Talks + Tours / Glasgow’s Gaelic place names

Uncover the Gaelic roots hidden beneath our city’s streets, in this illuminating workshop with Dr Alasdair C. Whyte: author of Glasgow’s Gaelic Place-Names (Birlinn, 2023), Scottish Government Gaelic Ambassador of the Year 2019, and an award-winning Gaelic singer. This talk will take you back to Glasgow’s rural, medieval past through the lens of its place-names, considering how these names might inform the city’s future. Research of place-names is inherently rooted in discovery: the excavation of the origins of names; the amplification of voices from the past; and the revealing of past landscapes.

Discover how Shettleston preserves the memory of a medieval woman, Nighean Sheadna, learn how Gartnavel's name recalls long-vanished orchards, try out pronunciations and even learn some Gaelic music composed in the shipyards of the Clyde.

No prior knowledge or experience required. This is a free event, but we have limited spaces available, so book now to avoid disappointment!

free (booking recommended)

Thu 17 September 2026
1pm–2pm

St Mungo Museum
Castle Street
Glasgow G4 0RH