LINGUAE CELTICAE
Willkommen :: Übersicht ::
Einführung ::
Studien :: Geschichte
:: Lernen ::
Impressum :: Verbindungen
:: Portal
Logbuch :::::: Schottisch-Gälisch :: Irisch ::
Manx :: Walisisch ::
Kornisch :: Bretonisch
|
|
||
----------- Gàidhlig (Scottish Gaelic) Local Studies --------
|
||
General introductionIn the framework of a number of European project initiatives it has been possible to
investigate the development of Scottish Gaelic in local detail for the past 140 years.
The studies deal with local communities which were predominantly
Gaelic-speaking at the end of the 19th century. Based mainly (but not exclusively) on local population
census information the reports strive to examine the state of the language through the ages from 1881
until today. The most relevant information is gathered comprehensively for the smallest geographical
unit possible and provided area by area - a very useful reference for people with interest in their
own community. Furthermore the impact of recent developments in education (namely teaching in Gaelic
medium and Gaelic as a second language) is analysed for primary school catchments. PLEASE NOTE: Special fact-sheets about the language situation in selected localities according to the 1891 census
are available on the
ALBA 1891 page (also on this site). At this page information is provided especially about communities near the
so-called "language frontier" in 1891. Thus fact-sheets include figures and comments about villages and hamlets from Gallaibh (Caithness) in the north
to the island of Arainn (Arran) in the south-western part of the country. |
|
|
Volume 1: Aird nam Murchan & Loch Abar an Iar (Ardnamurchan & West Lochaber)The area under investigation (Ardnamurchan and West Lochaber) has been a stronghold of the language right until the Second World War. Thereafter the trend did show a substantial decrease of Gaelic-speaking caused by the same various social and political pressures as experienced generally in Scotland. However, the most recent census results of 2022 paint a slightly more positive picture – especially in the communities served by the existing Gaelic medium units at Acharacle and Mallaig. It is important to note that recently an increase of the number of Gaelic-speaking persons has occurred in the civil parishes of Ardnamurchan and Arisaig & Moidart. Ardnamurchan has still a more positive ratio between younger and older Gaelic-speakers than the parishes of Morvern and Ardgour. However, conditions for the survival of the Gaelic language are still precarious everywhere although some signs of recovery are nevertheless apparent.
|
|
|
Volume 2: Eilean Bharraigh (Isle of Barra)
Barra has been overwhelmingly Gaelic speaking for many centuries. The downward trend of Gaelic-speaking in this part of the Hebrides set in shortly after the Second World War. This decline seems now to have slowed down a little and Gaelic is still important as a community language on Barra although on a far lower level than in previous decades. Intergenerational language maintenance seemed to be even stronger around Castlebay than in the north of the island – a consequence of not providing Gaelic medium education at Eoligarry school.
|
||
Volume 3: Uibhist a Deas & Beinn a'Bhaoghla (South Uist & Benbecula)
The islands of the Outer Hebrides in general have long been regarded as the last remaining strongholds of Gaelic in Scotland. During the past decades, however, even there the language has lost ground. This is also true for the communities of South Uist, Benbecula and Eriskay in the south of the island chain. But the investigations presented here conclude that South Uist ranks currently among the few locations where intergenerational language transmission works to a considerable degree. This is nevertheless only slowing down decline, but it is still not enough to counter the recent trend. On the other hand, the ap-parent increase of Gaelic-speaking incidence on Benbecula between 1991 and 2001 was caused by the closure of military installations and the leaving of army personnel and their families. This one-off effect should not gloss over the less strong language transmission on these islands. Nonetheless signs of revital-isation of Gaelic are very much apparent, especially when looking at the healthy pupil rolls in Gaelic medium education.
