Explore the beautiful Gaelic language through the rich history, culture and also through learning a few Gaelic phrases.

The Gaelic language has a history and culture going back to the first millennium. Come along to learn about it and to dip your toe into its cultural treasures!

We’ll take a brief look at the history of Gaelic and the quirks and characteristics of the language itself, then we’ll have a look at a few songs and stories. You’ll get a chance to learn some Gaelic phrases, as well!

Later the same day, there will be a second Gaelic workshop where you will learn a few Gaelic songs as a group. You can book tickets here.

Important points to note

This event is suitable for age 16+

Event format: This event is a workshop and may involve some audience interaction. This could involve group activities, individual activities, quizzes or hands-on activities.

Filming: Photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed.

SPEAKER

Bria Mason

Gaelic Educator in Gaelic language, nature, folklore and song

Bria began learning Gaelic at the University of Edinburgh when she moved to Scotland in 2005. She graduated with an MA (Hons) Celtic and followed this up with an MLitt Language Policy and Planning from the University of Aberdeen. She worked professionally in Gaelic development for ten years before embarking on freelance work.

She began teaching Gaelic to adults in 2017. Her teaching style is creative, enthusiastic, and responsive. She has taught all levels of Gaelic language, from Beginner to Advanced.

Bria has been a singer from a young age, dabbling in genres from jazz to opera. Her primary love is traditional song as well as penning her own songs that draw on traditional forms.

She also enjoys sharing this passion with others, and she has been leading Gaelic song classes and workshops for over a decade, both on her own and as part of outreach duo Glaikit Carnyx.

In all of her work, Bria strives to express and share her love of language and culture.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 5 − Sunday 13 September 2026!

Curious is Scotland’s annual festival of knowledge. Across its seven-year history, Curious has welcomed over 10,000 attendees into its yearly programme of talks, workshops, discussions and exhibitions – all covering different topics and subject areas. There’s no need for you to have any prior specialist knowledge before coming along, just bring your curious self! With plenty of events both in person and online, you can take part from anywhere.

You can check out the full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact curious@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website.

Step-free access: Ramped access for visitors is available via 26 George Street through Lakeland. Upon arrival, please call 0131 240 5000 and a member of staff will meet you and guide you to the event. Please note that the entrance ramp has a steep gradient (1:12).

Main lift: The lift’s door has a width of 79cm and a depth of 143cm. Please note, that access to the lift is limited by a narrow 77cm width corridor. You can find further details and images of the lift on our website.

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Curious team on curious@therse.org.uk.

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Description supplied by the event organiser.