Celebrate Gaelic during Mòd Week — and Discover How to Learn it at UHI North West and Hebrides
As the Royal National Mòd — Scotland’s premier festival of Gaelic language and culture — takes place this week, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate the people who are helping to keep Gaelic strong for future generations.
The Mod is a celebration of our Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage and as Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival, it provides opportunities for people of all ages to perform in a range of competitions including Gaelic music and song, highland dancing, instrumental, drama, sport and literature.
At UHI North, West and Hebrides, Gaelic isn’t just taught in classrooms; it’s part of everyday life on the islands and the west coast of Scotland. From short courses such as Gaelic Song as an Introduction to Gaelic Language; Learn Gaelic for complete beginners, to full degree programmes in music and culture and PGDE in Gaelic teaching, there are opportunities for learners of every level.
One of the people helping to keep this tradition alive is music lecturer Allan Henderson, a world-travelled musician and lecturer at Cnoc Soiller, South Uist. His journey shows how learning in the islands connects students with the living heart of Gaelic culture.
From Global Stage to Island Classroom
Allan Henderson, originally from Mallaig, is a renowned traditional fiddle player and member of the acclaimed group Blazin Fiddles. Over the course of his career, he has toured internationally, recorded extensively, and performed on fiddle, pipes and piano both as a solo artist and with various bands.
Today, Allan brings this wealth of experience to his role as a lecturer at UHI North, West and Hebrides, based at Cnoc Soilleir, where he shares his expertise with the next generation of musicians while championing the value of island life. He reflects:
“I had a fairly busy schedule for many years as a touring musician all over the world. I enjoy travelling, live performing, meeting people and swapping tunes and stories. It’s a big part of what has shaped me as a musician.”
Choosing Island Life
Allan moved to South Uist around nine years ago with his wife, who is originally from the islands. What began as a decision to “see how island life would suit” soon became a natural fit. Allan says:
“There’s still a really strong sense of community here that’s very important. It’s something I’ve known growing up, but it’s perhaps not quite the same on the mainland anymore. That spirit of togetherness is something you’ll still find on Uist.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians
For the past five years, Allan has taught on the HNC Music and BA (Hons) Applied Music degree programmes at Cnoc Soilleir. His students benefit not only from his technical skill and performance experience but also from his understanding of the cultural heritage of the Highlands and Islands. Allan explains:
“Students aren’t just learning about traditional music or Gaelic language in theory. They’re surrounded by it every day.”
Learning Gaelic Through Song
Alongside the core music programmes, Allan delivers a series of specialist short courses, including the popular Gaelic Song as an Introduction to Gaelic Language. He explains:
“If you’re going to learn a language, you should learn to sing it. It gives you the rhythms of the tongue, the sound of the dialect, and, most importantly, the sociocultural background to the language.”
This culturally immersive approach enables students to develop a deeper connection to both the language and the heritage it represents.
Life on Uist — Vibrant and welcoming community
Allan is keen to challenge assumptions about island living. He says:
“One of the main misconceptions about living on an island is things are going to be quiet and laid-back — and it’s just not the case. People lead very busy lives and face the same challenges as everyone else.”
Far from being remote or slow-paced, Uist offers a lively and welcoming community, rich in creativity and tradition.
Why Study in Uist?
- Authentic cultural immersion — Gaelic language and traditional music at the heart of daily life.
- Expert teaching — Learn from musicians with global experience.
- A strong sense of place — Study in a vibrant, connected island community.
Allan adds:
“It’s very difficult to overestimate just how important the Gaelic language is to Uist. It was, and still is, the language of the people here.”
Learn Gaelic this Mòd Week
With the Royal National Mòd celebrating Gaelic culture and heritage, there’s no better time to begin your own journey. Whether you want to sing, speak, or study Gaelic in depth, UHI North, West and Hebrides offers courses designed to connect learners with the language, its music, and the community that keeps it alive.