New York Caledonian Club Scottish Studies Program
As part of our educational mission, the Club provides classes on subjects such as Scottish Gaelic, traditional Scottish music and dance, and more. Classes are open to all and are designed to accommodate students of varying levels. The Club also sponsors and hosts concerts and keynote speakers at various events, workshops and panels pertaining to Scottish history and culture.
Scottish Gaelic Courses
The Fall and Winter/Spring 2025-2026 session offers year-long courses taught in two consecutive semesters. The first semester of Scottish Beginning Gaelic 101 is for absolute beginners with no previous Gaelic. Intermediate Scottish Gaelic 201 is the next level following the completion of the Beginning Gaelic course, or for those with the equivalent of one year’s study of Gaelic. Check below to sign up. All courses will be held virtually via ZOOM. You will receive a link after registration.
Your Gaelic instructor
Thomas Leigh
Gaelic Instructor
Thomas Leigh received his MA with honors in Gaelic Studies from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland in 1998.
He has taught Gaelic language classes since 1999 for many institutions including the Callanish School of Celtic Arts, the New Hampshire School of Scottish Arts, the Vermont Institute of Celtic Arts and various night school classes in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Thomas is also a musician and composer, playing several instruments—Scottish Highland bagpipes and small pipes, keyboards, and various drums and other percussion instruments. He has competed as a solo piper and is a member of the Catamount Pipe Band of Vermont. Together with his wife Maggie Carchrie, Thomas presents traditional music and dance performances at Senior Centers, Nursing Homes, and Libraries across Connecticut. Thomas has resided in Connecticut since 2005 where he lives with his Maggie, their two children, Rory and Mairi and cats Ted, Caitrìona, Archie and Clara.
Upcoming Scottish Studies Workshops