Gaelic Groups and Classes in Glasgow

There were lots of comments, emails and questions on my post from a few weeks ago about learning Gaelic. So I contacted one of the lovely tutors I’ve had who gave me a list of the Gaelic classes and groups in Glasgow which I thought I’d share with you lovely folks.

There are classes and groups for adults, some are for parents and kids and some are aimed at children who are at the Glasgow Gaelic School/Nursery.

There are contact details for each of them. Rather than me wittering on for a while, here they are: a list of (not all, but a lot of) the Gaelic groups and classes in Glasgow!

Mondays

Rowena Nursery Parents’ Class

Where: Netherton Community Centre When: 9:30am – 11:30am
Cost: Free
Aimed at: Parents or guardians who want to learn useful Gaelic to use at home or while out and about with the family. Children are very welcome. A tutor takes a Gaelic class for the adults while another takes the children for songs, stories and games all in Gaelic. No need to book and classes can be started at any time. Classes run during term time and will return 17th August 2015.

For more information: Contact Allan Brooking on 0141 276 1525 or allan.brooking@glasgowlife.org.uk

Sgoil Araich – Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu Nursery Parent’s Class

Where: Mitchell Library
When: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Cost: Free
Aimed at: Parents or guardians who want to learn useful Gaelic to use at home or while out and about with the family. Children are very welcome. A tutor takes a Gaelic class for the adults while another takes the children for songs, stories and games all in Gaelic. No need to book and classes can be started at any time. Classes run during term time and will return 17th August 2015

For more information: Contact Allan Brooking on 0141 276 1525 or allan.brooking@glasgowlife.org.uk

Adult Classes

Where: Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu
When: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: £4 per class, paid at the start of each term.
Aimed at: Any adult with an interest in learning Gaelic. Levels range from Absolute Beginners to Advanced. Classes typically run for 10 week blocks. The next block will start 19th October 2015 and will run until Christmas.

For more information: Contact Allan Brooking on 0141 276 1525 or allan.brooking@glasgowlife.org.uk

Tuesdays

Rionnagan Beaga Toddler Group

Where: Bishopbriggs Community Church
When: 12:15pm – 2:15pm
Cost: £2 per family
Aimed at: Children aged 0-5 and their families. Plenty to do for the kids, tea and coffee for the adults and Gaelic songs and stories for everyone. No need to book. Sessions run during term time and will return in August 2015.

For more information: Check out the Facebook page: Rionnagan Beaga Gaelic Toddlers – Bishopbriggs

Croileagan Scotstoun

Where: Heart of Scostoun Community Centre
When:12:30pm – 2:30pm
Cost: £1.50 per child
Aimed at: Children aged 0-5 and their families. Chance for parents to chat and the kids to learn some songs. No need to book.

For more information: Contact Nan MacDonald on 0141 3341166

Southside Absolute Beginners Class

Where: Pollokshields Community Centre
When: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: £4 per class, paid at the start of each term.
Aimed at: Any adult with an interest in learning Gaelic. Classes typically run for 10 week blocks. The next block will start 20th October 2015 and will run until Christmas.

For more information: Contact Julie MacLeod on 0141 276 1706 or julie.macleod@glasgowlife.org.uk

Renfrewshire Intermediate Class

Where: West Johnstone Learning Centre
When: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: Free
Aimed at: Adults with some Gaelic who are looking to improve. Classes will cover more complex conversations and grammar while building upon previous knowledge and skills. Classes run during term time and will return 25th August 2015

For more information: Contact the Adult Learning and Literacies service on 01505 382863 or email als.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Wednesdays

Lyoncross Nursery Parents’ Class

Where: Pollock Community Centre When: 9:00am – 11:00am
Cost: Free
Aimed at: Parents or guardians who want to learn useful Gaelic to use at home or while out and about with the family. Children are very welcome. No need to book and classes can be started at any time. Classes run during term time and will return 19th August 2015.

For more information: Contact Julie MacLeod on 0141 276 1706 or julie.macleod@glasgowlife.org.uk

Sradagan Meadowburn

Where: Meadowburn Primary School
When: 6:15pm – 7:30pm
Cost: unsure
Aimed at: Children aged 5 and over. A Gaelic youth group for children at primary school, they will play games, sports and enjoy arts and crafts through Gaelic. No need to book. Sradagan runs during term time and will return in the new school year.

