Gaelic Language Plan 2027-2032 - English
Have Your Say on the Future of Gaelic in Stirling
Stirling Council recognises that Gaelic is part of Scotland’s heritage, national identity and cultural life and continues to support the growth of Gaelic across our communities.
According to the 2022 Census, 2.1% of the Stirling population understands, reads, writes, or speaks Gaelic. This is an increase from the previous census data when the figure was 1.5%. Over the years, the number of children and young people accessing Gaelic Medium Education has grown.
Partnerships between local Gaelic organisations and Stirling Council have also strengthened, fostering a greater awareness of Gaelic language and culture while expanding support and opportunities for Gaelic learners.
Stirling Council along with all other local authorities and public bodies are required to produce a Gaelic Language Plan. The Plan must demonstrate our commitment to preserving, growing and protecting Gaelic language and culture. This is part of The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, securing the status of Gaelic language as an official language of Scotland commanding equal respect to the English language.
Our current plan expires in January 2027. Our new prosed plan will take effect from January 2027– January 2032.
Stirling Council’s Gaelic Language Plan 2022-27 incorporated the aims set out in the National Gaelic Plan 2018-23. Stirling’s new plan will reflect the vision and aims set out in the National Gaelic Plan 2023-2028.
The vision outlined in the National Gaelic Plan 2023-28 is :
A measurable increase in the numbers of people, speaking, learning, using and supporting Gaelic.
This will be achieved through:
Increasing the use and learning of Gaelic in Communities
Increasing the use and learning of Gaelic in Homes
Increasing the use and learning of Gaelic in the Creative Industries
Increasing the use and learning of Gaelic in Business and the Economy
Increasing the use and learning of Gaelic in Public Authorities
Increase the use and learning of Gaelic in Education, 0-18
Increase the use and learning of Gaelic, Post-school and Adult Learning
These high-level national aims will shape the key areas of development for the 2027-32 plan for Stirling.
Phases
Survey
People across Stirling are being encouraged to take part in a public consultation that will help shape Stirling Council's Gaelic Language Plan for 2027-2032.
The draft plan sets out how the Council will support and promote Gaelic over the next five years, with proposed actions covering communities, education, families, culture, business, public services, and lifelong learning.
Gaelic is an important part of Scotland's heritage and culture. Census data from 2022 showed an increase in the number of people in the Stirling area who could understand, speak, read, or write Gaelic, highlighting the growing interest in the language across our communities.
The Council wants to hear from as many people as possible to ensure the final plan reflects local needs and aspirations. All responses will be carefully considered and will help shape Stirling Council's Gaelic Language Plan for 2027-2032.
If you have any questions about the survey you can email us on insights@stirling.gov.uk