Fife Council Backs Gaelic Language Plan

On 8 October, Fife Council announced its backing of a new five-year Gaelic Language Plan. Drafted after a public consultation from 18 June to 7 August, 2026, the plan outlines measures on how Gaelic language and culture are supported, promoted, and developed across Fife between 2026-31. The plan aims to create more opportunities for people to learn, use, and experience the Gaelic language and strengthen Fife’s Gaelic heritage. 

The plan sets out how the Council and its partners will strengthen Gaelic across Fife through seven major themes. The outlined measures are grouped into the following themes: using Gaelic, learning Gaelic, promoting Gaelic, strengthening identity, improving communications, enhancing visibility, and developing the workforce.

This plan fits within national legislative frameworks, specifically the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Scottish Languages Act 2025. Regional Gaelic language plans set out how local authorities will support and promote Gaelic within their constituencies and how Gaelic can be used on an equal basis with English. 

Fife Council released a statement speaking to the role of Gaelic in Fife’s heritage. Describing “a long and rich history in Fife, stretching back centuries,” the Council spoke of Gaelic’s importance in an appeal for residents to participate in public consultation. “The area is referenced in the Book of Deer — the earliest surviving written Gaelic in Scotland — and the majority of placenames across Fife are rooted in the language, reflecting its importance as the main language of the region for a significant period of time.” This edition of the Plan is based on the principle that Gaelic use and learning have the potential to grow in Fife.

The Council emphasised Gaelic’s role in community life today, citing an increase in the number of Gaelic speakers. Referencing a 2022 census, the Plan highlights that the number of Gaelic users in Fife has almost doubled since 2011, from 0.7% in 2011 to 1.3% in 2022. “Gaelic is an important part of Fife’s heritage, but it is also very much part of our present and future,” said Councillor Linda Erskine, Fife Council’s Communities and Leisure Spokesperson. 

In the plan, evidence that “5% of Scotland’s Gaelic speakers are estimated to live in Fife” is used to highlight “a local demand for Gaelic in public services.” The overall goal is to make Gaelic more visible and audible across Fife by embedding Gaelic in policy, service delivery, and organisational activity.

This is the third Gaelic Language Plan produced by Fife Council. A report before Fife Council’s Cabinet Committee highlighted significant progress made since Fife's first Gaelic Language Plan was proposed. Previous measures included the introduction of bilingual signage in Fife libraries, Gaelic conversation groups in community venues, adult learning pathways, and strengthening partnerships with Trusts and community organisations. Amongst other language pathways, in partnership with various community organisations, the University of St Andrews offers online evening Gaelic classes.

The new plan proposes continued efforts to create and support Gaelic education opportunities, the use of Gaelic music in primary schools, awareness of Gaelic heritage through historical venues, and an increase in the number of Gaelic users across Fife Council services.

The Plan’s progress will be monitored annually and reported as part of Fife Council’s Equality Priorities Plan 2025-29, which is formally reported every two years.