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.
READ MORE: Scottish independence: Boris Johnson responds as Nicola Sturgeon sets indyref2 date
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.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel