There is an emphasis on building links between Gaels and the wider community for this year’s Seachdain na Gàidhlig. Gàidhlig & Seinn le Refuweegee will bring singing workshops, Introduction To Gaelic café events, to their headquarters and culminate with a ceilidh and sharing (Monday 24 February–Sunday 2 March). These events are open to all, offering a warm Glaswegian welcome to anyone newly arrived in Scotland, and locals interested in experiencing a taste of Gaelic. 

For adult learners in Glasgow, An Lòchran run their regular conversation circle (Monday 24 February). Later that night there will also be a Gaelic TV night with both events offering refreshments. For absolute beginners there is also a free structured reading session with participants guided through simple Gaelic stories. Focus here is on learning new grammar and vocabulary (Thursday 27 February). In the Southside, Hò-rò-gheallaidh na Cloinne brings Govan primary-school children together with the the local community at Bun-sgoil Bhaile a’ Ghobhainn. In Dundee, Gaelic’s urban heritage is in focus with the launch of a new publication from Alex Mulholland and Nicky MacCrimmon. The authors will hold a talk on some of the history and legends of Gaelic Dundee at Hilltown Community Centre (Monday 24 February). 

Many of the events divine links between language and landscape. Làmhan Thar Ar Linne (Monday 24 February) reconnects two communities traditionally linked by the Corran crossing (Corran and Ardgour) through Gaelic foraging walks with Mary Ann Kennedy and Lucy Cooke of BBC Alba’s newest outdoors series Rùrachd, as well as song and storytelling sessions. If you’re looking for an opportunity to use your Gaelic in Skye, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig will be offering a cuppa, cake and Gaelic chat in Portree’s Gasta Centre (Tuesday 25 February). 

At Ionad Chluim Chille Ìle, tales celebrate the bicentnary of the Rhinns Lighthouse with stories and songs: a warm welcome to everyone at the Islay Gaelic Centre with Comunn na Gàidhlig, Islay High School and Islay locals (Wednesday 26 February). Join Charts Gaelic Culture Officer Àdhamh Ó Broin, Kintyre Rainforest Alliance and guests exploring Gaelic heritage of Skipness and surrounding woods. This Skipness Village Hall event focuses on the land and sea that shaped language and stories (Friday 28 February).

Try your hand at something new such as baking, with Skye Cakes’ Elizabeth Munsie at Ionad Throndairnis in Skye (Monday 24 February). Taigh Chearsabhagh will unveil their new artist-in-residence and Romhainn commission (Wednesday 26 February) in North Uist. Here, discussion focuses on a multi-lingual future and creative practice. In Inverness (Tuesday 25 February), improve mental health and wellbeing through physical activity and social interactions. Cheryl Heggie School Of Dance is running a fun music and movement class for toddlers and adults. 

Cèilidhs and sessions are happening throughout Scotland. North Lanarkshire Council are running a Traditional Cèilidh at Chapelside Community Centre (Wednesday 26 February). Luadh le Mire will introduce and perform waulking songs, at Paterson’s Land in Edinburgh (Thursday 27 February). Deirdre Graham helms the Bealach Group at Applecross Community Hall (Friday 28 February). 

Keep Scotland Beautiful is running a national competition for P4-7 students through the whole week, exploring the Gaelic place names around them by designing maps based on their heritage and local landscape and landmarks. In Edinburgh, Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce will focus on bringing pupils, parents and the local community together while Linda MacLeod and Ògannan will offer a Leugh is Seinn session for Sgaoil-àraich and Cròileagan attendees (Monday 24 February). 

For those outwith Scotland there are plenty ways to build those connections remotely. Martin Atherton with be showcasing Gaelic song on Cambridge Radio and promises interviews with two exponents of the craft. Also online, bring a cuppa and your knitting and join Mairi and Cristie round the virtual hearth for Cenagal Còmhla (Wednesday 26 February).

For full details of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, visit seachdainnagaidhlig.scot