In this lecture, Rob Dunbar and Wilson McLeod explore the development of Edinburgh’s Gaelic community and its social and cultural institutions over the centuries.
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. This can be seen through the numerous Gaelic place names in the city. From the late seventeenth century onwards, increasing numbers of Highlanders flocked to the city seeking work. Edinburgh has been home to many prominent Gaelic writers, scholars, ministers and cultural leaders over the years.
Join us to examine the changing position of the language in the modern city, as the number of Gaelic education opportunities grow and the language receives greater recognition.
The event will also include music from young Edinburgh clàrsach player and Gaelic speaker, Laura Penman. She was a finalist in the Young Traditional Musician of the year competition, 2025.
Speakers
Rob Dunbar
Rob Dunbar is Professor of Celtic at the University of Edinburgh. He is a prolific author on minority language policy and minority language rights.
Wilson McLeod
Wilson McLeod is Professor of Gaelic at the University of Edinburgh. He is the author of ‘Gaelic in Scotland: Policies, Movements, Ideologies’.
This is the second event in the series ‘Gaelic in Edinburgh: Past, present and future’ organised by Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann.
