Scottish Gaelic for businesses

Factors to consider

When developing a proposition that incorporates Gaelic you need to consider several factors. These can include:

• your geographical location
• your level of fluency with the language
• your knowledge of Gaelic history and culture

Make sure to avoid any potential embarrassment or unintended offence by getting things wrong. If you have a limited knowledge of Gaelic or lack fluency with the language then you should consider engaging with an individual or organisation that can offer expert advice on things like translations and pronunciation of Gaelic words, or Gaelic culture.

Useful resources for advice and guidance include:

• Learn Gaelic
• Duolingo
• Speak Gàidhlig?
• Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba (AÀA) – Gaelic Place-names of Scotland
• The CeangalG Gàidhlig Toolkit for tourism business
• Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture)
• Bòrd na Gàidhlig

The depth of immersion businesses offer can vary, however there are some simple steps most can put in place.

Including Gaelic in an existing business

Even if your fluency or knowledge of Gaelic is limited, just introducing relatively small changes can add to the experience and be appreciated by customers.

• Use bilingual signs, room names or job titles in your organisation.
• Translate some of your traditional Scottish menu items into Gaelic.
• Translate local Gaelic placenames to give visitors a better understanding of the language and landscape.
• Teach your staff basic Gaelic phrases to offer visitors a taste of the language.
• Provide visitors with some key phrases they can use when visiting areas where Gaelic is more commonly spoken.
• Organise a ceilidh evening featuring Gaelic storytelling, music and song.

Remember to include phonetic scripts in any written translations so that customers can have a go at pronouncing words.

Creating a new Gaelic product

Of course, you may want to really place Gaelic at the heart of your business by offering a much more in-depth experience, perhaps focused on those wanting to learn the language. Options to consider could include:

• Gaelic lessons - perhaps combined with a residential element.
• Being able to offer comprehensive knowledge of Gaelic language, culture, history and heritage.
• Activities conducted entirely through the medium of Gaelic.

Westend B&B

Located on croft land on the Isle of Lewis, Westend B&B is operated by native Gaelic speaker Magaidh Smith.

During lockdown Magaidh began offering online Gaelic learning sessions which became a feature of the business.

Outside of the main visitor season, Maigaidh’s year is spent researching and recording aspects of Hebridean culture, which she loves to share with visitors from outside the UK who she has found to be especially interested in Gaelic.

Find out more about Westend B&B.

Eilean Iarmain

With a long history of promoting Gaelic in the work environment, Eilean Iarmain is a hotel in the south of Skye overlooking the Sound of Sleat.

By offering personal tours to customers, the business provides the opportunity to gain insights into Gaelic language and culture through local place names, legends, history, stories, music and song.

The hotel sees potential to grow long-standing relationships with visitors who have an interest in Gaelic, therefore boosting return visits.

Find out more about Eilean Iarmain.