[Tionndadh Gàidhlig]

Join us on Saturday 9 May for our final Cruinn Còmhla Gaelic community day in 2025/26. There will be something there for everyone, whatever your age and stage of Gaelic.

On this occasion we will be at a new venue – The Heart of Newhaven community centre – but once again we will be running Gaelic classes (see below to register) and also free, drop-in activities, and a cafe for a cup of tea and a chat – see more below.

Come and meet others, to speak and learn Gaelic, and to support the initiative for a Gaelic Hub in Edinburgh!

Cruinn Còmhla · Saturday 9 May 2026 10.00 – 16.00 · Heart of Newhaven community centre, 4-6 Main Street, Edinburgh EH6 4HY

Gaelic classes

At Cruinn Còmhla we will be running Gaelic classes at two levels (lower intermediate and upper intermediate), from 10.00 – 12.30.

Cost £15 (£12 concession). To book a place, contact: ionaddhuneideann@gmail.com

Lower Intermediate

This class will be suitable for students who have a reasonable understanding of the language, and who are working to develop their fluency and knowledge. See Comasan Labhairt ann an Gàidhlig level B1 for further information.

Tutor: Andrew Gourlay

Upper Intermediate

This class will be suitable for students who have completed several Gaelic courses in the past, have a good understanding of the language, and are working to speak more confidently. See Comasan Labhairt ann an Gàidhlig level B2 for further information.

Tutor: Raonaid Alcorn.

Other activities

Whether or not you are taking a Gaelic class, why not join us at our all-day cafe – with tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits on offer – and a chance to use your Gaelic in an informal context.

Come also for the Gaelic Books Council stall, and information on a  whole range of Gaelic activities and groups in Edinburgh. You will be able to find out more about the initiative to set up a Gaelic Hub in Edinburgh and join us as a member!

There will also be a range of drop-in activities which will aim at letting people find out more about Gaelic, allowing beginners to start their journey in Gaelic, for learners to extend their vocabulary, develop their understanding of Gaelic, and practise their conversation skills, and for fluent speakers to take part in community activities. No need to book, just come and take part!

(We will not be serving lunch at the cafe, but you are welcome to bring your own sandwiches, and there will also be an opportunity to enjoy something to eat from the regular Saturday Soup group at Heart of Newhaven run by Duke of Edinburgh volunteers between 12.00 and 14.30).

See the programme below (note that there may still be changes to subjects and/or times and also additional sessions).

Programme for the Day

Basic Gaelic skills: sessions to help you start in Gaelic, or develop your skills.

• Introduction to Gaelic: 10.00 – 10.45
  A session for complete beginners or those with very little Gaelic – learn some simple Gaelic words and phrases. With Gaelic teacher, Judith Watson.

• Approaching Gaelic spelling & pronunciation: 11.00 – 11.45
  The pronunciation and spelling of Gaelic words can be a major barrier for learners. Get some advice and suggestions to help you on your learning journey. With Professor Wilson McLeod.

Knitting group: 10.00 – 12.00
An opportunty for any Gaelic knitters to join in the Heart of Newhaven’s regular group, Knit & Natter – just bring your knitting!

Cothrom Còmhraidh conversation group: 11.00 – 12.00 & 13.15 – 14.15
A chance to try out your Gaelic in an informal setting, with a cup of coffee. Led by Gaelic tutor and researcher Neil Macgregor.

Cròileagan Dhùn Èideann: 11.00 – 12.30
Fun Gaelic arts and crafts for under 5s with Edinburgh’s Gaelic Playgroup. No Gaelic needed!

Developing Gaelic in Edinburgh – your voice counts: 12.00 – 13.00
The City of Edinburgh Council Gaelic Team are working with schools, families, communityes and partner organisationsl to plan next steps for Gaelic education in our city. Your voice is important to us, so please come and add your thoughts to the conversation.

Edinburgh Gaelic Choir: 12.50 – 13.10
Join us in the Hall to hear the Edinburgh Gaelic Choir, and enjoy a chance to sing along with them too!

Thig is Feuch!: 13.15 – 14.15
Come and try a new instrument, with Fèis Dhùn Èideann the group which offers traditional music activities for young people in Edinburgh. Fiddle, guitar, tin whistle and accordion.

Seinnidh Sinn: 14.15 – 15.15
Learn a new Gaelic song – informal session led by Catriona Nicolson of the Seinnidh Sinn song group. All welcome!

Revisiting Polaris: poetry, music & reflections on the Gaelic creative process: 13.15 – 14.15
Join Gaelic poet and singer-songwriter Marcas Mac an Tuairneir as he looks back on his critically acclaimed 2022 poetry collection Polaris. Marcas will share insights into his creative process – how lockdown, a lifelong love of history and the fellowship of like-minded minority language creatives from across the North Atlantic Archipelago came together to spark fresh inspiration. This informal talk will include poetry, music and anecdotes and will inspire others working in, or thinking of working in, Gaelic across the creative arts.

A History of Gaelic in Edinburgh: 14.15 – 15.15
Although it is often thought that Gaelic has little connection with Edinburgh, the language has had a presence here for more than a thousand years. Find out more in this overview of Gaelic in city over the centuries. With Professor Wilson McLeod.

Gaelic Reading Group: 14.30 – 15.30
For learners at an intermediate level. Led by the u3a Gaelic Reading Group.

Cruinn Còmhla · Saturday 9 May 2026 10.00 – 16.00 · Heart of Newhaven community centre, 4-6 Main Street, Edinburgh EH6 4HY