About Us
Uibhist 2030
Why this matters
Uist is one of the few remaining places where Gaelic is still part of daily life – heard in shops, schools, workplaces, churches and homes. But that status is fragile. If we want to hear Gaelic between generations, in everyday conversations, in the places we live and work, we need to act now – together. You can read more at www.planauibhist.scot
How We Got Here
Through the work of the plan steps will be taken to tackle these challenges, practical, positive steps to reduce fragility of the life in our islands while strengthening the Gaelic language.
Gaelic is woven through life in Uist, but it faces pressure – from depopulation, rising costs, poor transport links, housing availability and changes in how we live and work. Through community workshops, local conversations and input from organisations across Uist, this plan is being developed to tackle those challenges with practical, positive steps.
Our Approach
A Uist Gaelic Stakeholder Group* was set up to coordinate efforts to create this plan. We believe in doing what we can, where we are. This plan focuses on visibility, everyday usage, putting Gaelic first in planning, and building change through small steps. We are trying to get everyone involved, whatever their ability of influence.
Uibhist 2030 is a community-led effort to protect, strengthen and grow Gaelic in Uist. It’s for fluent speakers, learners, families, young people, newcomers and long-time residents – anyone who uses or supports Gaelic, at home or away. It’s also for local groups, public bodies and service providers – those with a role in ensuring Gaelic continues to be a living language across our islands – to encourage them to get involved and to work together to deliver on their own Gaelic Plan commitments.
OUR VISION FOR 2030
Our Priorities
Youth
Support confidence, creativity and opportunities for young people to use Gaelic.
Heritage
Celebrate local dialects, stories and Uist Gaelic culture across our islands.
Community
Make Gaelic easy to see, hear and use in daily life.
WORKPLACE
Encourage Gaelic in all work environments – e.g. in offices, shops, care homes, health services, transport terminals and local businesses.
Profile
Promote Gaelic as something that belongs to and benefits everyone in Uist
Let’s get started!
Whether you’re learning a few words or using Gaelic every day – you have a part to play. Use your Gaelic at home, at the till, at work, in the hall. Encourage others. Ask for Gaelic in services and events. Welcome newcomers with it. The actions in the following pages will only happen with support from organisations and individuals. You can lobby, you can influence, you can offer your time, your skills, your language.
Lobby. Influence. Take Action
Some actions will require further lobbying of key organisations, others will require your influence and the rest will rely on each person doing their part. Everyone can do something. All the organisations named in this plan should be lobbied and/or contacted regularly to ensure they are delivering on their commitments and that they are being proactive in their support, promotion and use of Gaelic in our communities.
You can influence in a variety of ways, for example, by joining Boards, Trusts and committees, talking to stakeholders, raising issues with staff, speaking to your Community and local Councillors and MSP, attending surgeries to raise the problems, offering to support Gaelic placements as an employer, joining voluntary groups such as the Parent Council or Third sector support groups.
Managing the Plan
The Uist Gaelic Stakeholder Group will oversee Plana Gàidhlig Uibhist, meeting quarterly to review progress, update actions, and respond to new opportunities. This regular review will keep the plan active and relevant, allowing it to adapt as local circumstances change. The Group will also include a representative of the Gaelic Youth Forum, once established.
www.planauibhist.scot will act as a central point for updates, practical tools, and examples of what’s working. It will also help individuals, groups, and organisations find ways to contribute or lead on particular actions.
Social media and regular updates in Am Pàipear will help keep Plana Gàidhlig Uibhist visible and connected to the wider community.
Local ambassadors will be appointed across the islands to encourage progress and to share progress on social media.
The aim is steady, continuing and practical progress and not just a one-off campaign soon put aside. By involving individuals, communities, and working closely with local organisations and public bodies, we can create the conditions for Gaelic to be more present and more widely used in everyday life across Uist.