Gaelic language plan proposed for Skye and Raasay

By Jamie McDonald

A public meeting is being held next week to launch a community language plan for Skye and Raasay.

Organisers say the event is open to anyone interested in the future of Gaelic and its culture across the islands.

Those attending will hear about opportunities presented by the plan and how it will link with the proposed Area of Linguistic Significance for the region.

Màrtainn Mac A’Bhàillidh is one of those behind the idea. He told Radio Skye:

“Part of it will be about coordinating and assisting things that are happening already. Part of it will be about understanding the priorities of people who live here, including Gaelic speakers, learners and people who don’t speak Gaelic.

“There’s been a feeling that a lot of language promotion and Gaelic languge plans have been quite top down and owned by public bodies with a focus on service provision.

“The idea of having a commnunity language plan is that it will be owned by the community so we can set our own priorities and take ownership.”

The move comes after the introduction of the Scottish Languages Act, which officially recognised Gaelic and Scots as languages. The law, which was introduced in 2025, also includes measures to support Gaelic education and create Areas of Linguistic Significance to help strengthen the language where its widely used.

Representatives are being sought from local trusts, schools, businesses and community members who are willing to take part in a Language Plan Development Committee.

The meeting will take place at Portree Community Centre on Thursday 26 March at 7pm.

You can listen to the full interview with Màrtainn Mac A’Bhàillidh below.