SpeakGaelic
A bheil sibh deiseil?
Overview
Joy Dunlop guides viewers through the first steps to inspire us to speak Gaelic. Throughout the series, she’ll introduce words and phrases on a variety of everyday topics. A Gaelic learner herself, Joy will support us through pronunciation and vocabulary on topics such as friends, family, home, work and weather. We’ll meet diligent learners who have embraced speaking Gaelic, from new learners to lapsed native speakers and the on-off learners who have improved their language skills over the decades. And, the intrepid Calum Maclean takes us on adventures to hidden treasures around Scotland. Supporting materials can be found online: www.speakgaelic.scot and in the SpeakGaelic podcasts on BBC Sounds.
Key Crew
Producer: Colin MacLeod
Top Cast
Seasons
Season 1 (2021)
The first series of SpeakGaelic, based at level A1.
13 episodes
Episodes
Episode 1: Caraidean Ùra | New Friends
2021-10-15Joy Dunlop takes us on our first steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 2: Àitichean | Places
2021-10-15Joy Dunlop guides us through the first basic steps to speak Gaelic. We meet Gaelic learner Clare Coghill and Calum Maclean surveys the streets of Glasgow in search of Greek architecture.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 3: An Aimsir | The Weather
2021-10-15We meet Gaelic learner Ben Geyer from Fife and Calum Maclean is in St Monans, finding out about the prosperity white gold brought to the area.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 4: Teaghlach | Family
2021-10-15We meet Gaelic learner Caroline Quinn from Trinidad and Tobago, while Calum Maclean is in Portmahomack, Easter Ross, learning about his heritage.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 5: Dachaigh | Home
2021-10-15Calum Maclean visits Airth in Stirlingshire where he discovers a fruity architectural surprise.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 6: Tìde | Time
2021-10-15We meet learner Sophie Day from Falkirk, and Calum Maclean keeps a keen eye on the tide while on the hunt for spectacular cave art on Davaar Island in the Mull of Kintyre.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 7: Obair | Work
2021-10-15Calum Maclean is in Glasgow taking a step back in time along the banks of the River Clyde. We also meet learners Audrey and Davy Paterson from Taynuilt.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 8: Tìde dheth | Time off
2021-10-15We meet circus performer and Gaelic learner Kit Rodman-Orr from Cumbernauld, and Calum Maclean takes a voyage of discovery to an unusual theatre.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 9: Biadh & Deoch | Food & Drink
2021-10-15Calum Maclean is on Scotland’s east coast where he’s hoping to have smoked fish for lunch.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 10: Ceannachd | Shopping
2021-10-15Calum Maclean visits an artistic and poetic railway tunnel in Colinton, Edinburgh.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 11: Latha gu Latha | Day to Day
2021-10-15Joy Dunlop meets learner and musician Teya-Jean Bawden who lives near Beauly, and Calum Maclean goes in search of some tasty match-day treats in Kilmarnock.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 12: Coltas Dhaoine | Describing People
2021-10-15We meet Gaelic learner Colin Scott Mackenzie who lives on the Isle of Lewis, and a poorly Calum Maclean tries out the healing properties of an ancient clootie well.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 13: Peataichean | Pets
2021-10-15We meet learner Keith Mackenzie from the Isle of Skye and Calum Maclean is in Argyll, on the hunt for one of Scotland’s more reclusive creatures.
Runtime: 29 minSeason 2 (2022)
The second series of SpeakGaelic, based at level A2.
