The Scottish Gaelic Society of Victoria is a non-profit organisation of members who want to keep the Gaelic language alive. Our aim is to promote the study of the Scottish Gaelic language and culture in Victoria.

The Society organises:

1. A weekly language class during school terms

2. A choir that meets each Tuesday evening for practice

3. Ceilidhs (informal get-togethers)

4. Promotions - we participate in various events including the Celtic Festival at Portarlington, the Highland Games, and the Tartan Festival.

5. The Society runs a Gaelic chat Group – Buidheann Cabadaich - once a fortnight via Zoom on Saturdays from 5:00 to 6:00pm. This provides an opportunity for learners to practice their Gaelic speaking. You do not need to be a member of the Scottish Gaelic Society to join this group. To register email contact@scottishgaelicvictoria.org.au

Ar Buill - Chomhairle - Our Council Members

At the Annual General Meeting each May, in accordance with Clause 5 (i) of our Constitution, the management of the Society is vested in a Council comprising of a number of annually elected Office Bearers. Details of our council and constitution can be found here.

Ar Cìrean - Our Crest

We believe our crest represents unification rather than ownership.

Our Gaelic slogan 'Canain ar sinnsre' means 'Language of our Ancestors'. For the Gaels, the concept of a crest is thought to have derived from the custom of the servants of great men wear a symbol of their masters on their clothing. Similarly, it's claimed that clan chiefs gave representations of their crests to their followers. In any event, the custom probably dates from the Victorian era.

Ar Breacan - Our Tartan

In 2005 we adopted the Flower of Scotland tartan as our tartan. Our choir had already previously adopted this tartan in 1998. The tartan is not associated with any particular clan and is therefore considered particularly suitable for our Society, which is open for membership for anyone - Scot or not!

This specially created tartan was woven as a tribute to the late Roy Williamson, writer of the words and music of Scotland's national anthem, 'Flower of Scotland'. The colours of the tartan, Cornflower blue and Zephyr green, have been used to suggest the native bluebell and the thistle.