History of Gaelic at the University
From the establishment of the first Chair of Celtic in Scotland in 1882 to the development of Gaelic AI in 2023, the University of Edinburgh has a long and proud history of Gaelic.
We believe Gaelic has and continues to make a unique contribution to our University community. Find out about the story of Gaelic at the University below.
First meeting of the University of Edinburgh Ossianic Society, which became the Highland Society in 1851, the longest running society at the University.
The Highland Society (An Comann Ceilteach) is still active today, holding events and creating a community for Gaelic-speaking students and learners.
Chair of Celtic established, the first of its kind in Scotland. Prof Donald MacKinnon of Colonsay is the first holder.
The Chair of Celtic is now held by Professor Rob Dunbar.
The place-names scholar, William J. Watson, is appointed Chair of Celtic.
Carmichael-Watson archival collection of traditional songs, stories and folklore bequeathed to the University.
The Carmichael-Watson Collection is centered on the work of Alasdair Carmichael (1832-1912), who is known for his collection of songs, poetry, blessings and stories which he published in "Carmina Gadelica".
Research for the Linguistic Survey of Scotland begins, under the direction of Professor Kenneth Jackson.
The School of Scottish Studies founded to collect, preserve, research and publish material relating to the cultural traditions and folklore of Scotland.
Sorley MacLean (1911-1996), Gaelic poet and writer, appointed as the University’s official Creative Writer in Residence.
Sorley MacLean was born and raised on Raasay, and he first came to the University of Edinburgh as a student of English.
MacLean gained a reputation for his poetry, in which he explores themes of history, politics, love, landscape and war.
The results of the Linguistic Survey of Scotland are published under the direction of Professor William Gillies and Professor Cathair Ó Dochartaigh.
Celtic and Scottish Studies are amalgamated to form a single department.
Tobar an Dualchais / Kist o Riches project commences with the aim to digitize and make publically available 12,000 hours of material collected across Scotland by the School of Scottish Studies since 1951.
Tobar an Dualchais is an online resource, bringing together recordings from three collections: the School of Scottish Studies, the Canna Collection, and the BBC Radio nan Gàidheal archives. You can find recordings on the Tobar an Dualchais website.
The University’s first Gaelic Language Plan is published.
Following on from their first plan, the University published their second Gaelic Language Plan in 2019. Our plan both sets out the University's contribution to the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, and goes beyond that legal framework, with the aim to increase the visibility and use of Gaelic on campus and in the wider city region.
New degree in Primary Teaching and Gaelic begins.
The course is now the largest provider of Gaelic primary teachers in Scotland. There are two pathways, one for Gaelic-speaking students, and one for students who are just starting in the language.
Edinburgh Gaelic Week is established in collaboration with the City of Edinburgh Council with an aim to celebrate the Gaelic community of Edinburgh.
Gaelic Week in Edinburgh is now held at the same time as the wider World Gaelic Week, annually in February.
University appoints award-winning poet, author and storyteller Martin MacIntyre as its first Gaelic Writer in Residence.
Martin MacIntyre will be hosting events and writing workshops throughout the year for students, staff and community members. Keep an eye on our social pages for information about events to come.
Martin MacIntyre at the University
Using material from the School of Scottish Studies Archives, University of Edinburgh researchers embark on Gaelic AI speech recognition tool project with BBC Alba and the University of Glasgow.