English Gàidhlig
Gaelic in Scotland
According to the 2011 Census, there are 57,375 Gaelic speakers in Scotland (approximately 1.1% of the population). Approximately 87,000 individuals claimed to have ‘some knowledge of Gaelic’ in 2011. Gaelic has shown a remarkable resilience in the face of challenges set against it historically, and in the modern era it is showing encouraging signs of renewal in certain demographics.
There is virtually an even split between the Highlands and the Lowlands. By far the highest percentage of Gaelic speakers within the local population are in the Outer Hebrides, followed by Skye and Lochalsh, the offshore islands of Argyll and Bute and specific areas in other authorities. Due to a long-term shift towards urban areas, there are now in the region of 10,000 speakers of Gaelic in the greater Glasgow area, and likewise a substantial number in the Edinburgh area (almost 6,000).
Figure 1: 2011 Gaelic speakers
Gaelic within sportscotland
Our corporate strategy, Sport for Life, set out a vision for an active Scotland where everyone benefits from sport. It outlines our commitment to inclusion underpinning everything we do. In this commitment, we can identify a clear parallel with the work of Bòrd na Gàidhlig. The Gaelic language is a vital part of our national identity. As such, it demands equal respect, more opportunities and greater accessibility.
The second edition of our Gaelic Language Plan, developed in accordance with the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act, outlines a clear, co-ordinated response that continues to build on our achievements from 2017-2022. It strengthens and emphasises sportscotland’s commitment to support the aims of the National Gaelic Language Plan 2018-23.
Our plan sets out the context for how our work supports Gaelic. It will enable us to communicate positive messages and facilitate opportunity for Gaelic development throughout sportscotland networks and the wider Scottish sporting community.
This second iteration of our Gaelic Language Plan was prepared under Section 3 of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and approved by Bòrd na Gàidhlig on 17th August 2023.
- sportscotland 2023-28 Gaelic Language Plan (English)
- sportscotland 2023-28 Gaelic Language Plan (Gaelic)
As a result of our first Gaelic Language Plan, sportscotland has:
- developed and implemented dual language branding and signage across our sites.
- mainstreamed translation of key corporate publications.
- provided Gaelic awareness and language training to staff.
- worked with local partners to support the delivery of leadership residentials for young people in Gaelic, through Active Schools.
- enabled the delivery of outdoor activity training and activities for young people, both through Gaelic language and bilingually.
- launched a new campaign and toolkit in Gaelic, to share the benefits of physical activity and sport.
We are committed to delivering the second edition of our Plan over the next four years. We will also take forward any outstanding or ongoing actions that are detailed in the first Plan.
You can read the progress we have made against our new plan in our 2023-24 progress report.
Previous plan
You can access our first Gaelic Language Plan - sportscotland 2017-22 Gaelic Language Plan
Cleachdi initiative
Bòrd na Gàidhlig and partners have developed the nationwide #cleachdi initiative to enable Gaelic speakers and learners to be more visible to one another and to promote the use of Gaelic in public spaces.
Learning Gaelic - More information on Gaelic learning opportunities for adults.
Useful links
- Young people and Gaelic - A bhith an sàs le Ghàidhlig Air-loidhne 2022 / Engaging with Gaelic Online 2022 - Young Scot Corporate
- Bòrd na Gàidhlig -
- Learning Gaelic - More information on Gaelic learning opportunities for adults.
Contact us
sportscotland welcomes feedback on our Gaelic Language Plan. If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch with Darren McKay, Darren.McKay@sportscotland.org.uk.
We welcome any communication in Gaelic and will aim to provide replies in Gaelic.
General enquiries email - sportscotland.enquiries@sportscotland.org.uk