For more information: contact the school on 0141 955 2293 or office@meadowburn.e- dunbarton.sch.uk

Meadowburn Primary School Homework Club

Where: Meadowburn Primary School
When: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Cost: Free
Aimed at: Parents or guardians with children in Gaelic Medium Education at Meadowburn Primary or Nursery School. Each week a tutor covers the various topics children will come across at school and during homework including phonics, common words, useful phrases and maths terminology. There is no need to book. Classes run during term time and will return in the new school year.

For more information: contact the school on 0141 955 2293 or office@meadowburn.e- dunbarton.sch.uk

Southside Beginners Plus Class

Where: Pollokshields Community Centre
When: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: £4 per class, paid at the start of each term.
Aimed at: Any adult with a bit of Gaelic under their belt looking to improve. Classes typically run for 10 week blocks. The next block will start 21st October 2015 and will run until Christmas.

For more information: Contact Julie MacLeod on 0141 276 1706 or julie.macleod@glasgowlife.org.uk

Gabbin’ in Gaelic

Where: Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu
When: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: £30 per 10 week term
Aimed at: With classes for Improvers (post-beginner) and those with Intermediate level Gaelic, these evening classes are for anyone who has a bit of Gaelic under their belt and wishes to expand their vocabulary, practice conversation skills and gain an understanding of grammar. The Intermediate class will resume 19th August 2015 and Improvers will resume 2nd September 2015.

For more information: Come along on a Wednesday evening or check out their Facebook page: Gabbin’ in Gaelic.

Beginners Gaelic Session

Where: McPhabbs Pub, Sauchiehall St
When: 7:30pm – 9ish
Cost: £5 per class
Aimed at: Anyone from complete beginners to those who have a bit of Gaelic under their belt and would like to improve.

For more information: Come along on a Wednesday evening or contact Carol: contact info to follow.

Renfrewshire Beginners’ Class

Where: Glenburn Learning Centre
When: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: Free
Aimed at: Any adult with an interest in learning Gaelic. Classes will cover basic conversations, reading and writing in Gaelic, and basic grammar. Classes run during term time and will return 26th August 2015

For more information: Contact the Adult Learning and Literacies service on 01505 382863 or email als.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Thursdays

Pàrant is Pàiste Glaschu

Where: Mosspark Parish Church
When: 9:30am – 11:30am
Cost: £1 per child
Aimed at: Children aged 0-3 (older children are welcome) and their families. A friendly and informal group for families wanting to learn a bit of Gaelic with songs, stories and crafts. Includes a snack for the wee ones and tea, coffee and cake for the adults. No need to book, just come along. Sessions run during term time and will return 13th August 2015.

For more information: eilidh.danson@gmail.com or check out the Facebook page: Pàrant is Pàiste Ghlaschu

Croileagan Scotstoun

Gaelic Rhyme Time

Where: Pollokshaws Library
When: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Cost: Free
Aimed at: Children aged 0-3 (older children welcome) and their families. Fun and interactive classes for young children and their families to learn some Gaelic through songs, nursery rhymes and stories. No need to book, just come along. Sessions run throughout the year.

For more information: eilidh.danson@gmail.com or check out the Facebook page: Gaelic Rhyme Time

Sradagan Ghlaschu

Where: Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu
When: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Cost: £4 per child (discount available for families 3+ children attending)
Aimed at: Children aged 5 and over. A Gaelic youth group for children at primary school, they will play games, sports and enjoy arts and crafts through Gaelic. No need to book. Sradagan runs during term time and will return 1st October 2015.

For more information: Contact Allan Brooking on 0141 276 1525 or allan.brooking@glasgowlife.org.uk

P1 Parents’ Homework Classes

Where: Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu
When: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Cost: Free
Aimed at: Parents of Primary 1 pupils. The classes offer support for parents and cover phonics, pronunciation, maths terminology and basic conversation. Spaces are limited so booking is required. The course runs for six weeks and starts 1st October 2015.

For more information: Contact Allan Brooking on 0141 276 1525 or allan.brooking@glasgowlife.org.uk

Gaelic Conversation Café

Where: The Herald Café Bar, Mitchell Library
When: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Cost: Free
Aimed at: Anyone wanting to use their Gaelic outwith the classroom. With support from a fluent tutor, it’s a great opportunity to practise conversational skills in a relaxed social setting. Suitable for all levels and no need to book.

For more information: Contact Allan Brooking on 0141 276 1525 or allan.brooking@glasgowlife.org.uk

Renfrewshire Advanced Gaelic Class

Where: West Johnstone Learning Centre
When: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: Free
Aimed at: Adults with a high level of Gaelic looking to expand upon their existing knowledge and skills. Classes focus on attaining fluency through conversation, literature and mastering the trickier aspects of grammar. Classes run during term time and will return 27th August 2015

For more information: Contact the Adult Learning and Literacies service on 01505 382863 or email als.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Friday

Gaelic Rhyme Time

Where: Hillhead Library
When: 10:00am – 11:00am
Cost: Free
Aimed at: Children aged 0-3 (older children welcome) and their families. Fun and interactive classes for young children and their families to learn some Gaelic through songs, nursery rhymes and stories. No need to book, just come along. Sessions run throughout the year.

For more information: eilidh.danson@gmail.com or check out the Facebook page: Gaelic Rhyme Time

Gaelic Bookbug in East Dunbartonshire (coming soon)

Where: Bishopbriggs Library
When: 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Cost: Free
Aimed at: Children aged 0-3 (older children welcome) and their families. Fun and interactive classes for young children and their families to learn some Gaelic through songs, nursery rhymes and stories. No need to book, just come along. Sessions will run during term time and will start October 2015.

For more information: Rebecca.McKellar@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

An Gealbhan

Where: Sutherlands Bar in the Argyll Hotel on Sauchiehall Street
When: 8:30pm til late
Cost: suggested donation of £3
Aimed at: Adults. A very informal weekly gathering providing the opportunity for chatting and singing in as much Gaelic as you know. Bring a friend, bring an instrument or bring your knitting, whatever you do, bring yourself and enjoy a good old fashioned knees up.

For more information: angealbhan@gmail.com or check out the Facebook page: An Gealbhan

Saturday

Family Learning Group

Where: Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu
When: 9:45am – 11:45am
Cost: £2.50 per adult, £2.50 per child aged 3+, £3.50 per child under 3
Aimed at: Anyone with an interest in learning Gaelic although particularly useful for families. With classes from Absolute Beginner to Advanced for adults, organised games, crafts and play for children 3- 11, and a crèche for children under 3 all delivered in Gaelic, it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn together as a family. Due to funding, booking is required. Classes start 22nd August 2015.

For more information: Join the Facebook group: Glasgow Gaelic School Saturday Club

Coming soon!

Gaelic Chatterbooks Sessions in East Dunbartonshire

Fun and interactive sessions to encourage children aged 4-12 to develop a passion for books and reading.
Details to be confirmed

Useful websites

Guthan Beaga – Little Voices
A great new website that’s well worth a look. Although it’s designed to help families with young children, individuals will find it useful particularly its Ga ràdh – Saying it section which provides help with the pronunciation of the Gaelic alphabet. Under the Cuairt a-muigh – Out and about section you will find a number of topics such as At the beach and Getting dressed where it offers useful phrases, words and songs connected to the topic. The site can also be saved and accessed offline and is also available as an app for iOs devices.
Comhairle nan Leabhraichean – Gaelic Books Council
The Gaelic bookshop. Situated in Mansfield Street in Partick, Comhairle nan Leabhraichean has all manner of Gaelic books from children’s stories to learners’ materials to poetry to Bibles. Staff are very friendly and always happy to help but if you aren’t able to pop along then their website is the next best thing.
Gaelic 4 Parents
Broken into sections sorted by age, the website is full of games, songs, audiobooks and things to make and do. It has audiobooks for every school reading book as well as Bookbug packs and other stories so you can read along at home.
There is also a Homework Help section where live online help is available Monday to Thursday, 5:00pm to 7:00pm during term time.
Learn Gaelic
Split into different levels, there is information for learners as well as resources such as dictionaries and worksheets. They have links to other useful websites. There are also sections for Primary, Secondary, and Under Fives.
iGàidhlig
A great website which provides information on where to download anything Gaelic and can be used for fun or for those who want to push themselves. There are plenty of games suitable for all ages and levels however it also provides information on Gaelic spellcheckers, apps for predictive texting, even how to get your computer to be all Gaelic!