Cultural heritage – the new black of tourism

Cultural tourism is a multi-million pound market segment, and in the Highlands and Islands we are richly endowed.

Not least is the Gaelic language itself, which in the past two decades has seen a strong revival and now has a bright future. Increasing numbers of native speakers thanks to Gaelic medium schools, a vibrant music scene and the burgeoning Gaelic TV industry has helped put the language onto the strongest footing it has enjoyed in generations.

Around the growing interest in Gaelic, both in Scotland and further afield, has developed a healthy new tourism market and a greater appreciation of the importance the language plays within the industry. In an age of global competition, Gaelic and the culture of the Highlands and Islands are differentiators to be thankful for.

To this end, Highland Council has appointed a new Gaelic Development Manager to spearhead its promotion of the Gaelic language and culture. He is Donald MacNeill, a native Gaelic speaker who has wide experience in the public sector and in the media.

Donald said: “I am very much looking forward to getting to grips with this new role. There is no doubt that Gaelic is a fundamental part of what makes the Highlands different and special. It’s an integral part of the area’s heritage, but it’s also making a real contribution to the area’s economy and vibrancy in the 21st century. The Council’s Gaelic Language Plan has real potential to enhance the language’s status within the next three or four years.”

The need for statutory Gaelic Development plans flows from the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act of 2005 and The Highland Council was one of the first public bodies in the country to be charged with the requirement to produce a Plan. It is hoped this will be formally approved shortly allowing the development work to get underway. The Plan is far-reaching and is intended to cement and improve the role and use of Gaelic across all the Council’s services from education to road signs, or from promoting its use in the home and community to working to enhance its contribution to cultural activity and the arts.