Bòrd na Gàidhlig Opens Early Years Education Fund for 2026/27

Grants support Gaelic-medium sessions for children aged 0 to 3

Bòrd na Gàidhlig has opened its Early Years Education Fund to support voluntary and third sector early years groups in Scotland delivering Gaelic sessions for children aged 0 to 3.

The grant aims to help groups provide sustained access to Gaelic early years provision, increase progression into Gaelic-medium learning at key transition stages and improve awareness among families of bilingualism and Gaelic-medium education. It also seeks to help parents access resources and opportunities to support Gaelic use with children at home and in the community.

Two levels of support are available, depending on how often sessions are delivered. Groups running one session per week can apply for up to £4,000. Groups delivering more than one session per week can apply for up to £15,000.

Support is intended for costs associated with delivering Gaelic-medium sessions for young children.

Applicants are expected to show how their group is open to and benefits the whole community, and how activities contribute to the aims of the National Gaelic Language Plan, including increasing Gaelic usage, increasing Gaelic learning and promoting a positive image of Gaelic.

Activities supported through the grant should start from 1 August 2026 and be completed by 2 July 2027.