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. The only institution of its kind in North America, students of all ages and skill levels visit the College every year to study under some of the finest instructors in Nova Scotia Gaelic culture.
Built at the site of landed Scottish immigrants, St. Ann's and Cape Breton boast a fascinating history and heritage. Learn of the local story in a self-guided museum tour, get a chance to view Gaelic films, and take part in interactive cultural demonstrations. (seasonal)
For decades, the College has offered traditional, hand-stitched kilt-making and custom-tartan clothing through our Craft Shop, creating treasured heirlooms to pass along from generation to generation. Visit our campus to learn more and begin your own creation process.
Since 1938, the College has always remained an independent and largely independently-funded, non-profit organization with a simple mission to preserve the language and traditions that came to this area. With your support, we can continue on this path and help to ensure that those traditions live on.
Secluded and tucked away yet central on the island, Colaisde na Gàidhlig is a great meeting place for you and your guests. Open all year, and with oodles of options to choose from, think of us when planning your big day.
When life gives you lemons… you get weaving!
Our weaving instructor, Deborah Livingston-Lowe, was set to fly back to Ontario after our adult sessions wrapped up last Friday, but with the Air Canada strike shaking up travel, she stayed on in St. Ann’s a little longer. She’s put her bonus time to great use, getting this incredible antique loom back in working order in the Hall of the Clans.
This loom, nearly 200 years old, belongs to the South Haven Guild of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers. It was crafted by local carpenter Rod MacGregor, the same man who built the barque The Margaret, which carried Rev. Norman MacLeod and his people to Australia in 1851.
A piece of history, restored and weaving again!
@upper_canada_weaving
🐣 Fresh out of the shell and ready to hatch big ideas, our newest team member is small, fluffy, and already a total chick magnet. 🤣 Thanks to Craft Shop manager Jenni for bringing us all extra smiles today!
NGÒ SPOTLIGHT – LUCAS MACNEIL
We are thrilled to welcome Lucas MacNeil from Sydney to Na Gaisgich Òga/The Young Heroes program! For the past eight years, Lucas has been attending Colaisde na Gàidhlig (the Gaelic College) during both March Break and Summer sessions, always choosing to study the Gaelic language. His inspiration for applying to the program is that he wants to be a fluent speaker one day, and he is eager to deepen his understanding of the Gaelic language, culture and the history of his people. We look forward to seeing you in September, Lucas!
If you or someone you know is keen to join, there’s still time to apply. Find the form here: https://gaeliccollege.edu/session/na-gaisgich-oga/
#NaGaisgichÒga #GaelicCollege #GaelicAffairs
NGÒ SPOTLIGHT – HONORA FRASER
Our first program participant from down north, we are thrilled to welcome Honora Fraser of Bay St. Lawrence, Nova Scotia. Honora has been attending Colaisde na Gàidhlig (the Gaelic College) from a young age, participating in Gaelic language classes during both the summer and March Break sessions. Her passion for the language continued to grow, and she completed the Grade 10 online Gaelic course at school last year. Honora also works at a local museum, where she does research focused on Gaelic language and culture, further deepening her connection to her heritage and expanding her knowledge of Gaelic traditions. See you in September, Honora!
If you or someone you know is keen to join, there’s still time to apply. Find the form here: https://gaeliccollege.edu/session/na-gaisgich-oga/
#NaGaisgichÒga #GaelicCollege #GaelicAffairs
Reflecting on the week that was, and the beauty that happens when we come together - like this collaboration between the Gaelic song, language, harp, and step dance class. A special thank you to our wonderful instructors who worked to make this happen
~ Cathy Ann, Fr. David, Màiri, and Cheryl.
Adult Week 2 is coming to a close here in St. Ann’s as we wrap up classes this afternoon and head our separate ways. (or stick around for the Fiddlers big weekend!) This week brought together an incredible mix of students from near and far ~ Baddeck, St. Joseph du Moine, Sydney, New Glasgow, Lunenburg, Bridgetown, and from across the country and beyond: Ottawa, Calgary, Brandon, Vancouver, Yellowknife, Brooklyn, Nebraska, Washington State, Vermont, Iowa, Ohio, California, County Clare in Ireland, and so many places in between. It has truly been a dream-come-true kind of week. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it possible. ❤️
Our final night of Adult Week 2, and what a day it’s been! We’ve had an outdoor jam, BBQ, panel chats with our instructors, an epic open mic ceilidh, tunes and square dancing, a Canadian Barn Dance for good measure, and now wrapping up with dancing till midnight and karaoke until the last voice stands. What a crew! Why not join us next summer! ☺️
NGÒ SPOTLIGHT – RORY (RUAIRIDH) WILLIAMS
We are excited to welcome Rory Williams of Sydney, Nova Scotia, into Na Gaisgich Òga/The Young Heroes program. Rory has been a dedicated participant of our March Break and Summer programs at Colaisde na Gàidhlig for the past three years, focusing on Gaelic language, song, and drama. He actively takes part in Gaelic cultural events such as milling frolics and dances in his community, school, and at the Gaelic College. Inspired by his great grandparents, who were fluent Gaelic speakers, Rory is deeply motivated to continue his language journey with the goal of one day becoming fluent himself. We look forward to working with you, Rory!
If you or someone you know is keen to join, there’s still time to apply. Find the form here:
https://gaeliccollege.edu/session/na-gaisgich-oga/
#NaGaisgichÒga #GaelicCollege #GaelicAffairs
Three cheers for our amazing College kitchen crew! We’re so lucky to have such a dedicated team serving up delicious meals all summer and throughout the year, making it all run smoothly and look effortless. Huge thanks to manager Missy and the whole crew — we appreciate you!
The one and only Stan Chapman is back with us as we dive into day two of Adult Session 2 here in St. Ann’s. With around 35 years of teaching at the College, Stan has been a steady influence in the lives of fiddle students across multiple generations. Today he’s sharing the stage with another teaching legend, Susan MacLean, who is marking her 30th year here.
Tonight, Susan will give a special presentation on her brand-new Cape Breton piano accompaniment book in the Hall of the Clans. It all starts at 6pm and everyone is welcome.
Let us be part of your Gaelic language learning journey!
Our online classroom is lively, worldly, and growing, with more and more discovering their roots, interest in minority languages, and all the beauty that comes in discovering Gàidhlig. The registration deadline for 2025-2026 is August 31. Early registration is encouraged to ensure you get the day/time best suited to your schedule.
Find out full details and preliminary schedule on our website.
Although we spend most of the day learning in our own class groups, for the past number of years we’ve added a collaborative session to bring everyone together. In true cultural fashion, things are not only better when shared, but each tradition often influences the other. Here’s a snippet from one of those sessions: Kilts on Fire by Howie MacDonald and Brenda Stubbert, led by instructors Ryan MacDonald, Shelly Campbell, and Kolten MacDonell. Sgoinneil!
