A new booklet celebrating Dundee's heritage of Gaelic culture, language, and history is being published to celebrate World Gaelic Week 2025.
The booklet delves into the city's historical connections with Gaelic and its continued influence today, from language lessons to the Dundee Gaelic Choir and bilingual signs.
World Gaelic Week, or Seachdain na Gàidhlig, is a yearly celebration of Scottish Gaelic through community initiatives, school projects, and cultural events.
In Dundee, there has been high interest in the language, with the 2021 census showing a 110% increase in Gaelic speakers since 2011, bringing the total to 990. Additionally, 2,551 residents reported having some Gaelic capability, a 134% increase over the same period.
The booklet has been co-written by Nicky MacCrimmon and Alex Mulholland, both avid advocates of Scotland's native languages. Commenting on the project, Nicky said: "It's really important that the people of Dundee get to know the real story about Gaelic in Dundee, about the Gaelic history of the city and how it's still relevant today."
Today (February 24) there is the formal launch at Hilltown Community Centre from 6-8pm. There will be a Q&A with the authors, quiz, and networking, with a supply of refreshments as well.
The booklet reaffirms Dundee's position within Scotland's Gaelic heritage and illustrates the increasing passion for the language within the city. Through such initiatives, organisers are hoping to continue raising the profile and inviting more people to discover and immerse themselves in Gaelic culture.
Sources and further reading
Dundee’s Gaelic Booklet via Dundee City Council
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