The focus of this page is to provide an extensive list of Scottish Gaelic learning materials, and give you some solid sources for finding them.  When first approaching Scottish Gaelic (especially in the US), it may seem that there are very few learning materials available, and that they are very expensive.  Fortunately neither is true if you know where to go.  It took me several years to find the best sources, I hope this list will be helpful.  All prices are in US dollars.

As a general note, I have found The Gaelic Books Council to be an extremely reliable, responsive, and reasonably priced source for mail-ordering Gaelic materials.

Language study

• Teach Yourself Gaelic by Boyd Robertson and Iain Taylor, NTC Publishing Group (ISBN 0-8442-3776-0).  This is probably the most commonly available book in the US.  You can find it at any of the larger chain bookstores (like Barnes & Noble or online at Amazon.com) in a package with two audio tapes for around $25.  It is a fairly good, friendly survey of Gaelic grammar.  The tapes give you a chance to hear native speakers.  It feels a little disorganized, and I think that the conversations, explanations, and exercises are too brief, though the pronunciation guide at the beginning is worthwhile. This is effective for a class, or study group, and for extremely persistent individuals.  For the average person learning on their own, this is a good second text, but there are other introductory materials that will probably be more effective for you.
  
• Scottish Gaelic in Three Months by Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh, Hugo's Language Books Ltd. (ISBN 0-85285-234-7).  This is fairly easy to find at the larger chain bookstores in a package with two audio tapes for around $25.  It is a good academic survey of Gaelic grammar, with no pictures, but very readable and detailed explanations.  It jumps from topic to topic, and feels a little disorganized.  This is effective for a class, or study group, and individuals interested in understanding the details of Gaelic grammar.  I've never actually listened to the tapes so I can't comment on them.
  
• Speaking Our Language from Cànan (ISBN 1-897873-00-X) the publishing arm of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig - the Gaelic College on Skye.  This is my personal favorite set of materials for beginners, I highly recommend them for the average beginner, however they are relatively expensive (at least your money goes to support the Gaelic community).  The books are colorful, simple, and fun.  The best part is the audio tapes, which are interactive, and give you a chance to listen to several different accents.  You can also buy videos that help to introduce the words and concepts, let you see the speakers mouths, and provide some more interactive practice.  The best thing about this series is that all the pieces complement each other, however they are made to be used independently as well, so you can listen to the tapes while driving, without having to refer to the book.  If you can afford the videos they are well worth the money (make sure you order the NTSC formatted videos for North America, not PAL formatted).  
  
  If you order the materials directly from Cànan, they offer discounted packages that provide significant savings.  One package with the first two books and three audio tapes sells for around $36 + shipping.  Another package including the videos is by far the best deal you will find.  Unfortunately Cànan does not always provide the most responsive and accurate service (though I've personally been satisfied with them).  Most North American sources mark up the price significantly, 150% and more.  A reliable, responsive source, with reasonable prices, is The Gaelic Books Council, which sells the materials individually.  You'll pay about $55 + shipping for all the stuff in the package mentioned above.  
  
• Cothrom Ionnsachadh
  
• Gaelic, Self Taught
  
• An Introduction to Scottish Gaelic
  
• Gaelic Made Easy
  
• Bun Chursa Gaidhlig
  
• Can Seo

Dictionaries

• MacLennon's Dictionary
• Dwelly's Illustrated dictionary
• Renton & MacDonald
• Owen's
• Thompson's
• McBains Dictionary
• MacIntyre's School Dictionary

For places to purchase these items in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area, please see the Contacts page.

For places to purchase these items by mail order on the Internet, please see the Links page.