About Us

Gaelic College Entry Building
The Gaelic College was founded in 1938 by Rev. A.W.R. MacKenzie as a school devoted to the study and preservation of the Gaelic language and Celtic arts and culture. Situated in the heart of one of the earliest Scottish settlements in Cape Breton, the College began as a school of Gaelic language in a small log cabin overlooking St. Ann's Bay.

Instructor Dara Smith's Fiddle Class
From its humble beginnings, this unique institution has expanded and gained an international reputation for its contribution to the maintenance and preservation of the language and culture. The only institution of its kind in North America, students of all ages and ability travel here from around the world to study. Our top calibre instructors offer programs in Scottish traditional disciplines including Gaelic language and song, music, dance and crafts.

We look forward to welcoming you to the tranquil setting, the camaraderie, the wide range of study and other activities that await you here at the Gaelic College.

Please use the links under 'About' in the menu to your left to learn more about us.