John Macleod Memorial Festival 2026 Programme

Published: 16 Jan 2026

​29 January – 1 February 2026 | Edinburgh

A four-day Gaelic cultural festival celebrating the life and legacy of John MacLeod, featuring lectures, workshops, music, and cultural events.

All are welcome.

Presented by An Comunn Gàidhealach, The University of Edinburgh, Bothan Dhùn Èideann, and Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann, with the blessing of John MacLeod’s family.

Thursday 29 January

Public Lecture

Slighe Fonn na Bàrdachd | The Musical Journey of Verse

Speaker: Màiri Callan

A public lecture exploring the relationship between Gaelic poetry and song, and how setting verse to music can restore voice, emotion, and historical context to poems long silent on the page.

G.01 Davidson Lecture Theatre
Lister Learning & Teaching Centre
5 Roxburgh Place
Edinburgh
EH8 9SU

  • Free, open to all – no registration required
  • Simultaneous interpretation (Gaelic → English) for in-person audience
  • Live streamed online (Gaelic only)
  • Livestream details to be announced

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Friday 30 January

Workshops: Gaelic Literature, Music, Song and Creativity

Project Room
50 George Square
University of Edinburgh
EH8 9JU

Workshops (13:00 to 16:45) focusing on the work and legacy of Sorley MacLean and Margaret Fay Shaw, led by:

  • Niall O’ Gallagher
  • Emma Dymock
  • Fiona J. Mackenzie

Free to attend, no registration necessary. Hosted by The University of Edinburgh.

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7:00pm Evening Event

Scottish Storytelling Centre
43-45 High St
Edinburgh
EH1 1SR

Hosted by Bothan Dhùn Èideann, tickets available on this website.

Celebration of Gaelic music and culture featuring;

  • Màrtainn Mac an t-Saoir
  • Màiri NicIlleMhaoil
  • Grace Stiùbhart Skinner
  • Claire Frances NicNìll

event poster

Saturday 31 January

Cruinn Còmhla Community Gathering – Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann

A full day of Gaelic language and cultural activity, including Gaelic classes at various levels and workshops on local placenames and arts and crafts.

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Sunday 1 February

Service of Remembrance for John MacLeod

12:30–1:30pm

Greyfriars Kirk
Greyfriars Place
Edinburgh
EH1 2QQ

A reflective service marking the close of the festival, bringing together community, memory, and Gaelic tradition.

All are welcome.

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Useful Information

  • Events take place across Edinburgh
  • Some events require advance booking; others are drop-in
  • Open to Gaelic speakers, learners, and non-speakers
  • Online access available for the headline lecture

We hope to see you there!

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