Could community trusts have a unique role to play in supporting the use of Gaelic? That’s the question that ten communities have been working on over the past year, as part of a partnership project between Community Land Scotland and Bòrd na Gàidhlig. Community trusts were asked to come forward with ideas that built on their connections with the community. As this pilot project comes to an end, Community Land Scotland has heard many inspiring stories from groups – and we will hear three of those at this event:
- Portree and Braes Trust worked with the local Community Council to deliver their programme which included a weekly pub night and afternoon tea where Gaelic was the main language of communication. Through the project, 15 local businesses have also agreed to encourage use of Gaelic in their premises.
- North Harris Trust employed a Gaelic-speaking ranger who has worked with pupils in the local school to talk about land issues, engaged with tourists and other visitors and communicated Trust business with the local community in their native language.
- Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhràdhagair agus Àrnoil / Bragar and Arnol Community Trust delivered a programme of events and classes including ceilidhs, author events, coffee mornings, children’s parties and a series of gatherings around Whalebone 100. They also introduced Gaelic into their house visit service for people who have health or mobility issues.
Following the presentations, there will be a panel discussion with the presenters, and with speakers from Community Land Scotland and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, and a Q&A session in which attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.

About the Gaelic Communities Fund
Community Land Scotland, with funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, started the Gaelic Communities Fund in 2021. This funding provides support for community organisations to deliver projects that boost Gaelic, a key community asset, in a way that is appropriate for their area. Each project that has been funded is working towards the aims of the National Gaelic Language Plan so that Gaelic is to used more often, by more people, and in more situations.