Gaelic language & history

In the late 18th century, the Gaelic language was heavily suppressed during the infamous Highland Clearances following the turbulent Jacobite uprisings. Although speakers of the Scottish language were persecuted over the centuries, Gaelic is still spoken today by around 60,000 Scots.

Endowed with a rich heritage of music, folklore and cultural ecology, Gaelic in Scotland is thriving and enjoying a revival! It can be heard in Lowland pubs and at Hebridean ceilidhs. It has even crossed over to popular culture, having been featured in the phenomenally successful TV series Outlander.

Where is Gaelic still spoken?

You're most likely to hear Scots Gaelic spoken in the Highlands and islands, particularly in the Outer Hebrides, on the Isle of Skye, and to a lesser extent in Argyll & The Isles. You can see the Gaelic language on road signs across the country, hear it in theatres, on radio and television productions, or by chatting to the locals! The cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh have large Gaelic populations too - nearly half of all Gaelic speakers live in the Lowlands. You can also follow iconic locations in Edinburgh with Gaelic connections on Edinburgh Gaelic Trail.

The Nova Scotia region in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and other regions in North America also boast proud Gaelic communities - established after the 18th and 19th century waves of emigration.

World Gaelic Week (23 February – 1 March 2026)

Build connections to Scotland and celebrate the beautiful language of Gaelic all around the globe this February.

Discover more about World Gaelic Week