A recent Freedom of Information release has brought welcome news for Scotland’s indigenous languages. A total increase of £5.7 million has been allocated to Gaelic and Scots for the 2025/26 budget, with £5 million of that dedicated to supporting Gaelic’s growth. This is a positive development, but to truly understand its scale, we must place it in context. These millions are a mere fraction of the billions spent annually to educate our children and conduct the nation’s business entirely in English. This financial reality, however, is not a cause for despair, but a call to action. The future vitality of both Scots and Gaelic lies not just in waiting for government funding, but in the vibrant, passionate communities that are choosing to speak, write, and live in their languages every day.
A Strategy for Growth
For the Scots language, the current funding is a starting point. The landmark Scottish Languages Bill, passed in 2025, mandates the creation of a national Scots language strategy. This strategy will provide a roadmap for the language’s development, and it is expected that funding will increase over time to meet its ambitions. This is a long-term project to reverse centuries of marginalisation and restore Scots to its rightful place in Scottish life. The journey has just begun, and the new official status provides the foundation for building a stronger future.
The Power of Choice
The official recognition of Scots and Gaelic gives us, the speakers, a new power. We can choose to use our languages in daily life, creating spaces where they are heard and respected. This is not about excluding those who don’t understand; on the contrary, the goal is a multilingual Scotland where we can all communicate effectively. Proficiency in Standard English is, and will remain, essential for speaking to those within Scotland and beyond who cannot understand broad Scots or Gaelic. The aim is to add, not to subtract. When you find yourself in an official situation where others involved can understand you, choosing to use Scots or Gaelic is a powerful act of normalisation and a vital step in keeping our languages alive and well.
Supporting the Renaissance
We can all be part of this grassroots movement. You can actively support the burgeoning ecosystem of artists, writers, and publishers who are creating a vibrant, modern culture in our ancient tongues. Seek out and share the brilliant work being done by publishers who champion our languages. For Scots, companies like Luath Press and the North-East’s Doric Books offer a fantastic range of titles. Online resources like Scots Hoose provide invaluable educational materials for young folk, while oorNews delivers news and culture in oor ain tongue. By asking your local library to stock more of these books, you make our languages more visible and accessible to everyone. Every book bought, every article shared, and every conversation had is a meaningful contribution to a shared, community-led effort.
A Future We Build Together
The story of Scots and Gaelic in the 21st century will not be written in government budgets, but in the homes, schools, and communities of the people who speak them. The current funding levels are a challenge, but they are also a catalyst for a new kind of activism—one rooted in community, creativity, and a shared love for our linguistic heritage. Let us not be defined by the numbers, but inspired by the opportunity. The future of Scots and Gaelic is bright, because it is a future we are all building together.