A Celtic society (sometimes Highland society or Gaelic society more specifically) is a type of society at the four ancient universities of Scotland, and sometimes more broadly, at a city level, which were founded between the late 18th and mid-19th centuries in the wake of the Celtic Revival and Romanticism, with the primary aim of supporting the practical and academic study of the Scottish Gaelic language and culture. The student societies are the oldest at their respective universities, and were instrumental in campaigning for the establishment of academic departments dedicated to Gaelic studies.

St Andrews University Celtic Society, founded 1796, was among the first of these organisations.

List The following societies are extant and continue to promote Gaelic language and culture: Aberdeen University Celtic Society, founded Caledonian Club of London, founded Edinburgh University Highland Society, founded (preceded by the Ossianic Society, 1837–1848) Gaelic Society of London, founded Gaelic Society of Perth, founded Glasgow Highland Society, founded Glasgow University Ossianic Society, founded Highland Society of London, founded (coexisted in London for a while with Ancient Caledonian Society, 1786–1837) Lonach Highland and Friendly Society, founded Royal Celtic Society (originally Celtic Society of Edinburgh), founded Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (formerly Highland Society of Edinburgh or Highland Society of Scotland), founded St Andrews University Celtic Society, founded

See also

Saint Andrew's society or Caledonian society

References