|
|
|
Volume 4: Iar Thuath Chataibh (Northwest Sutherland)
This volume is dedicated to the communities on the thinly populated north-west coast of Scotland. Historically this part of Sutherland had a strong Gaelic tradition. However, the language suffered substantially by official neglect and an ignorant education policy of the former county council. Today the general conclusions may be drawn as follows: Northwest Sutherland can no longer be seen as a Gaelic-speaking community in a strict sense as even the generation born before World War II is passing away. The situation of Gaelic in the whole area is depressingly worrying. The only encouraging features are the developments in the communities of Melvich and Bettyhill on the north coast with several commendable cultural activities and Gaelic education in the local primary and secondary schools. In the remaining areas the situation looks bleak, indeed.
|
||
Volume 5: Uibhist a Tuath (North Uist)
The investigations focussing on this part of the Outer Hebrides underline that North Uist is still a community with high incidence of Gaelic-speaking. Intergenerational language viability is healthier than in the island group, but it is nevertheless not totally secured. Strongholds of the language are confined to the westerly communities. Language retreat is strongest on the island of Berneray and in and around Lochmaddy. To prevent further decline in language use, intensive improvements especially regarding pre-school and primary school education must be accomplished.
|
|
|
Volume 6: Na Hearadh (Isle of Harris)
This study is concerned with the southern part of the largest island of the Western Isles. Harris and its neighbouring island of Scalpay are traditionally considered as major strongholds of Gaelic in Scotland. This fact was underlined by impressively high percentages of Gaelic speakers in census counts right until 1981. However, the last four census dates saw a considerable weakening of the language community especially in the pre-school population. Currently language maintenance based solely on intergenerational transmission is not completely assured on Harris as in many other rural parts of the Outer Hebrides. Only in a few locations like the island of Scalpay the language remains remarkably strong in contrast to the population centres of Tarbert and Leverburgh. But still a very high proportion of islanders could at least understand spoken Gaelic in 2022.
|
|
|
Volume 7: Eilean Leòdhas: Na Lochan (Isle of Lewis: Lochs)
Volume 7 of this series is concerned with the south-eastern part of Lewis. Considering the past developments in the Lochs district this part of the Isle of Lewis can no longer be considered per se as a stronghold of the language. Here the retreat of the language is already widespread, and this fact remained unimpeded at a considerable rate until at least 2022. This development may be explained partly by the inadequate educational provision for Gaelic in the past. The area served by the Gaelic Medium Unit in the northern part of Lochs shows relatively positive tendencies, whereas the Park district with only second language teaching in the local primary school delivers poor census results. These circumstances, however, may improve in future. After all Lochs is the most depressing example of the decline of Gaelic in rural Lewis.
|
|
|
Volume 8: Eilean Leòdhas: Uig & Carlabhagh (Isle of Lewis: Uig & Carloway)
The parish of Uig (including the settlements of Breascleit and Carloway as well as the island of Great Bernera) lies in the centre of the Gaelic heartland. The investigations within this volume conclude that even today some of the strongest Gaelic language communities in Scotland survive in this part of Lewis. Language viability is almost accomplished through the added effects of effective intergenerational language transmission and Gaelic-medium education which reaches most primary school children. However, even these positive developments could not totally counterbalance the impact of incoming monolingual English speakers which caused the decrease in the proportion of Gaelic-speakers since 1991. Accordingly, additional efforts must be undertaken to ensure that Uig remains at the heart of the Gaelic revival.
|
|
|
Volume 9: Taobh Siar Rois: Loch Bhraoin & Geàrrloch (Wester Ross: Lochbroom & Gairloch)
The two mainland parishes of Lochbroom and Gairloch have a long-standing tradition as Gaelic-speaking areas. The investigations reveal that Gaelic is now on the brink of return in the northern part of Wester Ross after a century of constant decline. Whereas the recent educational activities have already succeeded in halting the decrease in the parish of Lochbroom, it can be assumed that also Gairloch is not a hopeless candidate anymore. Census results in the primary school catchment of Ullapool have already shown the way how to increase both numbers and percentage of Gaelic speakers.
