As a recognised centre of excellence in Celtic and Gaelic studies, and home to the nationally significant degree in Primary Education with Gaelic, the University’s 2025 – 2030 Plan sets out the University’s principles and commitments to the language and its culture.
The University has committed to cultivate a supportive and active community of Gaelic speakers on campus and locally, emphasising immersive language opportunities such as a Gaelic flat and Gaelic ambassador schemes.
Building partnerships
Building on the progress to date, the new Gaelic Plan has committed to seeking opportunities for partnership working, highlighting in particular the University’s support for Capital Gaelic, a new network which brings together organisations from across Edinburgh including the National Museums and National Library of Scotland to promote Gaelic in the city.
Community has been at the heart of this Plan throughout the development period, with the University working in close collaboration with staff, students and members of the local community to formulate the central principles and commitments.
Thriving community
The case studies and stories outlined in the Plan draw attention to the life of Gaelic at the University and in our local area.
Case studies include tThe University’s Gaelic Writer in Residence scheme, established in 2022, Gaelic Week Edinburgh, hosted since 2014 in collaboration with the City of Edinburgh Council, and the University’s collaborative project with the University of Glasgow and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, and funded by the Scottish Government, to produce a subtitling system for Gaelic.
In addition to the University’s commitments to People and Community and Partnership Working, the new Plan has committed to: continuing to deliver and expand opportunities for lifelong learning of the language; protecting and making accessible our internationally significant collections, and; enhancing the visibility, use and profile of Gaelic across our campuses.
Strategic vision
The Plan aims to build on the achievements of the University’s two previous Gaelic Plans while also contributing to the University’s Strategy 2030 and to the broader aims of the Scottish Government and civil society to protect and promote the language.
An evening reception to make the official launch of The Gaelic Plan 2025 – 2030 was organised in the Bayes Centre on Thursday 5 December 2024.