Leading voices in Gaelic from Ireland and Scotland – including a variety of Western Isles names – will come together in Aberdeen tomorrow (Monday June 9) to examine key challenges and opportunities facing Gaelic and Irish-speaking communities today.

The landmark symposium ‘Ceangal / Connect’ jointly hosted by the Consulate General of Ireland, the Research Institute for Irish and Scottish Studies (University of Aberdeen), and Údarás na Gaeltachta, will gather policymakers, academics, cultural leaders, and civil society organisations to consider lessons that can be learned in language revival.

Islanders involved in various panel discussions include Joanna Peteranna, Western Isles area manager of Highlands and Islands Enterprise; Ealasaid Dhòmhnallach, chief executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig; Teàrlach Wilson, founder of An Taigh Cèilidh; Sean Paul O’Hare, chief executive at An Lanntair; and Donald Campbell, chief executive at MG Alba. 

The two-day event, to be held at the University of Aberdeen, will explore Scotland and Ireland’s experiences with Gaelic and Irish and look at how shared strategies and solidarity can strengthen the languages.

The cultural and economic importance of the languages will be in the spotlight with representatives from state and economic agencies in Scotland and Ireland and speakers from businesses and social enterprises in Scotland taking to the podium.

Jerry O’Donovan, the Consul General of Ireland, will attend the event to support cross-country collaboration. He said that “Gaelic and Irish speaking communities across the island of Ireland and Scotland share many similar geographical, economic, social and cultural challenges. Identifying common opportunities and examples of best practice can provide common solutions to the benefit of all and we are delighted to see such a broad range of stakeholders gathering in one location from both sides of the Irish Sea.”

The symposium will explore a number of key themes including the synergies around social and economic development and rural language communities; how national language strategies impact community use; how culture and broadcasting initiatives support language revitalisation and the importance of dispersed and city-based speaker communities.

Professor Michael Brown, Director of the Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies, said: “Gaelic connects generations in both Scotland and Ireland in a way that continues to teach us the value of community, identity, and mutual understanding.

'This symposium will provide a platform to share knowledge and understanding, helping us to protect and promote Gaelic and Irish across our countries'.

It reflects growing cooperation between Irish and Scottish institutions to strengthen and sustain Gaelic and Irish.”

Professor Michelle MacLeod, Chair in Gaelic and Head of School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture, added: “We know that language is much more than the spoken word, it is about shared heritage, a sense of belonging, community and a driver for future opportunity. Learning from each other makes a valuable contribution to the resilience and revival of our languages and we are delighted to be able to bring together so many leading voices from both Ireland and Scotland.”

Professor Macleod was announced as one of four new board members of Bòrd na Gàidhlig by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth in 2023.

Professor Macleod has taught Gaelic and related subjects in universities in Scotland and Ireland for more than 25 years. She joined the University of Aberdeen in 2004 and was promoted to Personal Chair in Gaelic in 2019.