Gaelic / Gàidhlig
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.
As the public body responsible for coordinating activity within the UK’s largest national park, we are committed to ensuring that the unique cultural and linguistic value of Gaelic to the Cairngorms National Park is fully recognised and celebrated.
Gaelic Language Plan 2025 – 29
The third edition of our Gaelic Language Plan sets out how we intend to achieve the above aims and how activity in this area aligns with our five-year National Park Partnership Plan. It was approved by Bòrd na Gàidhlig in April 2025.
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.
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.
Gaelic Language Plan 2025 – 29 (English)
Plana Gàidhlig 2025 – 29 (Gàidhlig)