Faclair na Gàidhlig Project Receives Major Boost to Preserve Gaelic Language

A landmark project aiming to document and revive every known word in the Gaelic language has received a major boost. The Faclair na Gàidhlig initiative — a historical dictionary of Scottish Gaelic — was awarded a share of £500,000 in new funding from the Scottish Government.

The online dictionary, which will eventually feature over 100,000 entries, is Scotland’s most ambitious Gaelic language preservation effort to date. It includes not only definitions but also the origins and historical uses of words, some dating back to 12th-century manuscripts.

Rediscovering Lost Words

Among the entries are colorful rediscovered phrases like:

“Ciod fo na rionnagan” – used similarly to “what on earth”
“Peur stobach” – Gaelic for “prickly pear”, first recorded in 1900
“Uircean” – typically “piglet”, but also meant “whale calf” in the 1800s

Senior editor Ola Szczesnowicz emphasized that the dictionary follows historical principles akin to the Oxford English Dictionary, making it a vital cultural and linguistic tool for Gaelic learners, writers, and researchers.

Government Commitment to Gaelic

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said, “This dictionary offers new insight into Gaelic and is a valuable legacy for future generations.” The funding package also supports Gaelic book publishing, mòd events, a Gaelic summer school, and musical programs, all aimed at strengthening the language’s presence in Scotland.

With over 20 years of research already behind it, Faclair na Gàidhlig continues to expand access to Gaelic knowledge and culture. The dictionary is freely available online, helping connect speakers and learners worldwide.