Gaelic in the Landscape Retreat 2027
‘The Gaelic in the Landscape residential was excellent. I can’t think of any way it could be improved’ – Visitor Feedback
Have you ever wondered how to pronounce the name of a Scottish mountain? Or wondered what that name might actually mean? Ever wanted to see what placenames have to tell us about the plants and the people, the birds and the animals who have gone before us in our landscapes? Or perhaps you’re intrigued by the connections between Gaelic and rewilding? If so, this weekend is made for you!
What you can expect
Join us for an immersive experience of walks and activities which will open your eyes to Dundreggan’s Gaelic landscape, with a traditional Highland Cèilidh thrown in as well: bidh craic math ann, agus bidh fàilte mhòr ron a h-uile duine!
This residential will be led in English, but you will come away from it knowing more Gaelic than you did at the start, and with a deeper appreciation of the significance Gaelic language and culture plays in Scotland’s landscapes, past, present and future!
Gaelic is the oldest surviving language in Scotland and for many centuries it has been spoken throughout these glens. For Gaels, their sense of being part of their homeland is summed up perfectly in the word dùthchas which encapsulates belonging, tradition, and an attachment to landscape and all living things.
Quick booking, dates available: > Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 March 2027 | > Monday 20 to Wednesday 22 September 2027
Who is our Gaelic in the Landscape Retreat for?
Adults wishing to learn more about Gaelic language and culture, and its connections to our landscapes, nature and rewilding. No previous knowledge of Gaelic is necessary.
Most of the activities are suitable for all audiences, including those with additional accessibility needs. However, some of the planned walks may include occasionally steep, pathless terrain. If you have questions about accessibility please get in touch.
We will also host a traditional Highland Cèilidh, with storytelling and music – feel free to bring your own instruments.
Who are my hosts?
Franny Schlicke is our Visitor Experience & Operations Supervisor.
Growing up in rural Aberdeenshire, she has always loved being outside in the hilliest parts of Scotland, and was constantly frustrated by her inability to pronounce the names of the hills she was climbing, let alone know what they might mean. On moving to Arran, to work in outdoors education, she started attending Gaelic lessons, going on to sit her Higher with Glasgow Kelvin College, and more recently graduating from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in An Cùrsa Adhartais. Alongside her work teaching field studies in environmental subjects, she started running Gaelic landscape walks. Now at Dundreggan, a highlight is getting to use Gaelic day-to-day: everything from delivering activities for children in Gaelic medium education, to teaching tour groups to say ‘slàinte’! She regularly represents Trees for Life in interviews with BBC Alba and Radio nan Gàidheal.
Eilidh Cameron Sykes is a Gaelic Speaker from Lochaber with a background in media, heritage, and outdoor culture. She works as a Gaelic Development Officer with Trees for Life and the National Trust for Scotland, and is the founder of Beinn Nibheis, the first outdoor sports retailer for and by women. Eilidh has also appeared on various TV shows such BBC Alba and Radio nan Gàidheal.
Brian Ó hEadhra is an internationally respected singer and culture-bearer based in the Highlands. His work spans traditional Gaelic song, composition, education, and community engagement. With decades of experience performing across Scotland and beyond, they bring a gentle, knowledgeable, and inclusive approach to teaching. Their company Anam Communications has published the acclaimed song book and album: Òrain Cèilidh Teaghlaich – The Family Cèilidh Gaelic Song Collection. Learn more at: brian-fionnag.com and brian-oheadhra.co
Imagine your retreat…
You will receive a finalised itinerary and kit list via email in the fortnight ahead of the residential. All meals are included and will be served in our An Nead café or as a packed lunch to take with you. Please note: activities, locations, and timings may be subject to change.
| Day One Fàilte! Settle in and feel welcome at Dundreggan. We’ll start the afternoon with a guided walk and learn why Gaelic is so important to Dundreggan. Once you get to know your host Franny and other like-minded people we will gather in the cafe for a homemade dinner and finish the evening with a wood fire lit in our tipi and use lichen to dye wool! |
| Day Two Start the morning right with a continental breakfast in our cafe, An Nead. Then we’ll chat away with Eilidh, Our Gaelic Officer and learn how she brings Gaelic to the community and she’ll no doubt share some Gaelic stories of the wider Glenmorriston area. Afterwards we will circle back to the cafe for lunch and maybe even a wee sweet treat. Wander with us on a guided walk and explore plants and placenames. Explore Dundreggan after dark and see hidden nature (bat detectors supplied!). |
| Day Three After a nice breakfast we will get started with a guided hill walk, exploring sites of old shielings and new areas of planting and regeneration: Gaelic and Rewilding, followed by a Gaelic Awareness Session to learn a quick crash course of Gaelic’s long history and evolution throughout the centuries. Then try Gaelic Singing with Brian Ó hEadhra and feel its emotional impact. Finally finish the night with a good old fashioned Highland Cèilidh! Dance away with songs in Scottish Gaelic and English, led by Brian Ó hEadhra. |
| Day Four Our final breakfast and preparations to check out and return room keys. Gather around to guess Dundreggan’s placenames and what their Gaelic names unveil about the landscape. Finally we’ll finish the retreat with a guided walk to reconsider our own relationship with Gaelic and what the future holds for the Scottish Gaelic language. |
Choose your retreat…
| This Includes: | Day Rate | Shared Occupancy Twin/Double Room | Single Occupancy Double Room |
| Price | £395.00 | £595.00 per person | £695.00 |
| Are meals included in the price? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can I access all of the activities and sessions? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| What accessibility options are there at Dundreggan? | We have a wheelchair accessible footpaths and toilets at our centre. Please get in touch if you have any questions. | We have a wheelchair accessible footpaths and toilets at our centre as well as accessible rooms available at An Spiris. Please get in touch if you have any questions. | We have a wheelchair accessible footpaths and toilets at our centre as well as accessible rooms available at An Spiris. Please get in touch if you have any questions. |
| Can I extend my stay in the hotel accommodation? | No, as this option does not include an overnight stay. | Yes | Yes |
| Will I have extra time to explore Dundreggan on your own? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Is there anywhere I can meet other guests during the retreat? | No | Yes, we have a communal room in our accommodation | Yes, we have a communal room in our accommodation. |
| Will I have complete privacy after the day is over? | No as no overnight stay included. | No, as this is a room mate rate | Yes, as this is a private room. |
Gaelic Experience Dates
Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 March 2027
Single occupancy double room: £725.00
Shared occupancy twin or double room: £625.00 per person
Day Rate (No accommodation) £525.00
Maximum 12 participants.
Monday 20 to Wednesday 22 September 2027
Single occupancy double room: £725.00
Shared occupancy twin or double room: £625.00 per person
Day Rate (No accommodation) £525.00
Maximum 12 participants.
Accommodation
Immerse yourself in the Caledonian forest with three nights in our accommodation, An Spiris. Stay in the double or twin en-suite rooms and relax in the comfortable and cosy communal space. Towels and bed linen are provided, and a boot room is available for drying outdoor gear.
Please get in touch if you would like to extend your stay (arriving sooner or staying extra nights) in An Spiris. The residentials have been scheduled to align with public bus timetables.