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.
Hey College fam 💙
There’s a new creation coming to life today, and you’re invited in.
We’re so grateful for our loyal base of students, both online and in person, along with our community members, advocates, and friends. We wanted to create something that keeps us tethered together throughout the year, deepens our sense of community, and adds real value for those who support and love this place.
Introducing the Gaelic College Club ✨
A new subscription based online hub featuring live online classes, access to our online video series, tune of the month, admission to Wednesday Night Ceilidhs, (back in person in May!) and community discussions. This membership keeps you learning and connected wherever you might be.
Ready to join us?
Learn more and sign up today at gaeliccollegeclub.ca
Extra lively at the College this afternoon. Way to go, Canada!!
Just in time for St. Valentine’s Day, we’ve got a fresh batch of ready-to-send cards for all your pals and loved ones 💌
Got a great pun we should have used? Drop it in the comments - we love a good wordplay moment!
Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️
Join us this March for Caidreamh na h-Òigridh, our Youth Gaelic Weekend for ages 8–18! This fun and engaging weekend offers two levels, Beginner and Intermediate, designed to meet learners exactly where they are on their Gaelic journey.
The goal of the weekend is to encourage and foster young Gaelic learners while helping them build connections and friendships.
📅 Weekend Details
🧒 Ages: 8–18
⏰ Arrival: Friday, 6:30–7:00pm
🏁 Departure: Sunday, 3:00pm
📝 Registration Deadline: March 20, 2026
👩🏫 Instructors
Beginner: Lili (Lileag) Watson
Intermediate: Lewis (Lodaidh) MacKinnon
Registration is now open. Sign up soon! 😀
#Gàidhlig #Gaelic #GaelicNS #YouthGaelicWeekend #NaGaisgichÒga
In just a few short months, we’ll be gathering once again in St. Ann’s for another unforgettable summer at Colaisde na Gàidhlig! Hey adult learners, now’s the time to start planning — our website has all the details on schedules, instructors, pricing, and more.
📌Adult Session info is now available.
Registration opens Wednesday, February 11 at 12pm. (AST)
https://gaeliccollege.edu/session/summer-adult-session-1/
https://gaeliccollege.edu/session/summer-adult-session-2/
📌Youth Session info to be released on Monday, February 23.
Registration opens Wednesday, February 25 at 12pm. (AST)
In addition, information on Toiseach-Tòiseachaidh: The First Step, our summer session dedicated to new beginner Gaelic learners is also now available. https://gaeliccollege.edu/session/toiseach-toisichidh-the-first-step/
Whether it will be your first time here, or you’re coming back for yet another year, we’re delighted you’re making plans for St. Ann’s!
March Break magic is just around the corner at the Gaelic College ✨
We’re offering one March Break session this year for youth ages 5 to 18, running March 17 to 19—and it’s shaping up to be a really fun one! Days will be filled with music, movement, and learning through classes in Gaelic language, song, drama, piping, step dance, Highland dance, fiddle, piano, and guitar. And Fàs is back again for ages 5 to 7, perfect for those just getting started.
When classes wrap up, the fun doesn’t stop! Evenings are packed with cozy indoor activities like board games and bracelet making, lively group events like square dancing and a sock-hop dance party, and—weather permitting—outdoor adventures including a sledding party and bonfire.
Information is now live online, and registration opens Monday at 9:00 am. With just one March Break session this year, spaces are limited. We can’t wait to welcome you this March ❄️🎶
Link in bio
Earn 6 Credits in Just 4 Weeks!
An Cùrsa Bogaidh – Two Four-Week Gaelic Immersion Courses
📅 April 27 – May 22, 2026
📍 Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, Cape Breton
🎓 In partnership with Cape Breton University
An intensive onsite immersion where students can earn 6 university credits in four weeks, or participate for personal development.
➡️ Level II (Intermediate): 2nd-year credits
➡️ Level III (Higher Intermediate): 3rd-year credits
🗣️ Conversation-based learning, focused grammar instruction, weekly Friday field trips, and rich cultural activities including song, story, music, dance, and folklore.
👥 Instructors: Colin MacDonald & Joyce MacDonald
⏰ Apply by: March 2, 2026
We sure do have lots of love for this crew! 💛 A sweet snap from our Na Gaisgich Òga | The Young Heroes mentorship session this past Sunday. We had a fun and engaging day and really enjoyed having our mentors join us to guide, inspire, and share their knowledge.
If you know of someone who would like to get a taste of the NGO experience, stay tuned for more info on our upcoming Youth Gaelic Weekend!
#YoungGaelicLearners #OnTheirWay #GaelicAffairs #GaelicNS
📣 Applications Now Open for An Cùrsa Bogaidh 2026!
📅 April 27 – May 22, 2026 at Colaisde na Gàidhlig, St. Ann’s, NS
Join us for a 4-week intensive Gaelic program and earn 6 university credits toward your degree!
In partnership with Cape Breton University, Colaisde na Gàidhlig offers:
🎓 Level II (Intermediate)
🎓 Level III (Higher Intermediate)
Also available for personal development, this immersive experience blends language acquisition, cultural connection, and community living, all in a supportive Gaelic-speaking environment.
🌐 Learn more and apply: https://gaeliccollege.edu/session/an-cursa-bogaidh/
📬 Spots are limited so apply early!
✨ One of our favourite times of year is almost here! ✨
We are getting things in gear for another great March Break youth session. This year we are switching things up and offering one big session instead of two, happening March 17 to 19. More details will be shared later this month, but for now, save the dates and start getting excited!
✨ Beannachdan nam Féilltean Dhuibh bho Colaisde na Gàidhlig, gu’m biodh am Bliadhn’ Ùr agaibh làn ciùil agus aoibhneis.
Blessings of the season to you from the Gaelic College, may your new year be filled with music and joy. ✨
Seo dhuibh dealbh no dhà bhon Nollaig Ghàidhealach.🎅
Here are a few snaps from the Christmas Gaelic Weekend. A huge thanks to our participants, especially those who travelled all the way from Ontario and Washington to be with us!
We would also like to thank our amazing staff for making everything feel so cozy and festive which helped create a wonderful atmosphere for learning and using the language.
#GaelicNovaScotia #nagaisgichòga #gaelicweekends #Gaelic
