Gaelic's growing role in the Highlands and Islands

Leugh sa Ghàidhlig

Gaelic plays a significant role across the Highlands and Islands, contributing to community resilience, cultural development and sustainable economic growth.

Having a powerful social, cultural and economic role in the Highlands and Islands, its value to local people and businesses has never felt stronger.

More organisations are embracing Gaelic to celebrate identity, build connections with customers and create exciting new opportunities for growth, all at a time when demand for authentic cultural experiences is rising fast.

At HIE, we have long recognised the economic and social potential of Gaelic. Over six decades we’ve worked closely with Gaelic-speaking communities. The language has become an increasingly central part of our development approach.

We’ve welcomed the Scottish Languages Act and look forward to working closely with communities and partner agencies as the legislation is implemented. The Act will enable local authorities to designate Areas of Linguistic Significance, strengthening recognition of Gaelic within local planning and development.

Since the publication of our first Gaelic Plan in 2009, we have continued to explore how Gaelic supports key sectors such as tourism, food and drink, digital media and the creative industries. Today, businesses are using Gaelic to enhance brand authenticity and connect with audiences who value cultural heritage.

In the Outer Hebrides, the growth of the visitor economy, supported by developments such as the Stornoway deep-water port, has created new opportunities for Gaelic-led experiences. Cruise operators and service providers are responding to increasing demand for bilingual interpretation, genealogy-based activities and immersive cultural content.

Gaelic is also becoming a more visible part of business development, supported by partners including our local authorities and Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

As employers explore how Gaelic can strengthen their workforce strategies, SDS is helping to build the skills needed for long-term growth, from apprenticeships in tourism and creative media to employer support for cultural capability and bilingual customer service.

Bringing language, skills and economic development together strengthens rural communities, creates local job opportunities, and supports population retention in areas where it’s most needed.

Many businesses across the region are embedding Gaelic into everyday operations, from signage and interpretation to digital storytelling and product development.

The redevelopment of the Calanais Visitor Centre in the Isle of Lewis is a great example.  Once complete, it will feature a modern, bilingual visitor experience rooted in the landscape, language, culture and heritage of Lewis. Gaelic will be part of the interpretation as well as part of everyday spoken life in the running of the centre and the wider community, shaping how visitors are welcomed and how local stories are told.

Earlier this week, we commissioned new research to deepen understanding of Gaelic’s economic, social and cultural impact. It is being led by HIE with the Scottish Government, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and VisitScotland and will gather evidence from businesses, communities and social enterprises using Gaelic across Scotland. It will identify where investment can deliver the greatest benefit and assess Gaelic’s current and future economic contribution, particularly in tourism. The findings will help us and our partners target support where it matters most.

Across the region, I see daily how businesses and communities are using Gaelic in practical, meaningful ways, from producers strengthening brand identity to hospitality and community groups creating bilingual experiences and new income streams.

That’s why HIE is placing focus on the language within our development approach. As our economy evolves, Gaelic is becoming an important driver of confidence, creativity and opportunity.

The years ahead offer significant potential for Gaelic‑led economic growth, and we are committed to helping communities and businesses across the region realise that opportunity.