'Major success' as the number of Scottish Gaelic speakers doubles

THE number of Scots who can speak some Gaelic has doubled from 15% in 2012 to 30%, the latest Scottish Social Attitudes survey has found.

Bord Na Gaidhlig, the principal body in Scotland responsible for promoting Gaelic development, has hailed the survey as a major success for the language, with findings showing significant support and awareness throughout the country.

More than half of the people (56%) surveyed by Scottish Social Attitudes (SSA) would also like to see the number of Gaelic speakers increase.

Young people, those with a greater knowledge of Gaelic, and those who have experienced greater exposure to the language were key to its growth. The survey shows that those who came in contact with Gaelic are more likely to hold positive views.

More than half of those surveyed (55%) believe that all children in Scotland between five and 15 should be taught Gaelic in school – a major rise from 38% in 2020.

Mairi MacInnes, chair at Bord Na Gaidhlig, said: “We welcome this latest report from the Scottish Social Attitudes survey. These results are excellent news, and show the widespread support for Gaelic, which bodes well for its future.

“The rise in the usage of Gaelic is vital to preserving and growing the language for years to come, and we will continue to work tirelessly to provide support and solutions to help continue this growth.”

Education Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The rise in people speaking some Gaelic and support for its continued increase shows this Government’s commitment to promote and develop the language is having a meaningful impact

photo : Education Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville welcomed the announcement