CITYWIDE SCHOOLS PROJECT 2026: ALIVE (BY SKIPINNISH)
In 2026, Glasgow CREATE invited all Primary and Primary ASN schools across the city to take part in a citywide singing project, following the overwhelming success of “It’s Our Home, Glasgow.” This year’s song was “Alive” by Skipinnish.
“Alive” is a joyful, uplifting anthem that reflects themes of resilience, joy, and connection to the world around us.
Permission was kindly granted by songwriter Angus MacPhail of Skipinnish, who also provided a Gaelic translation of the chorus (Sèist), giving the project a unique opportunity to celebrate Gaelic culture and the city’s rich musical identity.
The project culminated in a citywide video montage featuring 328 video submissions from 114 primary schools across Glasgow, premiered on 18th June 2026. You can watch the final film here: Watch ALIVE / Tha Thu Beò
The teaching materials, lyrics, and backing tracks used for this project remain below as a resource for classes wishing to learn and perform “Alive” in future.
Teaching Materials
The following materials are provided below:
- Teaching Videos: Step-by-step guides for each part of the song, delivered by CREATE YMI Tutors.
- Makaton Chorus Video: Ensuring accessibility for all learners
- Gaelic Sèist Video: A guide for learning the Gaelic Sèist (chorus).
- Lyric Sheet: Including English verses and Gaelic Sèist (chorus).
- Backing Track: High-quality version without vocals for performances.
- Guide Track: With vocals to support practise sessions and help pupils learn.
WHO SHOULD SING WHICH SECTION?
To ensure age-appropriate learning, we suggest the following year groups for each part of the song:
- Verse 1 & Chorus 1 (Slow Tempo): P3–P7
- Verse 2: P3–P4
- Chorus: All pupils
- Verse 3 & 4: P5–P7
- Sèist (Gaelic Chorus): Gaelic Learners
- Verse 5: P1–P2
- Outro (Final Chorus): All pupils
ABOUT THIS RESOURCE
While the 2026 citywide submission window has now closed, the teaching videos, lyric sheet, backing track, and guide track below remain available for any class wishing to learn “Alive” for their own performances, assemblies, or future projects.
