One thing is for sure, Gaelic speakers are linked, through their language, to the ancient Celts. The same Celts (Ceiltich) who threatened Roman civilisation and sacked the eternal city itself, and whose vibrant and influential civilisation at its height had spread to many areas of western Europe. And although the Celts and their culture waned in time on much of mainland Europe, through heritage and language the Celts continue to occupy parts of Britain, Ireland and north-western France. Today six Celtic languages are spoken: Scottish Gaelic, Irish Gaelic and Manx Gaelic (Q-Celtic languages); and Welsh, Breton and Cornish (P-Celtic languages). The Celts and the Gaels have had a profound effect on the history of Britain and the world, and they continue to do so.

Illumination in the Darkness

It was Celtic Christians in Gaul (modern day France) who we are told were the first in Western Europe to adopt the life of a religious hermit early in the 4th century AD, and when Christianity subsequently spread to Ireland a great flame was lit that burnt as brightly as any during the great monastic enlightenment of the Dark Ages. These monks in Ireland (Èirinn), and then Scotland (Alba) and the rest of Britain (Breatainn), learnt to write and became familiar with many scholarly works in Greek and Latin. Famous Gaelic evangelists such as Saint Columba (Calum Cille, which means the Dove of the Church) were at the forefront of the spread of Christianity in Britain, and along with religion, they brought with them knowledge and learning. One of the most beautiful legacies we have from this time are the magnificent illuminations with which the monks decorated many of their Christian manuscripts, and the most striking of them all must be the famous Book of Kells. A book which many maintain was in part or perhaps entirely written on Iona. What would have happened without the Gaels?

Gaelic Lordship

Somerled, or Somhairle, was the first King of the Hebrides (Rìgh Innse Gall) when he won a kingdom for himself on the western seaboard of Scotland in the 12th century AD, a kingdom that stretched from the Isle of Man (Eilean Mhanainn) in the south to the Butt of Lewis (Rubha Robhanais) in the north, and which contained Gaelic and Norse speakers. In time, a Gaelic Lordship would emerge from this kingdom which Somerled’s descendents would rule as Lords of the Isles, or Triathan nan Eilean (a title that Prince Charles still holds today). The kingdom, or lordship, was ruled by the descendents of Somerled’s son Ranald (Raghnall) who would come to be known as the Clan Donald, or Clann Dhòmhnaill (literally the children of Donald, who was Ranald’s son). For a long time the MacDonalds held sway over what was in effect a semi-autonomous kingdom, a powerful Gaelic (and for a time partly Norse) confederation in an age when much of Scotland was Gaelic-speaking. They were major political players for a time in Scotland's history, as they sought to extend their power, and were valuable allies for more than one Scottish monarch. For centuries the lordship was home to a rich and diverse Gaelic society where the arts and Gaelic culture thrived, and which had a lasting effect on Scotland’s history. What would have happened without the Gaels?

The Land of Promise

As early as 1621 Gaelic speakers were leaving for Canada on boats, seeking a new life in the Land of Promise (Tìr a’ Gheallaidh). And some fifty years after these early pioneers, Gaels were settling in Canada under the auspices of the Hudson Bay Company in a land both beautiful and dangerous. Despite the dangers, the Gaels – and many of them in time would be victims of the Clearances (Na Fuadaichean) which affected many parts of the Highlands and Islands – looked upon Canada as a fertile land, rich in opportunity. Many Gaelic speakers would leave their mark on the history of Canada, and plenty place names bear testimony to their impact. It is thought that around 200,000 people spoke Gaelic in British North America in 1850, and there are still some small pockets of Gaelic speakers in Cape Breton today. What would have happened without the Gaels?

Loyal to the King

The Gaels have long been known as brave soldiers loyal to the King, and the Queen. So often throughout the history of Scotland and Britain we hear of Gaels under their chief, and then in Highland regiments, carrying the day. And when they were asked once more to fight for King and country in the Great War, they signed up in their thousands for the army and Royal Navy. Countless Gaels have paid the ultimate price overseas serving in the British armed forces. But as we hear in their songs and poems, although they were all too willing to face death and danger, they were well aware of the suffering and senselessness of war. What would have happened without the Gaels?

Learn more about Gaelic history:

Bòrd na Gàidhlig - Information on Gaelic history from the Gaelic Language Board

The Gaelic Rings

Am Baile - Information about Highland history and heritage, with lots of info on Gaelic culture

Crann Tara - Broad overview of Gaelic history

Gaelic Scotland

Save Gaelic - A look at Gaelic history

VisitScotland - VisitScotland looks at Gaelic history

Highland Council

Western Isles Council - Gaelic history

Wikipedia - Wiki looks at Gaelic and its history

Gaelic in Canada - Information on the history of Gaelic in Canada