The Royal Celtic Society
– Patron: HRH The Princess Royal –
For 200 years, the Royal Celtic Society has been at the cutting edge of activity to support the language, literature, music and culture of the Highlands and Western Islands of Scotland. The Society holds regular events for members, awards medals for excellence in music and literature and sponsors a wide range of organisations dedicated to the traditions, language and arts of the Highlands and Islands.
What We Support
Language
The Scottish Gaelic language continues to survive and thrive, despite two centuries of neglect that verges on persecution.
Music
The Bagpipes are probably the single most identifiable symbol of Scottish identity, but the oldest Highland musical instrument is the clarsach.
Literature
The Gaelic literary canon is one of the oldest in Europe, with the exceptions of Latin and Ancient Greek, combining rich oral and written traditions.
Culture
In the name of progress, the Highland way of life came under sustained attack during and after the 18th century, but it proved too resilient to be suppressed.
History of the Royal Celtic Society
The Celtic Society was founded in Edinburgh in 1820 by a group of Highlanders based in the city, supported by Edinburgh professionals including Sir Walter Scott, the Society’s first Vice President.
Royal Celtic Society News
Edinburgh International Harp Festival: Youth Outreach 2024
On Friday 5th April 2024 the traditional Scottish tale of ‘The Dream Makers’ was performed by storyteller Shona Cowie alongside the EIHF Youth Ensemble which consisted of over 30 young harpers from all over Scotland supported by 3 student volunteers and tutors Elinor...
Fàs Mòr
Fàs Mòr has had another exhausting but rewarding year providing Gaelic-medium Early Years Education in South Skye. We’ve offered tailored childcare services for children aged 0–3, creating a fun and immersive environment for learning Gaelic. Our sessions took place at...
Glenfinnan Games Saturday 17th August 2024
2024 saw another successful Games in Glenfinnan. The weather was mixed, but did not spoil the proceedings. As well as the main events, the Games hosted stalls manned by Clan Donald, The Royal Oak Society, Clan Cameron, Restored Vintage Cars, Glenfinnan Community...
Funding Grants
The Royal Celtic Society gives financial assistance to organisations, events and activities that support or develop the Society’s charitable objectives.
Please contact us for more information about applying for grants.
– Join Our Membership –
Please contact us for more information and any enquiries about our membership.