Dundee publishes plans to make Gaelic a part of everyday life

Dundee (Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Dé) is the fourth largest City in Scotland. It is situated on the north bank of the Firth of Tay (Scottish Gaelic: Linne Tatha) in the east of the central Lowlands. In the referendum on Scottish independence a majority of 57.35% voted in favour of independence.

In a report Dundee City Council has now launched plans to introduce Gaelic language into everyday life. A foreword to the report by council leader Ken Guild says: "Although Gaelic has not been widely used in Dundee in recent times, it was spoken at some time virtually everywhere in Scotland. Gaelic was likely the dominant language in Dundee between around 800-1200 AD but was still being spoken in 1791 when a Gaelic chapel was built in Dundee for ‘Highlanders recently arrived in the town’."

In the report he goes on to say: “Dundee City Council is committed to giving equal respect to the Gaelic language in recognition of its status as one of Scotland’s national languages, its contribution to the richness and diversity of Scottish culture and its importance within our nation’s heritage."

The new moves would be introduced in accordance with the Scottish Government’s Gaelic Language Act 2005 and could start from as early as December next year. The plans will boost the popularity of the language, with major changes including Gaelic translations being introduced to Dundee road signs as well as in the Councils written and website material. In consultation with parents, there will also be steps taken to make Gaelic a part of the education system.