An Comunn Gàidhealach ([əŋ ˈkʰomən̪ˠ ˈkɛː.əlˠ̪əx] ), literally The Gaelic Association) is an organisation in Scotland which seeks to promote Scottish Gaelic language and culture, following in the footsteps of the Gaelic Athletic Association or GAA in Ireland.
Founded as a vehicle for the preservation and development of the Gaelic language, An Comunn Gàidhealach actively encourages the teaching, learning and use of the Gaelic language, and the study and cultivation of Gaelic literature, history, music and art.[1]
An Comunn Gàidhealach founded and runs the Royal National Mod (Scottish Gaelic: Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail), a popular festival of Gaelic music, arts and culture.[2] Its offices are in Inverness. Its Patron is Queen Elizabeth.
The magazine of An Comunn Gàidhealach was originally known as Deò-ghrèine, but was later re-named An Gaidheal, and then Sruth.
An Comunn Gàidhealach Ameireaganach ('The American Gaelic Society') is a similar language and cultural organization, run by volunteers in Canada and North America.
Like its Scottish counterpart, ACGA sponsors a national Mòd, as well as a variety of regional gatherings. The group is well known for its Gaelic language immersion events, and for hosting the ACGA Gaelic Song and Language Week every summer.[3]
The ACGA provides charitable services by way of their Gaidhealtachd Support Grants program, which provides funding 'to organizations and individuals not substantially connected to ACGA for the purpose of advancing the Gaelic language.' Past recipients include Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college on the Isle of Skye, and Lews Castle College in the Western Isles.[4]
The magazine of An Comunn Gàidhealach Ameireaganach is An Naidheachd Againne, published out of Denver, Colorado.
An Comunn Gàidhealach should not be confused with Comunn na Gàidhlig.