Bòrd na Gàidhlig has approved the third edition of the Park Authority’s Gaelic Language Plan. The new plan, covering 2025 to 2029, supports the continued use of Gaelic and maintaining it as an active language and culture within the communities of the Cairngorms National Park. 

The Cairngorms National Park has a rich history and culture of languages. Gaelic became the dominant language of the Cairngorms area over 1,000 years ago and because of this, the majority of place names within the National Park are Gaelic in origin.  

In developing the Gaelic Language Plan, the Park Authority heard from more than 400 people and organisations through a six week online consultation which found that 90% agreed with its proposed priorities. 

Sandy Bremner, Convener at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “I am delighted that Bòrd na Gàidhlig has approved the latest edition of our Gaelic Language Plan, shaped by the people who live and work here in the National Park. Gaelic is woven into the cultural and natural heritage of the National Park and has a vibrant part to play in its future.  

“Increasing opportunities for people and communities to engage with Gaelic language and culture is an important element of our current Partnership Plan and we look forward to working with our staff, partners and communities to make this happen over the next five years. We are committed to ensuring that the unique cultural and linguistic value of Gaelic to the Cairngorms National Park is fully recognised and celebrated.” 

Increasing the use and learning of Gaelic and promoting a positive image of Gaelic are among the key priorities. A few key elements of the plan include: 

• Increasing opportunities for young people to speak Gaelic, working with local authorities.
• Funding projects that celebrate Gaelic culture, in partnership with Cairngorms Trust.
• Providing Gaelic language and culture training for community representatives, staff, rangers and board within the National Park.
• Celebrating Gaelic language and culture through National Park projects and channels, including Cairngorms 2030 and Badenoch: The Storylands.
• Encouraging partners across the National Park to engage with Gaelic and share Gaelic culture with their audiences. 

Jennifer McHarrie, Director of Education at Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “I am pleased to confirm that Bòrd na Gàidhlig has approved the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s Gaelic language plan (2025-2029). I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Park Authority for their ongoing commitment to Gaelic and their co-operation in preparing edition three of the plan. I wish them well with its implementation.” 

As with previous editions of the Cairngorms National Park Gaelic Language Plan, annual progress reports will be submitted to Bòrd na Gàidhlig and published on the Park Authority website. 

The third edition of the Cairngorms National Park Gaelic Language Plan (2025-2029) can be found on our website.