£1m pledged to create ‘areas of linguistic significance’ to help Gaelic thrive

Cash to help implement one of the “most important measures” of legislation which gave the Gaelic language official status has been announced by the Government.

The Scottish Languages Act – passed last year by Holyrood – paves the way for “areas of linguistic significance” to be created in Gaelic communities, helping ministers better target support to grow the language.

As Scotland’s largest celebration of Gaelic culture and music gets under way, Education, Culture and Gaelic Secretary Mairi McAllan confirmed more than £1m of funding to help local authorities prepare to designate these new areas.

She said bringing in areas of linguistic significance would “sustain Gaelic” in Scotland and “help it to thrive”.

Speaking at the start of the Royal National Mòd, which is taking place in Glasgow, McAllan said: “In the year that has passed since the last Royal National Mòd, Gaelic can now claim – alongside Scots – official status as a language of Scotland, thanks to the Scottish Languages Act.

“Among the Act’s most important measures is the introduction of areas of linguistic significance, which will sustain Gaelic through a range of activities in which speakers can use the language and help it to thrive.

“I am pleased to report strong progress is being made, with more than £1m allocated to support preparatory work required to designate these areas.”

The cash will help fund staff training to deliver Gaelic community events in the Western Isles, along with support for Gaelic workshops and improved services in the Highlands.

McAllan added: “Once this happens, the Scottish Government and its public bodies will further focus support on improving economic and social opportunities which help the growth of the Gaelic language for generations to come.”