye Write, and Glasgow International. The projects are also designed to act as a catalyst for collaborations which will create and cultivate opportunities for creative expression in Gaelic by artists, musicians and writers.

Glasgow Life Senior Projects and Programmes Manager - Arts, Music and Cultural Venues, Katie Duffy, said: “Glasgow has strong, historic links with Gaelic, and while it remains an endangered language, interest and engagement has grown considerably – as was highlighted in the 2022 census which revealed an 84% increase in Glasgow residents with Gaelic skills. We want to build on that and increase appreciation of Gaelic creative expression so we can boost its social and economic impact by ensuring it is an integral part of Glasgow’s cultural offer.

“Glasgow Life’s work is based on a belief in the power of the arts to enrich lives and strengthen cultural identity. Reflecting that, our new Gaelic Arts Plan will forge a pathway for Gaelic culture, arts and music to thrive in our modern, multicultural city by engaging city communities and visitors in relevant ways – for both Gaelic speakers as well as those who have no experience of the language or culture.”

The plan is designed to build on Glasgow’s achievements over the past 21 years to develop and celebrate Gaelic through programmes, projects and events which encourage participation. As a result, Gaelic arts now make a significant economic contribution and social impact to Glasgow. Highlights of the city’s cultural calendar that incorporate Gaelic elements in their programmes generate an estimated £11.5 million annually for the local economy.

Over the past two decades, strategies to boost the benefits Gaelic generates for Glasgow have led to a number of important and innovative initiatives – including the introduction in 2018 of the pioneering GUIR! incubator programme for new and emerging Gaelic artists. Delivered in partnership with National Theatre of Scotland, Tramway, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and Sabhal Mor Ostaig (the Gaelic College on Skye), GUIR! has supported 29 artists to date, and its latest funding round is currently underway.

The Gaelic Arts Plan sets out intentions to increase the impact and benefits of the well-established, successful programme by extending it further. In addition, the development of Gaelic Arts for GUIR! Associated Artists (GAGAA) will create a dynamic community of practice for artists through workshops.

Highlights of other initiatives noted in the Gaelic Arts Plan include:

• Cèilidh a’ Bhaile Mhòir: Following the success of an initial pilot at Celtic Connections 2025, the introduction of an inclusive, inter-generational cèilidh to offer people from all backgrounds an opportunity to experience Gaelic through music, dance and poetry – with three of these events a year taking place in venues across the city

• Gaelic musical pathways for youth: Creating a comprehensive music programme for ages 0 - 25, to foster talent and cultural engagement by children and young people

• Fèis Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu: Supporting the growth of the annual arts tuition festival by introducing new events, such as the Fèis nan Deugairean for teenagers– which was also recently piloted at Celtic Connections 2025

• Community collaboration: Partnering with Glasgow’s five Gaelic schools to integrate arts into the curriculum, and promote creative learning by including community drama initiatives, such as the Litir gu Glaschu (Letter to Glasgow) competition and Bàrd Baile Ghlaschu (Gaelic Bard for Glasgow)

• Cultural milestones: Celebrating Glasgow’s 850th anniversary throughout 2025 with Gaelic programming and a contemporary exhibition on urban Gaelic identity

• Royal National Mòd: Supporting the return to Glasgow of the event in 2026, through fringe activity

All of the projects share a key aim of enabling deeper connections and understanding between Gaelic heritage and contemporary society. This will ensure Gaelic remains a vibrant, integral part of Glasgow’s cultural fabric for generations to come, supporting local communities, as well as the city’s creative industries, tourism and events sectors, and economy.

The Gaelic Arts Plan was developed following broad consultation, and at its heart is cross-sector collaboration. To ensure meaningful programmes that increase engagement and impact are developed and delivered, Glasgow Life is working with a diverse range of partners – including Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Gaelic Books Council, Gaelic Books Council, Ceòl ‘s Craic, the University of Glasgow, Fèis Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, An Lòchran, Theatre gu Leòr, and the five Gaelic Meidum Schools across the city.

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO) of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcomes the launch of Glasgow Life’s innovative Glaschu Beò: Plana nan Ealan Gàidhlig at this exciting time for Gaelic arts in the city. We look forward to working with the charity and its partners to implement these proposals which will encourage, inspire and enable artists, organisations and communities across Glasgow to use Gaelic.”

The Gaelic Arts Plan 2025-2029 can be accessed in both English and Gaelic here and further information on its aims is noted below. Details on Glasgow Life Gaelic programmes and events can be found here.

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

Latest Glasgow News

Breaking the Silence Gig: Last Minute Tickets available for Oran Mor

Last-minute tickets are still available for JJ “Jinky” Gilmour’s Breaking the Silence show at Oran Mor on Thursday 27th November.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Flight Club Glasgow launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch

Flight Club Glasgow kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.

Citizens Theatre announces Associate Companies and Artists programme plus new shows for 2026

The Citizens Theatre has announced a new initiative to support and collaborate with artists and theatre companies, alongside more productions in its reopening year.

Glasgow Kelvin College hosts Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event for STV Childrens Appeal

Glasgow Kelvin College students dished up community spirit in style earlier this month, raising £700 for the STV Children's Appeal through a Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event.

Aldi opens applications for Christmas food donations programme in Glasgow

Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Glasgow to sign up for surplus food donations from its stores this Christmas.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

From Pop to Print: Bobby Bluebell Unveils Forevermore at Glasgow Print Studio

Glasgow Print Studio is delighted to announce the launch of Forevermore, a new limited-edition print by Bobby Bluebell.

Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square set to open this Thursday

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gets underway this week with the opening of St Enoch Square on Thursday 6th November from 12 noon until 9pm.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Have a merry little Christmas at Glasgow Science Centre

Make this winter one to remember at Glasgow Science Centre! Discover a line-up of unmissable seasonal events packed with science, wonder and festive fun!

Four top chefs in Glasgow team up to raise money for Hospitality Health

Four of Glasgow's top chefs are teaming up on Thursday 13th November to host a charity dinner for Glasgow based charity, Hospitality Health.

Go to Christmas market for locally made gifts returns to Glasgow city centre

Mary's Meals' much-loved market – where your Christmas shopping can help feed hungry children – returns at The Social Hub this November!

Peter Kay announces triumphant return to the OVO Hydro next year

Extra tickets released including premium seats to celebrate his record-breaking stand-up tour.

Unfolded brings sustainable pop up shop and sample sale back to Glasgow for one weekend only at the iconic Buchanan Galleries

Groundbreaking Scottish sustainable ladies fashion brand Unfolded is returning to the heart of Glasgow and the homeland of ladies fashion for one weekend only.

Martin Compston to bring star power to Hoolie in the Hydro as co host

Celebrated Scottish actor Martin Compston has been announced as the co-host for this year's highly anticipated Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin.

Buchanan Galleries marks Purple Tuesday with Charity Partnerships

Buchanan Galleries is marking Purple Tuesday, on 4th November, with a series of initiatives designed to champion accessibility and inclusion within the centre.

Pizza Punks is coming to town with an all new door to door delivery service

Pizza Punks Glasgow have revealed a revolutionary new service, door to door delivery, and to celebrate, the pizza scene disrupters are offering 50% off your first order!

Reward offered for return of Elvis artwork stolen from The Clutha Bar in Glasgow

The Clutha Bar and local artist Moe Rocksmoore are appealing for the safe return of Elvis, a much-loved artwork created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools.

Book Tales: Storytelling through the lives of readers past and present

This November, the University of Glasgow and The Mitchell Library invite you to explore the rich and historical life of books in a series of engaging Being Human Festival.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn unveils luxury recliners and immersive 4DX experience

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn has just completed a major transformation, introducing luxury recliner seating and an immersive 4DX auditorium!

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.