New plan focuses on increasing use and learning of Gaelic
The latest plan setting out how Skills Development Scotland will continue to support and promote the use of Gaelic across its services and activities has been published.
The SDS Gaelic Language Plan 2026-29 outlines a range of actions to increase the use and learning of Gaelic in education, business and the wider economy, and within SDS itself.
Published with the approval of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the latest plan is the fourth to be launched by SDS, and builds on progress made in recent years including ongoing collaboration with partners to promote Gaelic careers and deliver initiatives such as the Scottish Government’s Tog programme.
The new plan aligns with the National Gaelic Language Plan 2023–28 and reflects wider national ambition to grow the language, supported by the Scottish Languages Act 2025, which reinforces Gaelic’s status in Scotland.
Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of SDS, said: “Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland’s cultural identity and heritage, offering both a window to our past and future opportunities to bring economic and social benefit to the country.
“Our latest plan builds on the progress made in recent years, from continuing our annual Gaelic Careers event in collaboration with Highland Council, to delivering our commitments under the Scottish Government’s Tog initiative.
“We will continue to work closely with Scottish Government and our agency partners to further our shared goal of increasing the use and learning of Gaelic.”
Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland’s cultural identity and heritage, offering both a window to our past and future opportunities to bring economic and social benefit to the country.
Damien Yeates
Chief Executive, Skills Development Scotland
The plan’s high-level commitments include:
- Increasing the use and learning of Gaelic in Business and the Economy
- Increasing the use and learning of Gaelic in Education 0-18
- Increasing the use and learning of Gaelic within the adult/postschool sector
Over the lifetime of the plan, SDS will deliver a programme of activity designed to increase the visibility, use and value of Gaelic across Scotland, while continuing to support individuals, employers and communities to access opportunities through the language.
SDS will also monitor progress annually and report to Bòrd na Gàidhlig as part of its statutory responsibilities.
Find out more
Read the SDS Gaelic Language Plan 2026-29