|
|
|
Volume 10: Taobh Siar Rois: A'Chomraich, Loch Carrann & Loch Aillse (Wester Ross: Applecross, Lochcarron & Lochalsh)
The Gaelic language communities in the south-west of the ancient county of Ross & Cromarty have long resisted the general trend. But after the Second World War the well-known dramatic decline in Gaelic-speaking commenced also in the district between Applecross and Glenelg. Now this part of the former Gaidhealtachd shows some signs of recovery especially around the villages of Lochcarron and Plockton. Whereas in communities without Gaelic medium units the percentage of Gaelic-speakers still went down considerably, the school catchment area of Plockton experienced only a slight decline since 2011. The other area with Gaelic medium education (Lochcarron primary school) even reported an increase of percentage and number of speakers.
|
|
|
Volume 11: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach: Trondairnis, Diùirinis & Minginis (Isle of Skye: Trotternish, Duirinish & Minginish)
This volume looks at the past and contemporary state of Gaelic in the north-western townships on the Isle of Skye. The crofting communities on the Trotternish, Duirinish and Minginish peninsulas have experienced substantial economic and social disruptions in the past which took their toll also from the Gaelic language community. Only during the last two decades economic conditions have improved and population figures are rising again. Prospects for the maintenance of Gaelic as important community language in this part of the island are no longer as gloomy as they used to be. This is especially the case in Trotternish with roughly 60 % of primary school children attending Gaelic medium classes in Staffin and Kilmuir. The settlements on Waternish and around Dunvegan also show some signs that decline has almost arrested. On the other hand, local conditions around Edinbane and on the entire Minginish peninsula are still far less satisfactory and bode not well for the future.
|
|
|
Volume 12: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach: Port Rìgh, An Srath & Slèite (Isle of Skye: Portree, Strath & Sleat)
The Isle of Skye has been a Gaelic-speaking stronghold for centuries. After World War II decline set in especially in the main townships of Portree, Broadford and Kyleakin. However, in recent years a remarkable renaissance has taken place with a considerable success in Gaelic-medium education and of course the establishment and growth of the Gaelic further education college at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the Sleat peninsula. Foundations have now been laid for a successful regeneration of Gaelic in the south-eastern parts of the Isle of Skye. However, there is still much room for improvement especially in the pre-school sector and in a few locations like the island of Raasay, where Gaelic has suffered a dramatic decline recently.
|
|
|
Volume 13: Eilean Leòdhas: An Taobh Siar & Nis (Isle of Lewis: Westside & Ness)
The area between Shawbost and Ness on the Atlantic side of Lewis is traditionally seen as a major stronghold of Gaelic. Since 1981, however, this situation has slowly declined despite some commendable educational activities focussing on the communities of Lionel and Borve. Ness as the northernmost part of Lewis remains a comparatively strong part of the “Gaelic-speaking heartland” but deterioration tendencies are clearly seen in Westside especially in Arnol and Bragar. Therefore, it will be extremely necessary to improve especially the educational provision in this part of Lewis.
|
|
|
Volume 14: Eilean Leòdhas: Am Bac & An Rubha (Isle of Lewis: Back & Point)
This report examines the conditions of Gaelic in rural parts of the parish of Stornoway. In this north-eastern district of the Isle of Lewis the retreat of the language has been especially pronounced in recent decades. The language communities north of Stornoway, however, withstood the anglicisation trends more successfully than those situated on the peninsula of Point. Whereas Gaelic has still some considerable base today in the settlements between Coll and North Tolsta, the language has lost substantial ground especially amongst the younger generation in the communities around Aird and Bayble.
