The provincial government announced on February 10, 2026, the renewal and expansion of the Nova Scotia Gaelic Language Bursary, which provides financial support for Nova Scotians to study Gaelic in Scotland. The program is open to applicants across the province and is expected to benefit communities such as Stellarton and the broader Pictou County.
The bursary will cover tuition and accommodation for up to 13 Nova Scotians enrolled in select programs at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Scotland’s national centre for Gaelic language and culture. Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage and Minister of Gaelic Affairs, said the program aims to strengthen language and cultural skills through immersive learning so recipients can pass the language on when they return.
The Office of Gaelic Affairs is administering the bursary and providing application information; the program is intended to support Gaelic revitalization in communities across the province, including Pictou County. Stellarton sits in a region with deep Gaelic roots that date back more than 250 years, beginning with the arrival of settlers such as those on the Ship Hector in 1773.
Applicants must be residents of Nova Scotia, aged 18 or older, and accepted into an eligible program at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. The Nova Scotia Gaelic Council says immersive, hands-on learning is an important part of keeping Gaelic traditions alive in everyday community life.
For more details and how to apply, the government’s news release links to the Office of Gaelic Affairs.
