The Royal Celtic Society
– Patron: HRH The Princess Royal –
For 200 years, the Royal Celtic Society has been at the cutting edge of activity to support the language, literature, music and culture of the Highlands and Western Islands of Scotland. The Society holds regular events for members, awards medals for excellence in music and literature and sponsors a wide range of organisations dedicated to the traditions, language and arts of the Highlands and Islands.
What We Support
Language
The Scottish Gaelic language continues to survive and thrive, despite two centuries of neglect that verges on persecution.
Music
The Bagpipes are probably the single most identifiable symbol of Scottish identity, but the oldest Highland musical instrument is the clarsach.
Literature
The Gaelic literary canon is one of the oldest in Europe, with the exceptions of Latin and Ancient Greek, combining rich oral and written traditions.
Culture
In the name of progress, the Highland way of life came under sustained attack during and after the 18th century, but it proved too resilient to be suppressed.
History of the Royal Celtic Society
The Celtic Society was founded in Edinburgh in 1820 by a group of Highlanders based in the city, supported by Edinburgh professionals including Sir Walter Scott, the Society’s first Vice President.
Royal Celtic Society News
Northern Meeting Solo Piping Competition 2026
Royal Celtic Society Evaluation Form Organisation Northern Meeting Charitable Piping Trust Project Name Northern Meeting Solo Piping Competition 2026 Project Description Adult solo piping competition, recognised Worldwide as one of the pre-eminent open piping events,...
Edinburgh International Harp Festival 2026 – Young Performers
Red Rory McGlip and the Fairy Harp Edinburgh International Harp Festival 2026 - Young Performers’ Concert On Saturday 11 April, the Edinburgh International Harp Festival’s Junior Ensemble took to the stage at George Watson’s College for Red Rory McGlip and the Fairy...
Report from the Glenfinnan Games 2026 – Royal Celtic Society.
The 2026 Glenfinnan Gathering was held on Saturday the 15th August. The weather was mixed but the crowd came prepared. It was an interesting year as the place felt crowded but the Gate numbers were slightly down on last year. The conclusion was that the Children’s...
Funding Grants
The Royal Celtic Society gives financial assistance to organisations, events and activities that support or develop the Society’s charitable objectives.
Please contact us for more information about applying for grants.
– Join Our Membership –
Please contact us for more information and any enquiries about our membership.