Gaelic Language Bursary Supports Study in Scotland

A bursary program for Nova Scotians who want to advance their Gaelic language skills and deepen their cultural knowledge through study in Scotland is available again.

The Nova Scotia Gaelic Language Bursary, funded by the Scottish Government, supports Nova Scotians pursuing Gaelic language and cultural learning at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Scotland’s national centre for Gaelic language and culture.

“With a history spanning well over two and a half centuries, the Gaels are a rich component of Nova Scotia’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity,” said Gaelic Affairs Minister Dave Ritcey, also the Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “We are pleased to welcome back this program as it creates a unique opportunity to continue that legacy by strengthening Gaelic language and cultural skills through an immersive learning experience in Scotland. We’re grateful to the Scottish Government and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for their continued commitment to supporting Gaelic in Nova Scotia.”

Gaelic language and culture are vibrant aspects of Nova Scotia’s past and present. Between 1773 and 1850, about 50,000 Gaels arrived from the Highlands and islands of Scotland. Today, about 270,000 Nova Scotians can trace their roots to these Gaels.

The bursary will cover tuition and accommodation for up to 13 Nova Scotians enrolled in select programs at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s campus on the Isle of Skye.

Quotes:

“Scotland and Canada share deep historical connections. More than four million Canadians claim Scottish heritage, and Nova Scotia is a home away from home for Gaelic. We are always delighted to welcome Nova Scotians to Scotland, and this program offers a wonderful opportunity for them to immerse themselves in Gaelic culture and language at the world-renowned Gaelic college, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. I hope it will inspire a new generation to carry our shared language and heritage forward on both sides of the Atlantic.”
— Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Gaelic, Scottish Government

“I’ve come to a higher level of fluency and am better able to follow spoken Gaelic and have a deeper appreciation for Gaelic culture. I’m now teaching my daughter Gaelic, and my son is becoming interested in his Gaelic heritage. As well, I volunteer to help promote Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia.”
— Wayne MacIntyre, former bursary recipient

Quick Facts:

• applicants must be residents of Nova Scotia aged 18 and over and accepted to an eligible program at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
• the application deadline is March 2

Additional Resources:

Information about applying is available at: https://gaelic.novascotia.ca/work

Gaelic programs at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig: https://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk