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.
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!
What an incredible week it has been at the College, filled with sunshine both in the skies and in our hearts. We’ve reunited with old friends, welcomed eager new learners, and shared so many moments celebrating Cape Breton’s Gaelic culture. Every single person has played a part in making this week so special, and we are so grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, and generosity you’ve brought. Let’s keep that spirit alive!
Our week together might be winding down, but we’re squeezing in every bit of fun we can! From a full day of classes to a sunny jam session and BBQ, an in-depth tune presentation from Shelly Campbell, open mic night, square dancing the Inverness and Washabuck sets, and a full-on dance party to finish the night - what a crew to share it all with!
It was a corker of a game tonight with our adults divided into two hearty teams, but the ultimate bragging rights went to the team ‘The Winners’ in the end. An impressive bunch! These two were a couple of team VIPs!
Day 2, Adult Session 1: we are just getting by here. We’ve had a full day of class from our hero instructors, have a panel chat and name that tune scheduled for this eve, and now have to have our daily happy hour and jam session, today led by GC pres Rodney. It’s a tough life but someone has to do it. 😄
And just like that, our first of two adult sessions have begun! Our overnights have landed safe and sound, with a whole bunch of day students to join us tomorrow morning. Looking forward to the fun ahead!!
🎶 Blas Math Lunchtime Ceilidhs are back and open to the public!
Join us in St. Ann’s for a delicious lunch and live traditional music, running Monday to Friday during our adult summer sessions: August 4–8 and August 11–15.
Tickets are $20 and include your meal and entertainment. Call the Craft Shop at 902-295-3441 to book in advance. A great way to spend a summer afternoon ~ hope to see you there!
