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Gàidhlig (Scottish Gaelic) Local Studies
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General introduction
In the framework of a number of European project initiatives it has been possible to
investigate the development of Scottish Gaelic in local detail for the past 125 years.
The studies deal with local communities which were predominantly
Gaelic-speaking at the end of the 19th century. Based mainly (but not exclusively) on local population
census information the reports strive to examine the state of the language through the ages from 1881
until today. The most relevant information is gathered comprehensively for the smallest geographical
unit possible and provided area by area - a very useful reference for people with interest in their
own community. Furthermore the impact of recent developments in education (namely teaching in Gaelic
medium and Gaelic as a second language) is analysed for primary school catchments.
Since 1881 every decennial population census in Scotland included a question about the Gaelic-speaking
population. Despite some difficulty in interpreting this data (what really means to tick a box being able
to speak Gaelic) this long-term data set holds a wealth of sociological and historical information.
It highlights the circumstances in which people speaking this Celtic language have lived and still live
today. In most cases this data has been used only either for very problem-specific socio-linguistic
studies or they were the basis of regional or Scotland wide analysis. However, it proved very difficult
for people who were interested in their own local area to have a comprehensive overview of the number
and distribution of Gaelic-speaking people right on their doorstep. This series covers
all regions of Scotland where Scottish Gaelic (A'Ghàidhlig to be correct in its own words)
was still spoken by a substantial part of the population at the start of the 20th century.
Accordingly besides the main "Highland counties" of Sutherland, Ross and Cromarty, Inverness and Argyll
the fringe areas of Bute (including the Isle of Arran), western Caithness, Nairn, North Dunbartonshire
and more particularly Highland Perthshire are covered. It is hoped that these small reports will be
of interest not only to science people but also to those who have to cope with opinions like Gaelic was
never spoken here in their own local community.
A copy of the
bibliography may be downloaded separately. An important acknowledgement is given
at the bottom of this page.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Third edition is being prepared! First results of the 2011 census
are given in a short Census Brief provided
here.
PLEASE NOTE: Special fact-sheets about the language situation in selected localities according to the 1891 census
are available on the
ALBA 1891 page (also on this site). There information is provided especially about communities near the
so-called "language frontier" in 1891. Thus fact-sheets include figures and comments about villages and hamlets from Gallaibh (Caithness) in the north
to the island of Arainn (Arran) in the south-western part of the country.
Short introductions of individual Gàidhlig Local Studies are given below:
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This area in the West-Central Highlands has been a stronghold of the language
right until the Second World War. Thereafter the trend did show a substantial decrease
of Gaelic-speaking caused by the same various social and political pressures as experienced
generally in Scotland. However, the most recent census results of 2001 paint a slightly more
positive picture - especially in the communities served by the existing Gaelic medium units
at Ath Tharacaill (Acharacle) and Mòrar. It is important to note that an increase of both the number of
Gaelic-speaking persons and their percentage of the population has occurred in the catchment
area of Acharacle primary school (serving the area between Roshven in Moidart and Salen on Loch Sunart).
Ardnamurchan generally has a far more positive ratio between younger and older Gaelic-speakers
than West Lochaber.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (461 KB) in pdf format.
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Loch Iall (Loch Eil) near Srathan (Strathan) in Aird nam Murchan (Ardnamurchan)
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The island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides has been overwhelmingly Gaelic-speaking
for many centuries. The downward
trend of Gaelic-speaking in this part of the Hebrides set in shortly after the Second World War.
This decline seems now to have slowed down considerably and Gaelic is still important as a community
language on Barra al-though on a slightly lower level than in previous decades. Intergenerational
language maintenance was even achieved in the north-eastern part of the island - the retreat of
the language is concentrated on the island "capital" of Castlebay and on the island of Vatersay.
The decrease of Gaelic-speaking in younger age groups since 1981 is almost halted because of
Gaelic medium education in the primary school of Castlebay and the introduction of Gaelic
pre-school education. The overall decrease of Gaelic-speaking on Barra with around 6 % between 1991
and 2001 was one of the smallest recorded on all the islands of the Outer Hebrides.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (354 KB) in pdf format.
