ScotlandsFest: Reviving Scots – The Language They Couldn't Silence

ScotlandsFest: Reviving Scots – The Language They Couldn't Silence

Luath Press / Clive YoungProfessional company

60 minutesHall
Scotland's other national tongue has been misunderstood and (officially) mistreated for centuries. Though weakened by long neglect, Scots stubbornly endures as a rich part of Scotland's everyday speech and culture. Now belatedly on the verge of official recognition, can Scots be rehabilitated as a "proper" minority language like Gaelic? Dr Clive Young, author of Unlocking Scots: The Secret Life of the Scots Language, believes so and leads you on a quest to unveil the hidden history, surprising linguistic verve and feasible future of the language they just couldn't silence.

About the show

This 60-minute talk by Dr Clive Young, author of Unlocking Scots: The Secret Life of the Scots Language, explores the history and possible future of the Scots language. Presented by Luath Press / Clive Young at the Hall during Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the session charts how Scots has endured centuries of neglect and misunderstanding and asks whether it can now gain recognition as a minority language alongside Gaelic. Suitable for audiences aged 14 and over. Tickets are £10 with a concession available.

Why see this show?

A genuinely thought-provoking hour on a language hiding in plain sight across Scotland's everyday speech. Dr Young brings both scholarly depth and genuine advocacy to a question with live political resonance.

Event Details

Monday 4 August 2025

All performances at 15:00

60 minutes

Hall

14 Johnston Terrace

View on map

1 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

Ticket Price

£10 (7)

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the talk?

The talk runs for 60 minutes.

Where does the event take place?

It is held at the Hall as part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Is there an age guidance?

Yes, the event is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are £10, with a concession rate of £7.

Who presents the talk?

Dr Clive Young, author of Unlocking Scots: The Secret Life of the Scots Language, leads the session.

What is the talk about?

It explores the hidden history, linguistic character and potential future of the Scots language, including whether it can be rehabilitated as a recognised minority language like Gaelic.

About This Performance

ScotlandsFest: Reviving Scots – The Language They Couldn't Silence is a spoken word performance at Hall during Edinburgh Festival 2025. Running for 60 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.

Experience the magic of live performance at Edinburgh Festival. Each show offers something unique and memorable.

Venue: Hall

Hall is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.

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Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £10

Age Guidance: 14+

Content Warnings: None

Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2025

Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.ScotlandsFest: Reviving Scots – The Language They Couldn't Silence represents the creative spirit that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

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