Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has highlighted the economic value of Gaelic to the Highlands and Islands and has urged anyone with an interest in the future of Scotland’s ancient language to contribute to the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Consultation on Gaelic.

The renewed Gaelic Plan 2016-21 sets out HIE's aims and ambitions for Gaelic over the next five years and details how these will be achieved through specific actions. It builds on the progress made in the organisation's previous plan which covered the period from 2012-15.

Mr Thompson said, “The new plan for the future of Gaelic by Highlands and Islands Enterprise will enhance how Gaelic is utilised for social and economic gain.

“This follows recent research showing the economic value of the Gaelic language in the Highlands to be £5.6million, which is no mean sum, and with further assistance, I believe treating Gaelic as the asset it is, we can raise that figure higher still.

“The plan is available to view online and is open to the public until March the 4th so I urge anyone with an interest in the future of Scotland’s ancient language to contribute”.