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Tràigh Bharraigh (The beach of Barra)
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The islands of the Outer Hebrides in general have long been regarded as the last
remaining strongholds of Gaelic in Scotland. During the past decades, however, even there the language
has lost ground. This is also true for the communities of South Uist, Benbecula and Eriskay in the south
of the island chain. But the investigations presented here conclude that South Uist ranks currently
among the few locations where intergenerational language transmission works to a considerable degree.
This is nevertheless only slowing down decline but it is still not enough to counter the recent trend.
On the other hand the apparent increase of Gaelic-speaking incidence on Benbecula since 1991 is caused
mainly by the closure of military installations and the leaving of army personnel and their families.
This one-off effect should not gloss over the less strong language transmission on this island.
Generally signs of revitalisation of Gaelic in these islands are very much apparent.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (427 KB) in pdf format.
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Loch Aineort (Loch Eynort) on the eastern side of Uibhist a Deas (South Uist)
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This volume is dedicated to the communities on the thinly populated north-west coast
of Scotland. Historically this part of Sutherland had a strong Gaelic tradition. However, the language
suffered substantially by official neglect and an ignorant education policy of the former county council.
Today the general conclusions may be drawn as follows: Northwest Sutherland can no longer be seen as a
Gaelic-speaking community in a strict sense as even the generation born before World War I is passing away.
The situation of Gaelic in the whole area is depressingly worrying. The only encouraging features are the
developments in the communities of Melness and Tongue on the north coast with a number of commendable
cultural activities and Gaelic medium education in the local primary school.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (445 KB) in pdf format.
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The island of North Uist lies in the centre of the Outer Hebrides and has the
southernmost Protestant community in the island chain. The investigations underline that North Uist
is still a community with high incidence of Gaelic-speaking. Intergenerational language viability is
healthier than in the island group as a whole but it is nevertheless not totally secured. Strongholds
of the language are more or less confined to the northerly communities like Port nan Long and
Paible. Language retreat is strongest
on the island of Berneray and in and around the main township and ferryport of Lochmaddy.
In order to prevent further decline in language
use intensive improvements especially in the educational sector have to be accomplished regarding
pre-school and primary school education.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (438 KB) in pdf format.
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Baile Mhàrtainn (Balemartine) on the Atlantic side of Uibhist a Tuath (North Uist)
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This volume is concerned with the southern part of the largest island of the Western Isles.
Harris and its neighbouring island of Scalpay are traditionally considered as major strongholds of Gaelic
in Scotland. This fact was underlined by impressively high percentages of Gaelic speakers in census counts
right until 1981. However, the last two census dates saw a considerable weakening of the language community
especially in the pre-school population. Currently language maintenance based solely on intergenerational
transmission is not completely assured on Harris as in many other rural parts of the Outer Hebrides. Only
in a few locations like the island of Scalpay the language remains remarkably strong in contrast to the
population centres of Tarbert and Leverburgh. But still a very high proportion of islanders could at least
understand spoken Gaelic (almost 80 %) in 2001.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (378 KB) in pdf format.
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Bun Abhainn Eadarra (Bunavoneadar) and the mountains of Na Hearadh (Harris)
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This report is concerned with the south-eastern part of Lewis.
Considering the past developments in the Lochs district this part of the Isle of Lewis can no longer
be considered per se as a stronghold of the language. Here the retreat of the language is still widespread
and this fact remained unimpeded at a considerable rate until 2001. This development may be explained
partly by the inadequate educational provision for Gaelic in the past. These circumstances,
however, may improve in future. After all Lochs is the most depressing example of the decline of Gaelic
in rural Lewis.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (361 KB) in pdf format.
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The lochan-studded landscape near Bail'Ailean (Balallan) in Na Lochan (Lochs)
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The parish of Uig (including the settlements of Breascleit and Carloway as well
as the island of Great Bernera) lies in the centre of the Gaelic heartland. The investigations within
this volume conclude that even today some of the strongest Gaelic language communities in Scotland survive
in this part of Lewis. Language viability is almost accomplished through the added effects of effective
intergenerational language transmission and Gaelic-medium education which reaches the vast majority of
primary school children. However, even these positive developments could not counterbalance totally the
impact of incoming monolingual English speakers which caused the decrease in the proportion of
Gaelic-speakers since 1991. Accordingly additional efforts have to be undertaken to ensure that Uig
remains at the heart of the Gaelic revival.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (355 KB) in pdf format.
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Lonely crofting homestead in the district of Bhaltos (Valtos) in western Uig
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The two mainland parishes of Lochbroom and Gairloch have a long-standing tradition
as Gaelic-speaking areas. The investigations reveal that Gaelic is now on the brink of return in the
northern part of Wester Ross after a century of constant decline. Whereas the recent educational activities
have already succeeded in halting the decrease in the parish of Lochbroom, it can be assumed that also
Gairloch is not a hopeless candidate any more. Census results in the primary school catchment of Ullapool
have already shown the way how to increase both number and percentage of Gaelic speakers.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (604 KB) in pdf format.
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Farmhouse on the shores at Gruinneart (Gruinart) in northern Taobh Siar Rois (Wester Ross)
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The Gaelic language communities in the south-west of the ancient county of Ross and Cromarty
have long resisted the general trend. But after the Second World War the well-known dramatic decline in
Gaelic-speaking set in also in the district between Applecross and Glenelg. Now this part of the former
Gaidhealtachd shows some signs of recovery especially around the villages of Lochcarron and Plockton.
Whereas in communities without Gaelic medium units the percentage of Gaelic-speakers went down considerably
the school catchment of Lochcarron experienced only a slight decline of 0.4 % since 1991. The other area
with Gaelic medium education (Plockton primary school) even reported an increase of percentage and
number of speakers.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (488 KB) in pdf format.
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The waterfall of Allt Coire Mhic Nobuill in the mountains of Toirbheartan (Torridon)
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This volume looks at the temporal evolution and contemporary state of Gaelic
in the north-western townships on the Isle of Skye. The crofting communities on the Trotternish,
Duirinish and Minginish peninsulas have experienced substantial economic and social disruptions in
the past which took their toll also from the Gaelic language community. Only during the last two decades
economic conditions have improved and population figures are rising again. Prospects for the maintenance
of Gaelic as important community language in this part of the island are no longer as gloomy as they used
to be. This is especially the case in Trotternish with roughly 40 % of primary school children attending
Gaelic medium classes in Staffin, Kilmuir and nearby Portree. The settlements on Waternish and around
Dunvegan show also some signs that decline has almost arrested. On the other hand local conditions in
Glendale, Edinbane and entire Minginish are far less satisfactory and bode not well for the future.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (304 KB) in pdf format.
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The hill range of A'Chuith-raing (Quiraing) in Trondairnis (Trotternish)
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The Isle of Skye has been a Gaelic-speaking stronghold for centuries. After World War II
decline set in especially in the main townships of Portree, Broadford and Kyleakin. However, in recent
years a remarkable renaissance has taken place with a considerable success in Gaelic-medium education
and of course the establishment and growth of the Gaelic further education college at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
on the Sleat peninsula. Foundations have now been laid for a successful regeneration of Gaelic in the
south-eastern parts of the Isle of Skye. However, there is still much room for improvement especially
in the pre-school sector and in a few locations like Raasay where Gaelic has shown a dramatic decline
recently.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (505 KB) in pdf format.
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Ealaghol (Elgol) with the An Cuiltheann (Cuillins) mountains in the background
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The area between Shawbost and Ness on the Atlantic side of Lewis is traditionally
seen as a major stronghold of Gaelic. Since 1981, however, this situation has slowly declined despite
some commendable educational activities focussing on the communities of Lionel and Borve. Ness as the
northernmost part of Lewis still remains a comparatively strong part of the "Gaelic-speaking heartland"
but deterioration tendencies are clearly seen in Westside especially in Arnol and Bragar. Therefore it
will be extremely necessary to improve especially the educational provision in this part of Lewis.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (413 KB) in pdf format.
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Traditional Taigh Dubh (Black House) near Arnol in the area of An Taobh Siar (Westside)
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This report examines the conditions of Gaelic in rural parts of the parish of Stornoway.
In this north-eastern part of the Isle of Lewis the retreat of the language has been especially pronounced
in recent decades. The language communities north of Stornoway, however, withstood the anglicisation
trends more successfully than those situated on the peninsula of Point. Whereas Gaelic has still a
considerable base today in the settlements between Coll and North Tolsta the language has lost substantial
ground especially amongst the younger generation in the communities around Aird and Bayble.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (436 KB) in pdf format.
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Tràigh Tholastaidh: The beach of Tolastaidh (Tolsta)
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This issue is concerned with the main township in the Outer Hebrides. Stornoway and
its neighbouring settlements around Laxdale, Newmarket and Sandwick have experienced a dramatic decline
in Gaelic-speaking intensity in the past. The comparatively small decrease between 1991 and 2001 can in
all probability be attributed to the influx of Gaelic-speakers from other parts of the islands.
Especially at young age Gaelic is very much a minority issue and almost no Gaelic-speaking children
below the age of 3 were recorded in 2001. There is much room for improvement regarding the state and
status of the language on the doorstep of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (432 KB) in pdf format.
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The fishing harbour of Steòrnabhagh (Stornoway)
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Islay and its less populated neighbours of Jura and Colonsay were once very strong
Gaelic-speaking communities. But the relative accessibility of the islands and a failing educational system
led to severe de-cline in language use after the Second World War. Today Gaelic still suffers from decades
of neglect and ignorance in the southernmost Hebrides. The basis for a possible consolidation of language
use is rather limited and the language community has a strong bias towards the older generation.
Educational provision is not on a comparable level with other islands in the Inner Hebrides.
This in itself provides the main growth potential. Improvements could easily be accomplished through
intensified pre-school provision and dedicated second language teaching in local primary schools.
Future positive impacts can be expected by the planned extension of activities around Ionad Chaluim
Chille (St. Columba Centre) in Bowmore.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (454 KB) in pdf format.
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Famous Celtic cross in the cemetary of Cill Daltan (Kildalton) in southern Ile (Islay)
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The whole investigation area between Loch Leven and Loch Etive in the central western
Highlands was once an important stronghold of Gaelic right until the Second World War. Especially in the
communities around Glencoe (namely Ballachulish and Kinlochleven) the decline has been dramatic und
unimpeded with no educational support whatsoever. Within the last decade positive developments, however,
have started in the district of Appin and on the island of Lismore further south. The latter community
may still be characterized as partially Gaelic-speaking. Further growth in this area may be expected due
to the in-troduction of Gaelic-medium education at Strath of Appin and Kinlochleven as well as the inclusion of a number of
local schools in the GLPS scheme for tuition of Gaelic as second language.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (443 KB) in pdf format.
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Caisteal Stalcair (Castle Stalker) and An Linne Sheileach (Loch Linnhe) with the
island of Lios Mòr (Lismore) in the background
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Oban is the main focal point of the communities of northern Argyll. This harbour town
acts as an economic and social bridge between the mainland communities of Lorn and the central Hebridean
islands from Mull to Barra. As such Oban was always home of a considerable number of "exiles" from the
stronger Gaelic-speaking island communities - a fact which strengthened the status of the language in
this area for a long time. Parts of neighbouring Lorn were strongly Gaelic-speaking until World War II
especially the islands of Seil and Luing. There regrettably the language has almost gone.
Nowadays despite recent educational efforts the profile of Gaelic is still remarkably low in the town of
Oban and its hinterland. In order to halt the decline or even start a revival much stronger emphasis has
to be laid upon educational provision from pre-school to secondary stages.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (458 KB) in pdf format.
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The harbour of An t-Oban (Oban)
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The district of East Lochaber and its capital Fort William have kept their Gaelic traditions
longer than many comparable areas in the Highlands. Nonetheless the language experienced a considerably
weakening during the decades. Quite recently, however, attitudes became more favourable towards Gaelic.
Some positive signs of recovery (on a comparatively low level) have already surfaced in the 2001 census.
The increase of Gaelic-speaking intensity since 1991 in the town of Fort William is in itself an achievement.
But overall there is still a mountain to climb to improve the status of the language in all of East Lochaber.
Recent improvements in educational provision may help to redress the balance in favour of Gaelic in the future.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (451 KB) in pdf format.
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The eastern ridges of the Beinn Nibheis (Ben Nevis) range near Tulach (Tulloch)
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This issue is concerned with the islands in the centre of the Inner Hebrides.
Gaelic remained as dominating community language on Mull and Coll as late as the Second World War;
in Tiree Gaelic still plays a major role today. Gaelic on Mull seems to have narrowly escaped from the
"point of no return" in recent years. The island could provide an excellent example for language resurrection
if current initiatives continue - hopefully with increasing vigour. The picture of the Gaelic language on
Tiree is slightly more encouraging. It still constitutes a prominent factor in local life although on a
lower level than in the past. This status could be enhanced, however, much more successfully if the whole
community (and all school children) would have a real chance to embrace Gaelic as part of their own lives.
Linguistically Tiree looks very much divided between "locals" and newcomers.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (522 KB) in pdf format.
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The pittoresque harbour of An Tobar Mhoire (Tobermory) on An t-Eilean Muileach (Isle of Mull)
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The report does not only cover the traditional "Highland" districts of Badenoch and Nairn, but it also describes the situation in a "terra incognita" of Gaelic speech:
The north-eastern fringe. Right until the First World War it was common place to hear Gaelic on the streets of
Grantown-on-Spey, Tomintoul and even Braemar in Aberdeenshire. Equally unknown in many circles is the fact that the
last "native speaker" of Aberdeenshire Gaelic died as late as the early 1980s. In Badenoch Gaelic still survived as a
community language until the Second World War. Today the language is held up in the whole area by a very small number
of speakers. Newtonmore in western Badenoch is the only community where Gaelic still shows some flickering light with
Gaelic-medium nursery and primary school education in the local school. Parental demand on the contrary is high but so
far only a Gaelic-medium unit in Nairn has been realised. Essentially arrived at rock bottom ironically the situation of Gaelic can only improve in this district.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (1.521 KB) in pdf format.
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In western Bàideanach (Badenoch) the language still survives around the village of Bail Ùr an t-Slèibh (Newtonmore)
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Gaelic once was the dominant means of conversation in East Sutherland and the western districts of
Caithness. Since the end of the 19th century the language was on a relentless decline caused both by official ignorance
and the low self-respect of its speakers. A century later Gaelic is only spoken by a very tiny minority of inhabitants,
most of them born well before the Second World War. Signs for the future look not promising. Gaelic is still being
sidelined officially in the whole area. Local councillors even object to bilingual road-signs. Educational provision
is either derisory or non-existent. Only constant parental pressure has achieved the introduction of Gaelic medium provision
in Thurso and Bonar Bridge. The language would already be dead in northern Scotland without this grassroots support for the once dominant tongue.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (544 KB) in pdf format.
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Bearghdal (Berriedale) was among the last parts of Gallaibh (Caithness) where Gàidhlig lingered on until World War I
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Gaelic has had a long history in the northern part of the Great Glen and its communities between Fort Augustus and Inverness. The "Highland Capital" and the district around Loch Ness has experienced a decline of Gaelic speaking similar to many other parts of the once Gaidhealtachd. But within the last few decades Inverness has been at the forefront of many positive developments connected with Gaelic including early provision of Gaelic medium education. Commendable efforts to support the language in the town and its surrounding district have been done but there is still scope for considerable improvement. This includes more intensive second language teaching in primary and secondary schools and a more positive attitude concerning the usage and visibility of the language in public space and official proceedings.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (753 KB) in pdf format.
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Srath Farair (Strathfarrar) in the western hinterland of Inbhirnis (Inverness)
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At the turn of the 19th century almost half of the population still spoke Gaelic in Easter Ross and the western parts of the Black Isle. After World War II the language was effectively dead as a community language by any standards. Nowadays Easter Ross is on the brink to achieving language viability (on a comparatively low level). Gaelic on the Black Isle, however, does not show any sign of recovery. But the potential for a major breakthrough both in Gaelic medium education and in second language teaching is still there. It is only a matter of policy (and an increased pool of suitable teachers). The support of parents and whole communities has achieved remarkable results in the past - Easter Ross in particular could be a prime example of successful language recovery.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (564 KB) in pdf format.
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In the fertile countryside of Taobh Sear Rois (Easter Ross) and the peninsula of An t-Eilean Dubh (Black Isle) Gàidhlig was still widespread around 1900
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The Gaelic language was once widespread and dominant all over Mid Argyll and the Kintyre peninsula. Whereas Campbeltown and the southernmost tip of Kintyre were anglicised relatively early by the intro-duction of Lowland settlers in the 18th and 19th century the remaining country kept its Gaelic tradition well into the inter-war period of the 1930s. Nowadays Gaelic in both areas is very much waiting to be revitalised. Besides some recent initiatives in the communities on the western shores of Loch Fyne there is not much worth reporting. Compared with the rich Gaelic tradition in these heartlands of Earra-Ghàidheal (Land of the Gael) the profile of the language in the district is on an all-time low these days.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (459 KB) in pdf format.
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The fishing harbour of An Tairbeart (Tarbert) on the isthmus separating Dal Riada (Mid Argyll) and Cinn Tìre (Kintyre)
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This study is concerned with traditionally Gaelic speaking districts on the western and northern shores of the Firth of Clyde. In this respect the report looks at the past strength of the language on the peninsula of Cowal, in the neighbouring Highland parishes of Dunbartonshire and, last but not least, on the islands of the former County of Bute. The latter of course includes the island of Arran where the local dialect lingered on until the 1990s. Since the 1880s Gaelic went into a substantial decline in the area until quite recently when numbers of Gaelic speakers rose again for the first time on the Cowal peninsula between 1991 and 2001. In recent years Dunoon has started to act as a catalyst for Gaelic language activities in the area - even Arran slowly wakes up to its cultural legacy. Currently a number of small steps are being taken to bring new life into the once thriving language in places which tended to be considered as hard core "Gaelic free zones" a few years ago.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (511 KB) in pdf format.
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Caolas Bhòid (Kyles of Bute) looking towards the islands of Bòd (Bute) and Arainn (Arran)
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Only a century ago Gaelic was commonly spoken in a large portion of the counties of Perthshire and Stirlingshire in Central Scotland. Despite the dramatic decline in the 20th century the once dominant community language has not been altogether forgotten in these historic counties. Although still confined to a small band of enthusiasts and supported only by scattered teaching of Gaelic in local schools the language is rising considerably in the perception of the public. Compared with the old days Gaelic has still a long way to go but in the "Heart of Scotland" at least actions have started to redress the balance.
The second edition of this report can be downloaded
here (566 KB) in pdf format.
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Around Loch Teimhil (Loch Tummel) Gàidhlig was commonly spoken until World War II
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Acknowledgement: © 2003-2024 Text Copyright Kurt C. Duwe. All rights reserved except private and non-commercial use.
Any other use has to be cleared by the author Kurt C. Duwe, Jägerstr. 120a, 21079 Hamburg, Germany
(info@linguae-celticae.de) and it may also fall under restrictions of the Crown Copyright of census data.
Original census data shown or used were supplied
and/or published by the General Register Office for Scotland. The use of this material in this series
is permitted under Licence No. C02W0003665. Crown Copyright of census data is acknowledged.
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