Experience Gaelic where it lives: UHI North, West and Hebrides opens applications for immersive island programme

UHI North, West and Hebrides is inviting Gaelic speakers from across Scotland and around the world to take the next step in their language journey through a five-day immersive programme on the Isle of Lewis.

An Sgoil Fhoghair, delivered in partnership with Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhràdhagair agus Àrnoil (UCBA) and funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, will take place this October at the Grinneabhat centre on the west side of the island.

Designed for learners with an existing knowledge of Gaelic, the programme offers participants the opportunity to build confidence in speaking and understanding the language while living and learning in one of Scotland’s strongest Gaelic-speaking communities.

The course combines expert language tuition with authentic cultural experiences, enabling participants to develop their Gaelic through meaningful engagement with local people, traditions and heritage.

Alongside daily language classes, participants will enjoy guided cultural tours and activities led by local tradition bearers, offering the chance to experience Gaelic as a living language and gain a deeper understanding of the community and culture that continues to sustain it. There will also be further evening events.

Peigi Ann Shields, Head of Gaelic and Community Engagement at Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhràdhagair agus Àrnoil (UCBA), said:

“We are delighted to be hosting this year’s Gaelic Immersion Course in partnership with UHI North, West and Hebrides. It’s always a wonderful week for us at Grinneabhat. We love meeting the students, who are so enthusiastic about learning our language.

“It’s equally rewarding to see our own community get involved, sharing their skills and attending talks and events throughout the week. It creates a fantastic atmosphere, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming this year’s participants.”

Previous participants praised both the learning experience and the opportunity to immerse themselves in a Gaelic-speaking community:

• “It was great to hear Gaelic actually being spoken in the community, not just in the classroom.”
• “The walking lessons were excellent as they tied the language to the land and gave it context.”
• “The introduction to the Bragar community’s living use of Gaelic was absolutely fantastic.”
• “A non-judgemental environment for learning.”

Applications are open for the five-day programme, which takes place at Grinneabhat in Bragar, Isle of Lewis.

Secure your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sgoil-fhoghair-autumn-residential-tickets-1993334686707

Grinneabhat has a hostel on site that can accommodate up to 12 people. Please see more information about the hostel here: https://www.grinneabhat.com/accommodation

Bookings can be made directly with Grinneabhat via this link: https://booking.independenthostels.co.uk/reservations/53?from=2026-07-03&nights=1

For more information or if you have any questions/problems please email [email protected]

To find out more about Gaelic courses at UHI North, West and Hebrides, please visit: https://www.nwh.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses/?auto=&keyword=gaelic

If you have any queries please contact the Gaelic Officer, Jayne Macleod – [email protected]