James Gillespie’s High School are delighted to share that their “Eachdraidh Na Gàidhlig ann an Dùn Èideann – The History of Gaelic in Edinburgh” project, funded by a Jean Guild Grant, has emerged as a remarkable success. Igniting passion and curiosity among pupils while honouring the rich tapestry of Gaelic history in our capital city, the funding provided by the Old Edinburgh Club has allowed the young people’s hard work to be celebrated and shared with the wider school community in the form of four attractive information banners.

Under the guidance of Donna MacIver, their Depute Head Teacher (GME), who brings a wealth of knowledge as a qualified History teacher, students took ownership of their learning journey by diving deeper into the Gaelic language and its significance in Edinburgh. Donna explained that, “Our pupils were empowered to choose research topics that resonated with them, ranging from social and educational history to the economic contributions of the Gaelic community in the city. By engaging students in hands-on archival research and collaborations with academic professionals, the School were delighted to have been able to create an enriching environment which connected the past with the present, allowing young learners to explore their cultural roots”

Collaboration with the School of Scottish Studies and the University of Edinburgh for this project has been invaluable. The partnership has opened doors to research pathways that would otherwise remain inaccessible. Pupils had the unique opportunity to learn from Emeritus Professor Wilson Macleod, delving into archival materials and uncovering stories that have long been overlooked. This hands-on experience not only enriched their understanding of Gaelic history but also enhanced their research skills and critical thinking.

The culmination of their efforts has been beautifully showcased in the form of four bilingual information banners. These banners display the pupils’ findings, complete with images and narratives that capture the essence of Edinburgh’s Gaelic heritage. By sharing these insights, they aimed to foster a sense of pride within the Gaelic community, and they hope to encourage a broader interest among the general public by making them available for anyone to use and display for their own Gaelic language events.

The banners are featuring prominently at events held at the Darroch Annexe, the newly refurbished school hub for secondary Gaelic medium education. By continuing to promote this project, the School are not just celebrating Gaelic history, they are intent on weaving it into the fabric of the community’s identity.

“Eachdraidh Na Gàidhlig ann an Dùn Èideann” has been an exciting journey for the pupils and the wider school community to be involved in. As Donna said, “As we celebrate our past, we empower future generations to connect with their heritage, ensuring that the Gaelic language and its history remain vibrant in Edinburgh for years to come”.