13 episodes
Episodes
Episode 1: Càirdeas | Friendship
2022-03-14Joy Dunlop takes us on the next steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 2: Air Feadh An t-Saoghail | Around The World
2022-03-14We meet learner Andrew Gourlay from Fife, and Calum Maclean is in Perthshire to explore the myths connected to one of Britain’s oldest trees.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 3: Ràithean | Seasons
2022-03-14Long-time learner Rick Rennie joins Joy in the studio and Calum Maclean is in Argyll exploring the historic township of Auchindrain.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 4: Daoine is Dàimhean | People and Relationships
2022-03-14Calum Maclean is on the hunt for a world-famous dish which was created in an Indian restaurant in Glasgow.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 5: Aig An Taigh | In The House
2022-03-14Gaelic rapper Hammy Sgìth and learner Liam McCormick join Joy in the studio, while Calum Maclean takes to the wing in Glasgow, trying out a pastime in which many Scots participate.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 6: Planaichean | Plans
2022-03-14Musician and learner Andrew Findlater joins Joy in the studio and Calum Maclean takes an earthly walk provoking thoughts of space and the galaxies around us.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 7: An t-Àite-obrach | The Workplace
2022-03-14Learner Mirren Buchanan from Thurso chats to Joy in the studio, and Calum Maclean visits Ayrshire where he gets to know some powerful local inhabitants!
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 8: Cur-seachadan | Hobbies
2022-03-14Learner Emily MacDonald chats to Joy in the studio and Calum Maclean takes a wheeled adventure whilst charting the part Scotland played in the development of the bicycle.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 9: Air Splaoid | Out and About
2022-03-14North Uist native and learner John Gillies chats to Joy, and a hungry Calum Maclean is on a quest for a mouthwatering cheese course at a family dairy in Easter Ross.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 10: Anns a’ Bhaile | In the Town
2022-03-14Learner Maria Robertson from Aberdeen chats to Joy in the studio, and Calum Maclean dons his dancing shoes as he tries out Bhangra dancing in Edinburgh.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 11: Conaltradh | Communication
2022-03-14Learner Ilse Alim, who was raised in Germany, chats to Joy in the studio and Calum Maclean is in Scotland’s Book Town.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 12: Sgilean Dhaoine | People Skills
2022-03-14Learner Hamish Hepburn from Carrbridge chats to Joy in the studio and Calum Maclean indulges his sweet tooth as he learns about beekeeping in Easter Ross.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 13: Nàdar | Nature
2022-03-14Liam Alastair Crouse from the United States chats to Joy in the studio and Calum Maclean takes a boat trip to a colony of seabirds full of character.
Runtime: 28 minSeason 3 (2023)
The third series of SpeakGaelic, based at level B1.
26 episodes
Episodes
Episode 1: Ionnsachadh | Learning
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop takes us on further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 2: Còmhdhail | Transport
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 3: Àrainneachd | Environment
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 4: A' Bhodhaig | The Body
2023-01-09Claire Macleod from the Isle of Scalpay is Joy’s guest in the studio and Calum Maclean is on the hunt for some important pillars on the Isle of Skye.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 5: Taigheadas | Housing
2023-01-09Sara Robertson is Joy’s guest in the studio and chats about her unusual home, while Calum Maclean is on Great Bernera, trying to a find an unusual historic property.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 6: Faireachdainn | Feelings
2023-01-09Counsellor Dolina Munro joins Joy in the studio and Calum Maclean explores a different way to travel on a trip through the city of Edinburgh.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 7: Gnothachas | Business
2023-01-09Eilidh Cameron Sykes from Ballachulish joins Joy in the studio to talk about her business, and Calum Maclean visits a famous industrial village in Lanarkshire.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 8: Spòrs | Sports
2023-01-09Daniel Lennon chats to Joy in the studio about his sporting pastimes and Calum Maclean is in South Uist trying out a new sport in an historic landscape.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 9: Còcaireachd | Cooking
2023-01-09Fine Mayer, who grew up in Germany, chats to Joy in the studio, and a hungry Calum Maclean is on a quest for a famous mouth-watering soup in Morayshire.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 10: A’ Ghalltachd | The Lowlands
2023-01-09Melvin Oosterhuis from the Netherlands is Joy’s guest in the studio, and Calum Maclean visits a place of worship in a magnificent building in Glasgow’s west end.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 11: Naidheachdan | News
2023-01-09Megg McCredie from Crieff is Joy’s guest in the studio and Calum Maclean is in a small village on the Isle of Harris, which once attracted worldwide attention.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 12: Slàinte is Sunnd | Health & Wellbeing
2023-01-09Miriam Donaghey from the Isle of Lewis is Joy’s guest in the studio, and Calum Maclean is in a park in Edinburgh as he tests out an activity he’s never heard of or tried before!
