Scotland Invests in AI: A Stap Forwird, But Scots Leid Needs Support

On February 10, 2025, da Scottish Government unveiled a bold investment in artificial intelligence (AI) throu its CivTech programme. Dis initiative aims tae tackle pressin societal issues wi a fundin boost o up tae £9 million awarded tae 14 companies. Dese firms are warkin on innovative AI solutions dat address challenges faced by charities an public sector organisations. Amang da notable projects are saftware designed tae detect toxic contaminants for firefechters, AI systems tae ease teachers’ administrative burdens, an drone technology for monitorin puffin populations.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead pynted oot Scotland’s potential in da AI sector, citin its rich history o innovation an a strang netwark o warld-class universities. He stated, “Throu CivTech, we are revolutionisin hoo public sector organisations wark by collaboratin wi businesses tae develop products dat improve lives.” Syne its laanch in 2016, da CivTech programme has invested £20 million intae 90 companies, shawcasin a commitment tae fosterin innovation an job creation.

Hooanivver, while these advancements in technology are commendable, a pressin issue remains: da support for da Scots leid. A recent report frae da Committee o Experts o da European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages caaed for da UK tae adopt comprehensive strategies for regional languages, includin Scots. Da report pynted oot da ower-reliance on volunteers for da development o languages like Scots an Ulster Scots, alangside a lack o adequate fundin an systematic support.

Da report furder noted dat minority leid education aften faas tae local authorities, leadin tae inconsistencies in resoorces an trained teachers ower regions. Dis situation is worsened by a general lack o awareness an appreciation for da cultural value o regional languages ithin da predominantly English-speakin majority.

As a sel-funded news organisation, oorNews is dedicated tae promotin da Scots leid an addressin da media gap in Scotland an da UK. Despite da challenges, we believe in a vibrant future whaar da Scots leid is celebrated an supported. We invite businesses interested in supportin oorNews tae rax oot via [email protected] for tae explore advertisin opportunities, especially if dey encourage da uise o Scots amang deir staff an customers.

In conclusion, while da Scottish Government’s investment in AI merks a positive stap tae innovation an societal improvement, it is crucial dat equal attention is gien tae da preservation an promotion o da Scots leid. A collaborative effort is needed for tae ensure dat aa vyces in Scotland are heard an valued, pavin da wey for a mair inclusive society.