Response to the University of Aberdeen Gaelic Language Plan

Isla Parker, Gaelic officer at the University, responded to a consultation by the University of Aberdeen for input on its Gaelic Language Plan 2025 – 2030.

A bheil beachdan agaibh mun dreuchd Plana Gàidhlig againn? / Do you have any thoughts on our Gaelic Language Plan?

We are pleased to see that the University of Aberdeen is publishing its third Gaelic Plan, renewing its commitment to Gaelic language and culture and linguistic diversity on campus. 

It is positive to see that the University is committing to working with local community groups during the course of this plan. Universities have a vital role to play in supporting the Gaelic language in their local area. Groups such as the Fèis, Club Gàidhlig Obar Dheathain and the Aberdeen Mòd, are important touchstones and gathering places for the community of Gaelic speakers to use the language. Collaborative projects such as the Capital Gaelic network in Edinburgh, which brings together groups such as the National Museum, National Library and the University of Edinburgh, might provide a good model for Aberdeen in this respect. 

We further support the University of Aberdeen’s commitment to provide opportunities for students to become Gaelic ambassadors, encouraging engagement with local schools and initiatives. Such schemes provide excellent experience for students interested in pursuing a career in the ever-expanding Gaelic employment sector. Commitments which have helped us to provide social opportunities for students include committing to supporting the work of our Highland Society and working with Edinburgh University Students’ Association in the development of their Gaelic language policy.

We would also recommend that the University makes a commitment to the Gaelic Officer post. In our experience, the commitments in our Gaelic Plan could not have been meaningfully fulfilled without a dedicated member of staff. In addition to supporting Gaelic development at the University, this post has important implications on Gaelic development in the surrounding area. This is especially important given that the local area has seen an increase in the number of Gaelic-speakers according to the recent census data. It is important that the Gaelic Officer post is maintained if an “Active Offer” of services is to be made to staff, students and the local community.