Communities, organisations and businesses - help shape the future of Gaelic by taking part in Argyll and Bute Council’s draft Gaelic Language Plan 2027–2032 consultation.
The draft Plan sets out how the Council will work in partnership with others to deliver on the Gaelic Language Act and secure a vibrant, long-term future for Gaelic across Argyll and Bute.
It builds on previous Gaelic Language Plans and outlines a practical, forward-looking programme of actions aligned with the National Gaelic Language Plan 2023–2028, focusing on:
- Increasing the number of Gaelic speakers and learners
- Expanding the use of Gaelic in communities and online
- Creating supportive environments in education, media and public services
The Council is keen to hear from interested parties about what actions are most important and if there is anything in the draft Plan that could be improved. Feedback from the consultation will be reviewed and reported to Councillors later in the year before submitting the Plan to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for final approval.
Argyll is widely recognised as the historic heartland of Scots Gaelic, with the language spoken here since around the 5th century. Today, Gaelic remains central to the area’s identity—woven into its culture, communities and landscape.
From music, song and storytelling to place names that describe the land and its history, Gaelic continues to connect people with place. Interest in Gaelic is also growing, particularly among younger generations, with more children and young people engaging in Gaelic Medium Education and learner pathways.
Gaelic is not only a vital part of Argyll and Bute’s heritage—it is also a key contributor to the region’s future. It strengthens tourism, supports the creative industries and plays an important role in place branding, helping distinguish Argyll and Bute within the Highlands and Islands economy.
With over 2,000 Gaelic learners in local schools and 70% of primary schools offering Gaelic learning opportunities, the language continues to thrive in education and community life.
The Plan has been developed through collaboration with partners, engagement with communities and—crucially—the voices of children and young people.
Councillor Luna Martin, Policy Lead for Gaelic, said:
“Gaelic not only connects us to the past, but enriches our future by supporting community wellbeing and economic resilience. Argyll and Bute has a nationally significant role in Scotland’s Gaelic landscape, and this consultation is an opportunity for everyone to have their say and help shape how Gaelic develops in our communities for years to come. We want to hear from as many people as possible, whether you are a Gaelic speaker, learner, supporter—or simply interested in the future of the language—your input is vital.”
To comment on the draft Gaelic Language Plan visit https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/draft-gaelic-language-plan-consultation
Coimhearsnachdan, buidhnean is gnothachasan – cuidich le àm teachdail na Gàidhlig a chumadh le pàirt a ghabhail ann an co-chomhairleachadh dreachd Plana Gàidhlig 2027–2032 aig Earra-Ghàidheal is Bòd.
Tha an dreachd Plana a’ mìneachadh mar a bhios a’ Chomhairle ag obair ann an com-pàirteachas le càch gus lìbhrigeadh air Achd na Gàidhlig agus àm teachdail beòthail fad-amail na Gàidhlig a dhèanamh tèarainte air feadh Earra-Ghàidheal is Bhòid.
Tha e a’ togail air Planaichean Gàidhlig roimhe agus a’ mìneachadh prògram adhartach dèanadach de ghnìomhan a tha co-thaobhaichte le Plana Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig 2023–2028, a’ cuimseachadh air:
- meudachadh àireamh luchd-labhairt agus luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig
- leudachadh cleachdadh na Gàidhlig sna coimhearsnachdan agus air-loidhne
- cruthachadh àrainneachdan taiceil ann am foghlam, meadhanan agus seirbheisean poblach
Tha a’ Chomhairle dèidheil air cluinntinn bho phàrtaidhean le ùidh mu dheidhinn nan gnìomhan as cudromaiche agus nì sam bith san dreachd Plana a ghabhadh fheabhasachadh. Thèid ath-sgrùdadh a dhèanamh air an ais-fhiosrachadh bhon cho-chomhairleachadh agus bidh e air aithris do Chomhairlichean nas fhaide air adhart sa bhliadhna, mus cuirear am Plana gu Bòrd na Gàidhlig airson aonta dheireannach.
Tha Earra-Ghàidheal is Bòd air fhaicinn fada is farsaing mar chridhe eachdraidheil Gàidhlig na h-Alba, leis a’ chànan air a labhairt an seo bhon 5mh linn. San latha an-diugh, tha a’ Ghàidhlig fhathast aig cridhe dearbh-aithne na sgìre – air a fighe a-steach don chultar, coimhearsnachdan agus cruth-tìre.
Bho cheòl, òrain agus innse-sgeulachdan gu ainmean-àite a tha a’ toirt iomradh air an fhearann agus eachdraidh, tha Gàidhlig a’ leantainn air daoine a cho-cheangal le àite. Tha ùidh ann an Gàidhlig a’ fàs, gu h-àraid am measg nan ginealaichean nas òige, le barrachd chloinne agus dhaoine òga a’ gabhail com-pàirt ann am Foghlam tro Mheadhan na Gàidhlig agus slighean luchd-ionnsachaidh.
Chan eil a’ Ghàidhlig mar phàirt dheatamach de dhualchas Earra-Ghàidheal is Bhòid a-mhàin – tha a’ Ghàidhlig mar prìomh thabhartaiche don sgìre mu choinneamh an ama ri teachd. Tha i a’ neartachadh turasachd, cur taic ris na gnìomhachasan cruthachail agus a’ coileanadh dreuchd chudromach ann am branndadh àite, a’ cuideachadh le Earra-Ghàidheal is Bòd a chomharrachadh taobh a-staigh eaconamaidh na Gàidhealtachd ’s nan Eilean.
Le còrr air 2,000 neach-ionnsachaidh Gàidhlig sna sgoiltean ionadail agus 70% de bhun-sgoiltean a’ tabhann chothroman ionnsachaidh Gàidhlig, tha an cànan a’ leantainn ri soirbheachadh ann am foghlam agus beatha coimhearsnachd.
Tha am Plana air a leasachadh tro cho-obrachadh le com-pàirtichean, conaltradh le coimhearsnachdan - agus gu cudromach, le guthan chloinne agus dhaoine òga.
Thuirt an Comhairliche, Luna Mhàrtainn, Stiùiriche Poileasaidh don Ghàidhlig:
“Chan eil a’ Ghàidhlig gar ceangal ris an àm a dh’fhalbh a-mhàin, ach a’ saidhbhreachadh ar n-àm ri teachd le bhith a’ cur taic ri sunnd coimhearsnachd agus seasmhachd eaconamach. Tha àite nàiseanta sònraichte aig Earra-Ghàidheal is Bòd ann an cruth-tìre na h-Alba, agus tha an co-chomhairleachadh seo na dheagh chothrom do gach neach am beachd a thoirt seachad agus cuideachadh le leasachadh na Gàidhlig a chumadh sna coimhearsnachdan againn thar nam bliadhnaichean ri teachd. Tha sinn airson cluinntinn bho na ghabhas de dhaoine, eadar gu bheil thu nad labhairtiche Gàidhlig, neach-ionnsachaidh, neach-taic – no dìreach le ùidh ann an àm teachdail na Gàidhlig – tha d’ in-chur deatamach.”
Gus beachd a thoirt air an dreachd Plana Gàidhlig, tadhailibh air https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/draft-gaelic-language-plan-consultation
