Strathspey is currently running an intensive Gaelic language and cultural program for teens called Na Guthan Òga | The Young Voices. The primary goal of this program is to create social opportunities for intermediate and advanced level youth to develop speaking skills and build relationships together in Gaelic. The teens meet weekly for Gaelic sessions where they work on conversation, transcribe local Gaelic recordings, play games and prepare and eat supper together.

As an exciting addition to this program, the youth have been Skyping weekly with Gaelic-speaking teens in the Outer Hebrides. Each of our youth participants have been paired up with two students from Sgoil Lioncleit in Benbecula. Our participants have been getting acquainted with their new friends, learning about their families and communities. Some youth from both groups have Gaelic in the home, while others have been learning the language at school and in community. It is truly amazing to hear twenty teenagers speaking Gaelic and having laughs together despite an entire ocean separating them. We see great potential for more sharing between our group and our new friends in Benbecula.