Scottish Language

Today English is the everyday language of Scotland. However, the country still boasts a number of other languages and strong local dialects.

The best known and most common is Gaelic, the traditional language of the Highlands. This is still the first choice language of many people in more remote parts of the Highlands, particularly the Outer Hebrides group of islands. As you travel across the Highlands you will see that most road signs and place names are in both English and Gaelic. There are also regular Gaelic language programmes on the two main Scottish television channels as well as extensive education programmes to teach the language to children.

The main celebration of Gaelic culture is the annual National Mod where thousands of Gaels from all over the world come together for around a week to compete in and perform Gaelic singing, poetry and musical competitions. The Mod is held in a different town each year and is known as "The Whisky Olympics". It has been held in both Perth and Blairgowrie within Great Scotland.

Lesser known languages or dialects include Doric, the tongue of North East Scotland, and Lallands, the dialect of lowland Scotland. Both of these languages are conserved by enthusiasts who write in them, organise festivals and pass them on to younger people.