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.
🍂 As we shift into our fall programming, there are plenty of opportunities for youth to learn and grow with us at the College.
✨ And great news ~ we have just one spot left on this year’s Na Gaisgich Òga team! It’s first come, first serve, so don’t wait. Sign up today and be part of the adventure this September!
Please note, our Craft Shop will be closed this weekend and next, but back open through the week and on Saturdays again as of the 27th. Hope you’ll keep us in mind when visiting the area! ☺️
Catch them while you can ~ cultural demonstrations end this week!
It’s the last week of cultural demonstrations at the College, and we’d love to welcome you. With your Hall of the Clans admission, you can sit in with our staff as they share the history of the kilt with our kiltmaker, the Gaelic language and meaning behind the milling tradition, traditional fiddle music and step dancing, and more.
Take your time exploring the Great Hall of the Clans museum at your own pace, and don’t forget to stop by our Craft Shop - both are open until 4:30pm on weekdays. Hope to see you soon!
📚✨ It’s hard to believe the kids are already back in school. We’re still smiling about all the fun we had this summer with so many fun peeps, like this crew during Youth Session 3.
What a week it was! These clips only show a snippet of the memories made, since the best stuff is often in the stuff you can’t capture.
Sorry for the delay in sharing, but perhaps that makes it even sweeter to look back. Here’s to lessons that keep growing and summer magic that lasts all year long. 💛 Full video available on Facebook and YouTube
#LearnWithUs #SummerMemories #GaelicCollege
🍂✨ Fall has a way of stealing the show around here, and we’ve got the perfect pieces to match it!
Wrap yourself in one of our handmade ponchos or capes, created with care by our own Gail Montgomery and longtime kiltmaker here Ann Cantwell. Cozy, stylish, and one of a kind, these pieces tend to sell out quickly.
🧣 Available now in the Craft Shop
⏰ Open weekdays 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Saturdays 9 am to 4 pm
Come find your new fall favorite before they’re gone! ☺️
It’s 24 degrees and sunny… so naturally we’re decorating for Christmas. 😄 Handmade by Cindy in the sewing room, these little tartan gnomes are perfect for your tree… office plant… car mirror… or logo even! Dressed in 5 popular tartans, we have them in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Maple Leaf, Royal Stewart, and Black Watch ~ collect all 5! Just $14.99 and available in store. Swing by or if wanting a special order, contact Jenni at craftshop@gaeliccollege.edu. ☺️🎄
👻 Oidhche Shamhna Ghàidhealach | Halloween Gaelic Weekend
October 24 – 26, 2025 👻
Thigibh uile dhan deireadh-seachdain, Oidhche Shamhna Ghàidhealach, far am bi sinn a’ comharrachadh Oidhche Shamhna agus dualchas nan Gàidheal. Bidh clasaichean Gàidhlig ann, fuarag, òrain, naidheachdain, seiseanan ciùil, danns, agus bòcain is spòrs gu leòr! (19+)
Join us for a thrilling weekend steeped in Gaelic culture, spooky stories, and Gaelic traditions surrounding Oidhche Shamhna! Whether you’re a fluent speaker or just beginning your journey with the language, Halloween Gaelic Weekend is the perfect way to celebrate the season with a fully immersive Gaelic experience! (19+)
Space is limited — reserve your spot today for this unforgettable weekend of language, culture, and fellowship!
Registration is now open! Link in bio.
NGÒ SPOTLIGHT – NEIL MACDONLALD (NIALL SHEUMAIS)
We’re thrilled to welcome Neil MacDonald back to Na Gaisgich Òga / The Young Heroes program for his third year! Neil is 12 years old and comes from Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He’s motivated by a strong desire to become a fluent Gaelic speaker, to learn about Gaelic culture, and to explore the history of the Gaelic people. His dad speaks Gaelic to him regularly, helping to strengthen his skills and connection to the language. We’re so proud to see how much Neil has grown as a leader and learner in our community. Here’s to another exciting year of learning, connection, and adventure ~ welcome back, Neil!
If you or someone you know is keen to join, now is the time to apply! Deadline is September 1st!
Find the form here: https://gaeliccollege.edu/session/na-gaisgich-oga/
#NaGaisgichÒga #GaelicCollege #GaelicAffairs
🎶✨ Mark your calendars! On Tuesday, October 14, Colaisde na Gàidhlig will be buzzing with music, language, and dance.
Spend the day diving into workshops ~
🎸 Guitar Master Class with JP Cormier
🗣️ Gaelic for Beginners with Colin MacDonald
🎹 Advanced Cape Breton Piano with Susan MacLean
👞 Cape Breton Step Dance Appreciation with Margie Beaton
Whether you’re a musician, dancer, or simply curious about Gaelic culture, there’s something here for you. Space is limited. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.
Link in bio.
With summer winding down, we want to take a moment to share our thanks and a few “see you soons.” We’ve been so lucky to have Cameron MacNeil, Ben Smith, and Malcolm MacNeil with us, sharing their talents, energy, and kindness at the College. Cameron wrapped up his fourth summer as duty piper, joining us first this spring for his second time in An Cùrsa Bogaidh, our immersion course, and now heads back to Beinn Mhàbu to finish his BACS degree. Ben returned for his second year leading recreational programming, having recently graduated from CBU with not one but two degrees, and is now beginning his Masters while staying close to the College. Malcolm was back as School Assistant, splitting his time in St. Ann’s with gigs, work on his solo album, and preparing for a move to Halifax this fall, not before finishing a run in the house band of `Come From Away` at the Savoy. Beyond their many achievements and rich musical contributions, these three young men are kind, humble, and mature beyond their years. We couldn’t have done it without them and wish them every success in the exciting chapters ahead. 💙
📚 Gaelic Online is back this September!
Classes begin September 1 and registration closes August 31 – now’s the perfect time to jump in.
✨ What you’ll find in our program:
• A step-by-step pathway from beginner to fluency
• A welcoming community of learners, speakers, and teachers
• Real-time Gaelic classes in a safe, fun online space
• Flexible resources that fit different learning styles
🎉 Back for 2025: Level 1 now available for university credit with Cape Breton University!
Don’t miss your chance to start or continue your Gaelic journey. More info found on our website.
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
