Voluntary Gaelic Language Plans – FAQs

Gaelic language plans are prepared to increase the capacity of an organisation to support the usage, status, and acquisition of Gaelic as part of its functions.

Gaelic language plans enable members of the public who may wish to use Gaelic in conducting their daily business with your organisation and enables your employees to use Gaelic in the workplace as part of their normal duties.

By developing a Gaelic language plan or policy your organisation helps secure the status of Gaelic as an official language of Scotland commanding equal respect to the English language. Private and third sectors in Scotland have a vital role to play in ensuring that Gaelic remains alive as a language and recovers in future.

Gaelic language plans help ensure that Gaelic continues to be used and that the linguistic diversity of the whole of Scotland is enriched.

Voluntary Gaelic language plans do not have to be approved by Bòrd na Gàidhlig unlike statutory Gaelic language plans. We are, however, happy to receive a copy of your plan for our records.

It may cost more in the short term but there are long-term benefits and costs can be kept to a minimum through effective planning. More information is available here.

Bilingual branding is used as standard internationally and has been shown to increase brand strength if developed creatively. Gaelic provides a unique selling point and distinctiveness to an organisation. Again, planning and ‘thinking bilingually’ from the outset is key. More information is available here.

Research has shown that this is not the case and that in fact Gaelic engages interest and often provides a ‘feel good’ factor. Many people will already have more than one language and will be well acquainted with using two languages or more daily.

Remain focussed on the long-term picture – development increases demand but there may be a time lag. Review the extent to which the use of these services is promoted and encouraged.

Bilingual staff can carry out their role in Gaelic and English and can switch between languages, representing added value. If staff are up skilled, they become more confident and committed and can respond to all customers effectively.

You can access Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Statutory Gaelic Language Plans webpages here where there are various tools and resources which you may find helpful.  Feel free to contact Bòrd na Gàidhlig if you have any questions.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig has several funding schemes which may support elements of your language plan, such as training, events, and collaborations.  Please see our Funding webpages here for more information or contact Bòrd na Gàidhlig directly.