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 13: Cuirmean Mòra | Big Occasions
2023-01-09Orchestral musician Liam Lynch from Dunfermline chats to Joy and Calum researches a traditional event which often precedes a wedding in many parts of rural Scotland.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 14: Nàbaidhean | Neighbours
2023-01-09Shona MacQueen from Drumnadrochit chats to Joy in the studio and Calum Maclean visits a mysterious hidden location close to the centre of the city of Inverness.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 15: Siubhal | Travel
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 16: Creideamh | Belief
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 17: A' Ghàidhealtachd | The Highlands
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 18: Teicneòlas | Technology
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 19: Fasan | Fashion
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 20: Na h-Eileanan | The Islands
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 21: Ealain | Art
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 22: Alba Nuadh | Nova Scotia
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 23: Miannan | Desires
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 24: Eachdraidh | History
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 25: So-sheasmhachd | Sustainability
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 26: Dualchas | Culture
2023-01-09Joy Dunlop continues to guide us through further steps to speak Gaelic.
Runtime: 29 minSeason 4 (2024)
The fourth series of SpeakGaelic, based at level B2.
14 episodes
Episodes
Episode 1: Foghlam | Education
2024-01-08The studio guest is Dr Marsaili MacLeod from Sutherland, and Calum Maclean is in Barra visiting one of the world’s most distinctive airports.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 2: Turasachd | Tourism
2024-01-08Joy Dunlop leads us on our Gaelic learning journey. Dr Teàrlach Wilson joins her in the studio, and Calum Maclean visits Govan on the hunt for an incredible collection of stones.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 3: Àiteachas | Farming
2024-01-08Joy Dunlop is joined by studio guest Ryan Dziadowiec to discuss his interest in farming. Calum Maclean visits an environmental renewal project in Argyll.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 4: Sòisealtas | Society
2024-01-08Tòmas MacAilpein is Joy’s studio guest and Calum Maclean is on an historical trail as he introduces us to the story of the heroic Vatersay Raiders.
Runtime: 27 minEpisode 5: Bailtean-mòra | Cities
2024-01-08Singer and Gaelic teacher Margaret Macleod Nicholson is Joy’s studio guest, and Calum Maclean visits Scotland’s newest city and once ancient capital, Dunfermline.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 6: Co-fhaireachdainn | Sympathy
2024-01-08The studio guest is Iain MacPherson who hails from Alberta, Canada, and Calum Maclean visits a thriving community project in Glasgow.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 7: Fastadh | Employment
2024-01-08How Seona McClintock became fluent in the language, and Calum Maclean heads out to sea with a hard-working crew who have saved many lives.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 8: Eacarsaich | Exercise
2024-01-08Climber Kenny Rankin, who grew up in Lochalsh, pops in, and Calum Maclean is in Uddingston trying his hand at a sport he last played in primary school.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 9: Aoigheachd | Hospitality
2024-01-08The studio guest is Michael Bauer, who was born and brought up in Germany. Calum Maclean is busy in the kitchen and waiting tables at a community event in Glasgow.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 10: Ionmhas | Finance
2024-01-08The guest is Fanch Bihan-Gallic who hails from Brittany, and Calum Maclean gets his hands on the local currency in the Findhorn Community in Morayshire.
Runtime: 27 minEpisode 11: Poilitigs | Politics
2024-01-08Political Journalist Niall O’Gallagher is Joy’s studio guest, and Calum Maclean visits a location in Islay which is both historic and political.
Runtime: 29 minEpisode 12: Leigheas | Medicine
2024-01-08The studio guest is chaplain Suzie Roberts, and Calum Maclean is in Rogart, Sutherland, seeking some relief from a sore shoulder.
Runtime: 28 minEpisode 13: Fèisean | Festivals
2024-01-08Abi Reid from Stirlingshire is Joy's guest, and Calum Maclean is in Islay visiting a distillery.
Runtime: 27 minEpisode 14: Coimhearsnachd | Community
2024-01-08Mark Wringe chats to Joy in the studio, and Calum Maclean learns about communities of a different kind when he visits a garden in Edinburgh.
Runtime: 29 minVideos
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