Economic development
| One of the most important recent shifts in opinion is that the Gaelic language and culture is now seen as a powerful motor for economic development if harnessed in the right way. Development agencies are increasingly geared to exploit the economic opportunities which Gaelic offers.
Educational and cultural development is fundamental to the regeneration of Gaelic but it is through the main-stream commercial application of Gaelic that prosperity and employment gains are likely to be most substantial. Ascribing a greater commercial worth to the language will undoubtedly raise its profile, stimulate demand for its use and justify increased educational provision, particularly when wealth and jobs are created. Obvious economic and employment opportunities are likely to emerge in the service sector as Gaelic is reoriented towards growth. Such opportunities are likely to include translation, printing, advertising and marketing, information processing, Gaelic-related computer software, restaurants, pubs and hotels with a Gaelic ambience, professional musicians and other entertainers. The production of Gaelic signs, stationery and souvenirs, and other Gaelic goods, represents another area of opportunity. Further expansion may also be expected in book publishing which has grown rapidly in recent years to meet increasing demand, particularly for children's books. As it evolves and diversifies, the Royal National Mod is developing a Gaelic trade fair. Fundamental to successful growth of Gaelic commerce will be quality coupled with mechanisms which maximise profit retention within the Gaelic community. Besides specifically Gaelic-based businesses, there will be increasing marketing advantage and scope for a wide spectrum of normal commercial operators to adopt a Gaelic face, be they in retail, leisure, transport, distilling, brewing, food, land, the cultural economy or other sectors. By thus reflecting Gaelic's growing status, such firms stand - in time - to gain market advantage. In the process, other aspects of Gaelic development will be reinforced. It is likely that profit making but non-profit distributing community enterprises will feature in the range of businesses featuring Gaelic. The total gross output of the Gaelic economy in 1993 (with multipliers) was calculated to be £41 million. For a relatively modest investment in national terms, Gaelic development represents a major opportunity for economic regeneration. Furthermore, much of the Gaelic-related activities will be a factor in retaining population in rural areas and the jobs created will frequently be of high income and status. |
