Lessons and Learning from the Gaelic Communities Fund

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 this event featured three of those:

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.

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.

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 was a panel discussion moderated by Agnes Rennie, with the presenters, Shona Niclllinnein of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, and Chrissie Gillies and Linsay Chalmers of Community Land Scotland.