Sgoil Fhoghair - a celebration of Gaelic language and culture – hailed a success
A five-day Gaelic immersion course run by UHI North, West and Hebrides on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, has been hailed a resounding success, with plans to run similar events again in the future.
The Gaelic residential course, Sgoil Fhoghair, was funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and run in partnership with Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhràdhagair agus Àrnoil.
The course, which took place at Grinneabhat, in the village of Bragar, was developed to provide a new and exciting way of learning Gaelic, while connecting with the island’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
Students had the unique opportunity of learning Gaelic with expert tutors and tradition-bearers over a five-day residential programme, with activities including language classes, cultural tours, Gaelic music and song.
Angela Weir, Gaelic lecturer at UHI North, West and Hebrides, said:
“The course sold out within 24 hours of going on sale and we had a waiting list of interested students. We know there’s demand for this type of immersive residential experience and we’re looking to see how we can develop this in the future, following the success of Sgoil Fhoghair.”
Peigi Ann Shields, of Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhràdhagair agus Àrnoil, said:
“We were delighted to be asked to collaborate with UHI North, West and Hebrides on this special project. We are situated in a Gaelic speaking community and Gaelic is at the very heart of who we are and everything we do.”
Attendee David Nicols said:
“Sgoil Fhoghair was a brilliant, if slightly exhausting, language immersion week blending fun classroom exercises, excursions, activities, and talks that brought the language and culture alive. It was all topped off with a really enjoyable ceilidh on the last night.”
The Outer Hebrides has the highest density of Gaelic speakers in Scotland. As the local college and university, UHI North, West and Hebrides recognises the key role it has to play in promoting Gaelic as part of our linguistic and cultural heritage, and as an economic driver. It is currently finalising its Gaelic Language Plan with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and is looking to take forward recruitment of a Gaelic Language Officer in 2025.
Are you interested in this type of Gaelic learning experience? Let us know so we can develop more opportunities, and you can join our waiting list to find out about Gaelic learning opportunities with UHI North, West and Hebrides. Simply email us at info.nwh@uhi.ac.uk or visit Study Gaelic with UHI North, West and Hebrides.
