Following successful filmmaking workshops for young people, Glasgow’s Gaelic centre An Lòchran is set to welcome communities to a screening of films exploring intersections between Gaelic and the environment. The workshops, led by Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Gaelic development officer Jonathan Angell, featured the participation of 24 young people, mainly from Glasgow but with a few travelling from as far as Oban. With a vision for a clean, green, sustainable Scotland, Angell has been inspired by the uptake: ‘It’s clear there’s a real need for creative, community-based Gaelic engagement that motivates and empowers young people.’

With September workshops selling out in under three days, the initiative rides the Gaelic crest of a recent wave, showing there’s a strong appetite for such opportunities. ‘An Lòchran has been the ideal partner,’ says Angell, ‘a vibrant Gaelic space where young people can build a lasting connection to the language beyond the classroom; the rise in Gaelic filmmaking is hugely positive. It’s not just about enjoyment; it’s about visibility, voice and showing that Gaelic is thriving in places like Glasgow.’

Gaelic provides a unique view on environment and climate change, via the prism of traditional links between land, language and community, something that is both ‘rooted and refreshing’, says Angell. ‘They bridge tradition and modernity, and that’s vital for how we talk about climate and heritage.’ Following the pilot scheme’s success, he’s keen to keep the momentum going, sharing the films more widely and developing new projects where young people can explore Gaelic through media, climate and culture.

An Lòchran, Glasgow, Friday 9 October.