You’ll be part of a vibrant, welcoming and many-faceted culture. You’ll open up a whole new job market. You’ll better understand Scotland’s landscape and history. You will be able to choose from a whole host of new social events and pastimes. You may be learning the same language that your family once spoke. And a thousand, thousand other reasons as a new world appears through Gaelic, a world that is continually changing and renewing itself. And you will discover the Gaelic in you, as you embark on a new journey!

Why learn Gaelic?

Alasdair MacCallum – Gaelic Development Officer for the Scottish Parliament

“There are many reasons for learning Gaelic. In the first place, it gives you more understanding of Scottish place names and of Scotland in general. For example, I grew up in Lanarkshire where I was surrounded by Gaelic place names such as Gartcosh, Airdrie, Gartsherrie, Kirkintilloch and Cumbernauld. Since learning Gaelic, I feel more Scottish and more connected to my local area. Many employment opportunities are also available through learning Gaelic. There are currently more Gaelic posts than there are people to fill them – teaching, translation, language development, and many others. If you don’t want to work in the Gaelic sector, there will be more and more jobs in the future involving service delivery though the medium of Gaelic rather than working in language development.

The most important thing about learning Gaelic is that you will contribute to the revival of Gaelic. Fluent learners add to the demand for services through the medium of Gaelic and to the diversity of the Gaelic community. More importantly, transmission of the language from generation to generation in the family has more or less stopped. As young native speakers are now so few in number, Gaelic learners have a crucial role to play to ensure that Gaelic is spoken in the family and in the home once again.”

Susie Hardy – Deputy Head of Lifelong Learning at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

“I began learning Gaelic over twenty years ago. Skye was very important to me, the beautiful views, the culture, the history and something else which is still hard to explain – a strong sense that it was the right thing for me to do personally. Everyone has their own particular reasons for learning Gaelic – music (Runrig, choirs, Mods); place names and hill walking; genealogy; it is a long list. The world is a very different one for learners now, and they have a crucial role to play in strengthening and ensuring the survival of Gaelic. There are more learning materials and support than ever before: on the internet, radio, television, distance learning courses, books, magazines (such as the Gaelic Learners’ magazine Cothrom), and the old barriers to learning no longer apply.

“Perhaps the most encouraging thing happening in Gaelic today is Gaelic Medium Education for children. Only five years ago, it was nothing more than a dream to contemplate a Gaelic medium Secondary school such as there is in Glasgow now, and then there are the all-Gaelic primary schools which are beginning to appear throughout Scotland. As a result of this more and more parents are wanting to learn Gaelic. They are realising what a great opportunity Gaelic education is for their children, and they are recognising the value and incredible richness of the Gaelic language and culture.

“There is no doubt that I have been fortunate over the years, not only have I got a job with an organisation where I can use Gaelic, but through working for Clì Gàidhlig and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, I have had the chance to encourage learners. There are plenty of new job opportunities for young, and older, Gaelic speakers. Teachers can be trained to move to Gaelic medium teaching if they want. New developments in the Gaelic media are also creating chances for Gaelic speakers, and attracting people to Gaelic and its culture and history. All of this shows a vibrant and rich culture which is thriving in the 21st century.”

Donald John MacIntyre – Director of Clì Gàidhlig

"There has never been a better time to learn Gàidhlig. In September 2008 the new BBC Alba channel was launched and viewing figures have been impressive to say the least. Gàidhlig Medium Education is on a high and the new Gàidhlig schools in Glasgow and Inverness are thriving. With the setting up of the Gàidhlig Act for Parliament and introduction of the National Plan for Gàidhlig, Public Bodies and National organisations are now working on Gàidhlig Plans to support the language grow in the workplace and elsewhere."

Why Should I Learn? "A number of people choose to learn the language simply because they enjoy a new challenge. You may never have considered learning Gàidhlig before, so why not give it a go. You will notice the language is alive in a large number of communities across Scotland and beyond. Learning or speaking the language will open doors to a number of new experiences."

Culture "Are you passionate about being Scottish but have never had the opportunity to discover Scotland’s other language. Or possibly moved to Scotland and would like to experience the unique culture that comes with the language. Why not enrol on a Gàidhlig Course and fulfil your passion for the cultural and social aspects of the language."

Work "I would expect Gaelic to become a more widely used language as far as business is concerned. A number of people are now attending Gaelic Classes in order to improve their career development opportunities. Could the opportunity to speak Gaelic enhance your chances of getting work?"

Family "Are your children learning Gaelic at school? Would you like to be able to speak Gaelic with them and assist them with school homework? There are a number of opportunities arising for parents to learn Gaelic while their children are at school or nursery. Why not give it a go, and learn the language with your children."

I have not got the time "Your time is valuable and learning Gaelic will take up a fair bit of it, but we’re sure it will be an investment worth making. Remember that Gaelic will: get you a better job; help you learn with your children; help you learn about the history and heritage of your area."

Too old? "No, you are never too old to learn a language. Active mind, active heart."

I don’t know where to go "There are many websites which give information on where to go and also a number of organisations who would be willing to give guidance on the best way ahead for your particular needs."

Confidence "Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That’s why it is good to join a group and experience the social aspect of learning too. Your fellow learners will be there to guide you through those first few steps."