| Columba Project Iomairt Cholm Cille | |
| Formation: | 1997 |
| Headquarters: | Belfast, Gaoth Dobhair & Inverness |
| Type: | Pan-Gaelicism Gaelic languages Gaelic culture |
| Founder: | Foras na Gaeilge Bòrd na Gàidhlig |
| Website: | colmcille.net |
The Columba Project (Gaelic: Iomairt Cholm Cille), formerly known as the Columba Initiative, is a program for Gaelic speakers in Scotland and Ireland to meet each other more often, and in so doing to learn more of the language, heritage and lifestyles of one another. It was named after Colm Cille (St Columba, 521 - 597 AD), whose monasteries shaped and spanned the Gaelic world of Ireland and Scotland.
It involves Scotland and Ireland, but not the Isle of Man, which has its own Gaelic language, Manx. However the Isle of Man has become increasingly involved in the Initiative in recent years. The Initiative provides a channel for interaction, cultural exchange and relationship building over complex geographical and political boundaries. Its activities include community exchanges, cultural events, language courses and an annual youth parliament.
It was launched in 1997 by the President of Ireland, Mary Robinson and Brian Wilson MP, Scottish Minister of State for Education, Industry and Gaelic:
"to foster support for the Gaelic language and develop links between Gaelic Scotland and Ireland."
The immediate inspiration for the project came from Mary Robinson's Sabhal Mòr Lecture in 1997, at which she spoke of the possibility of creating "an island space" for Gaelic language and culture. The Scottish office of the initiative is therefore located at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye.
The Columba Initiative was inspired by the demand from Gaelic speakers in Scotland and Ireland for the chance to meet each other more often, and in so doing to learn more of the language, heritage and lifestyles of one another. This interaction is intended to support Gaelic-speaking communities in Ireland and Scotland in the present and future. It aims through its work: