Workplace
Ambition: Gaelic is the normal, visible language of work in Uist – from the office to the fishing boat – and is supported in every sector.
Workplace
“We didn’t have Gaelic at home, but I learned it through primary school. When I got to secondary school, there wasn’t much Gaelic used outside of the classroom, and I lost confidence. I took Gaelic again in my final year and, with the support of my teacher, my interest and confidence came back.
I wanted more Gaelic opportunities at university and I started at Ceòlas through the student scheme. I have been working there for over four years – using Gaelic every day. After a trip to Skye, where I met Gaelic students from all over the country, Gaelic is now part of every aspect of my life.
I would like more young people to have the same opportunity.” – Andrew
Action
Organisations that link with this action
Community Action
A1.1 Create a short and simple Gaelic Charter template that any organisation can adapt and sign up to at the level appropriate for their organisation or group.
Cothrom
Tagsa Uibhist
UCVO
Caraidean Uibhist
Comunn Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh
Ceòlas
Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain Tir An Eorna +FnanG
Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath Caraidean Uibhist CAB Uist Macinnes Bros Cidsin Ceilidh Soar Laithean Baile Raghail + Dunes Cafe
Ceann na h-Àirigh
Taigh Chearsabhagh
Ask your employer: “Why don’t we have a Gaelic Charter?” – help adapt it for your team.
A1.2 Develop a handy toolkit for employers with induction materials, signage and logo templates, and document exemplification to assist with the Gaelic initiatives,
UHI NWH- Uist Unearthed
Comann Dualchais Innse Gall
Museum nan Eilean
Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath
Ceann na h-Àirigh
Visit Outer Hebrides
Are you in HR? Request this toolkit or volunteer to pilot it.
A1.3 Carry out Gaelic language audits in workplaces – skills mapping, needs and opportunities.
Cothrom
Tagsa Uibhist
UCVO
Comunn Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh
Ceòlas
Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain Tir An Eorna +FnanG
Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath
Ceann na h-Àirigh
Taigh Chearsabhagh
Lionacleit Library
Employers: book an audit to help understand where Gaelic fits in your organisation.
A1.4 Encourage organisations and businesses to consider the value of Gaelic skills in job descriptions and recruitment and act as appropriate to strengthen Gaelic in staff team.
Cothrom
Tagsa Uibhist
Ceòlas
Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain Tir An Eorna +FnanG
Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath
Ceann na h-Àirigh
Taigh Chearsabhagh
CNES Gaelic Plan
Repopulation Zone
Visit Outer Hebrides
Lionacleit Library
Add “Gaelic desirable” or “Gaelic welcome” to your next job ad.
A1.5 Celebrate and certify the progress of organisations and workplaces increasing their use of Gaelic through the charter system. (Across levels 1-4).
Cothrom
Tagsa Uibhist
Comunn Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh
Ceòlas
Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain Tir An Eorna +FnanG
Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath
Ceann na h-Àirigh
Taigh Chearsabhagh UCVO
Caraidean Uibhist CAB Uist Macinnes Bros Cidsin Ceilidh Soar Laithean Baile Raghail + Dunes Cafe
Aim for an award level in your workplace – shout about your progress publicly.
A1.6 Facilitate Gaelic social opportunities in the workplace – e.g. coffee break chats, buddy schemes, quizzes.
Cothrom
Tagsa Uibhist
UCVO
Comunn Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh
Ceòlas
Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath
Taigh Chearsabhagh
Suggest a “Gaelic Friday” coffee or run a 10-word challenge each week.
A1.7 Encourage Gaelic in lone/home working – create shared online coffee breaks and remote learning buddy groups.
Self-employed groups, freelancers, remote workers.
North Uist Development Company
Are you a remote worker? Join or start a Gaelic Zoom catch-up or co-working session in Gaelic.
A1.8 Explore opportunities and funding to support language upskilling in the workplace.
CNES, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain Tir An Eorna +FnanG
Repopulation Zone
Check if your job training fund could include Gaelic learning.
A1.9 Increase Gaelic use in frontline services: signage, greetings, info packs, call handling.
Caraidean Uibhist
Ceann na h-Àirigh Cothrom
Tagsa Uibhist
UCVO
Caraidean Uibhist
Comunn Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh
Ceòlas
Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain Tir An Eorna +FnanG
Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath Caraidean Uibhist CAB Uist Macinnes Bros Cidsin Ceilidh Soar Laithean Baile Raghail + Dunes Cafe
Ceann na h-Àirigh
Taigh Chearsabhagh
North Uist Development Company
Next time you call a public body, ask for the Gaelic greeting – it matters!
OUR VISION FOR 2030
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, a community diary, a one stop shop for infomation on Gaelic learning opportunities in Gaelic and good news stories and showcases relating to Gaelic. 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 also 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.