Welcome to Nova Scotia, the last stronghold for Gaelic language and culture in North America. Scottish Gaelic is a Celtic language and was first spoken in Nova Scotia by tens of thousands of Scottish emigrants who came from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland in the late 18th early 19th century. As in Scotland and Ireland, those who speak Gaelic are referred to as Gaels. Today there are more than 2,000 Gaelic speakers in Nova Scotia.
TraditionThe Scottish Gaels brought with them one of western Europe’s richest oral traditions, including an ancient storytelling tradition, acapella singing, a proud bardic tradition and a unique fiddling, piping and dance tradition. This tradition was nurtured in communities throughout Nova Scotia – many of them reflecting regional traditions from their Scottish homes of origin, which continue to this day. You will still hear a Barra lilt on Gaelic spoken in Iona and Christmas Island and the Lochaber blas (taste) on the language and music of the Mabou area.