Gaelic’s economic impact in Scotland
We recently noted the occasion of a council vote taken in the Highlands, which had the potentially surprising subject of bilingual road sign deployment in the area as its subject - bilingual signs survived, by 36 votes for to 29 against.
The Gaelic Language Act has seen significant developments in how the language is promoted and protected, and this is also being supported by the impending launch of the recently approved Gaelic Digital Service on television, radio and online, to be operated by the Gaelic Media Service, tin partnership with the BBC, which recently launched a Gaelic-language news website.
This week sees the announcement of a study by public agencies into the effect Gaelic has on economic growth in Scotland, funded by Careers Scotland, Bòrd na Gà idhlig and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). Part of the study will consider how many organisations have staff employed where Gaelic is deemed an essential skill for the work they do. Some 250 organisations in Scotland will be sent questionnaires aimed at identifying key aspects of jobs and communications where the use of Gaelic is relevant or essential, such as translators, teachers, broadcasting and creative industries.
Highland Council has also indicated its plans to set up a Gaelic translation unit, which would provide the authority and other public bodies with a quality translation service, and will be seeking approval to start setting up the unit within the next few days.
