Gaelic Learning Resources
Where to Find Gaelic Organizations, Schools, and Agencies
Comhairle na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia
Comhairle na Gàidhlig is a non-profit, volunteer run organization which provides representation and leadership for the Nova Scotia Gaelic Community, advocating and lobbying on behalf of the community to ensure their needs and interests are met. They advise the business sector, government, and school boards regarding the advancement of Gaelic awareness and policy.
They also have a SoundCloud page with audio recordings for Gaelic learning, which can be found here.
Office of Gaelic Affairs
The Office of Gaelic Affairs is a division of the Department of Communities, Culture and Tourism in the Nova Scotia Provincial Government. Gaelic Affairs works with government, communities, and partners to protect and promote the Gaelic language and culture, so the culture, heritage, customs and traditions of the Gaels of Nova Scotia are passed on to future generations. They also have a YouTube channel containing a variety of Gaelic videos, including two animated Gaelic folk tales. That channel can be found here
Taigh Sgoile na Drochaide
Taigh Sgoile na Drochaide is Nova Scotia’s first Gaelic immersion primary school located in Mabou, Cape Breton.
Sgoil Ghàidhlig an Àrd-bhaile / The Halifax Gaelic Society
Sgoil Ghàidhlig provides Gaelic classes for learners of all levels, using the Total Immersion Plus methodology. They also host week-long immersion TIP courses each summer, as well as the Na Sgeulaichean / The Storytellers fundraising event each May.
Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village
The Highland Village is an outdoor living history museum and Gaelic folklife centre that illustrates the story, culture and identity of Nova Scotia Gaels.
Féis an Eilein / Christmas Island Community Gaelic Festival
The annual Féis An Eilein encompasses workshops in Gaelic language and song, step dancing, fiddle and chanter for adults and youth alike.
Colsaide na Gàidhlig
Colaisde na Gàidhlig is first and foremost an educational non-profit institution, offering year-round programming in the culture, music, language, crafts, customs, and traditions of the immigrants from the Highlands of Scotland.
Where to Find Gaelic Teaching/Learning Tools
Gaelic Nova Scotia: A Resource Guide
This guide was created for educators who wish to learn more about the Gaelic language, people and culture in Nova Scotia. It includes a brief history of the Gaels in Nova Scotia, as well as a list of Gaelic organizations, online resources, and common Gaelic names.
Twinkl
This is the Gaelic section of the teacher’s resource Twinkl
DuoLingo
Duolingo is a free language learning tool which offers daily bite sized lessons in over 30 languages, including Scottish Gaelic. This is also available as a mobile app.
Where to Find Gaelic Songs and Rhymes
Tunnagan Beaga is the name of Brittany Rankin MacDonald’s Youtube Channel, and features songs and rhymes in Gaelic
TeacherMommy’s Youtube channel features All things Nova Scotian. A little Scottish Gaelic, a little French, a little Mi'kmaq and lots of Science! Check out this channel for some great Gaelic rhymes.
Gaelic4Parents & Gaelic4parents sound cloud
Gaelic4Parents is an excellent learning resource for parents & children of all ages who are interested in learning Gaelic. The site has games, stories, audio and much more to help you enjoy the experience of learning Gaelic, whatever your age or ability
Scottish Book Trust’s Book Bug
You can find Gaelic songs, rhymes, stories, and articles on reading in Gaelic on this site. There will also be a mobile app available soon.
LearnGaelic
This website features lots of free Gaelic language learning resources. LearnGaelic is a partnership between Bòrd na Gàidhlig, MG ALBA, BBC ALBA, Bòrd na Ceiltis (Alba) and Sàbhal Mòr Ostaig. This resources may be better suited for adults and older children.
Gàidhlig nan òg
A great website featuring lyric sheets, videos, and audio recordings of various Gaelic children’s songs & rhymes.
Where to Find Gaelic Children’s Books
Bradan Press
Founded in 2016, Bradan Press carries on the 187-year tradition of Scottish Gaelic publishing in Nova Scotia. Their catalogue features several great children’s books, including G airson Gàidheal / G is for Gael and many more!
Pictou Bee Press
Pictou Bee Press was established in 2022, and features books with local themes. Keep your eyes open for their newest children’s book published in English & Gaelic, Na Peataichean a thàinig gu Sràid Phalmerston / The Pets That Came to Palmerston Street
Cape Breton University Press
CBU Press was founded in 1974 and has published books in a range of genres – including two bilingual English-Gaelic children’s books, Around the Year with the Malagawatch Mice / Feadh na Bliadhna Comhla ri Luchain Mhalagawatch and Heartsong / Ceòl Cridhe