|
||
Volume 15: Eilean Leòdhas: Steòrnabhagh (Isle of Lewis: Stornoway)
This issue is concerned with the main township in the Outer Hebrides: Stornoway and its neighbouring settlements around Laxdale, Newmarket and Sandwick. These locations have experienced a dramatic decline in Gaelic-speaking intensity in the past. The comparatively small decrease between 1991 and 2001 can in all probability be attributed to the influx of Gaelic-speakers from other parts of the islands. Especially at young age Gaelic was still very much a minority issue in 2001. For example, almost no Gaelic-speaking children below the age of 3 were recorded in 2001. There is much room for improvement regarding the state and status of the language on the doorstep of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council). Slight glimmers of hope, however, provided the most recent census results in 2022 and the recent upturn in pupil numbers choosing Gaelic medium education.
|
||
Volume 16: Ile, Diùra & Colbhasa (Islay, Jura & Colonsay)
Islay and its less populated neighbours of Jura and Colonsay had once been very strong Gaelic-speaking communities. But the good accessibility of the islands and a failing educational system led to severe decline in language use after the Second World War. Today Gaelic still suffers from decades of neglect and ignorance in the southernmost Hebrides. The basis for a consolidation of language use is rather limited and the language community has a strong bias towards the older generation. Educational provision is not on a comparable level with other islands in the Inner Hebrides like Mull or Tiree. Education provides the main growth potential. Improvements could be accomplished through intensified Gaelic medium provision and dedicated second language teaching in local primary schools. The latter did not produce very encouraging results in Port Ellen and Port Charlotte. Future positive impacts could be expected by the extension of activities around Ionad Chaluim Chille (St. Columba Centre) in Bowmore.
|
|
|
Volume 17: Gleann Comhann, Lios Mòr & Aird Chatain (Glencoe, Lismore & Ardchattan)
The whole investigation area between Loch Leven and Loch Etive in the central western Highlands was once an important stronghold of Gaelic right until the Second World War. Especially in the communities around Glencoe (namely Ballachulish and Kinlochleven) the decline has been dramatic und unimpeded with no educational support whatsoever. Within the last decades positive developments, however, have started in the district of Appin and on the island of Lismore further south. The latter community may still be characterized as partially Gaelic speaking. Further growth in this area may be expected due to the Gaelic-medium education at Strath of Appin and the inclusion of all primary schools in a scheme for tuition of Gaelic as second language. Even the secondary school in Kinlochleven offers now (2024) Gaelic as a subject.
|
||
Volume 18: An t-Oban & Latharna a Deas (Oban & South Lorn)
Oban is the main focal point of the communities of northern Argyll. This harbour town acts as an economic and social bridge between the mainland communities of Lorn and the central Hebridean islands from Mull to Barra. As such Oban was always home of a considerable number of “exiles” from the stronger Gaelic-speaking island communities – a fact which strengthened the status of the language in this area for a long time. Parts of neighbouring Lorn were strongly Gaelic speaking until World War II, especially the islands of Seil and Luing. There regrettably the language has almost gone. Nowadays despite recent educational efforts the profile of Gaelic is still remarkably low in the town of Oban and its hinterland. To halt the decline or even start a revival much stronger emphasis must be laid upon educational provision from pre-school to secondary stages.
|
||
Volume 19: An Gearasdan & Loch Abar an Ear (Fort William & East Lochaber)
Both the district of East Lochaber and its capital Fort William have kept their Gaelic traditions longer than many comparable areas in the Highlands. Nonetheless, the language experienced a considerable weakening during the decades. Quite recently, however, attitudes became more favourable towards Gaelic. Some positive signs of recovery (on a comparatively low level) have already surfaced in the 2022 census. The consolidation of Gaelic-speaking intensity since 1991 in the town of Fort William is an achievement. But overall, there is still a mountain to climb to improve the status of the language in all East Lochaber. Recent substantial improvements in educational provision may help to redress the bal-ance in favour of Gaelic in the future.
|
|
|
Volume 20: Muile, Tiriodh & Colla (Mull, Tiree & Coll)
This issue is concerned with the islands in the centre of the Inner Hebrides. Gaelic remained as dominating community language on Mull and Coll as late as the Second World War; in Tiree Gaelic still plays a major role today. Gaelic on Mull seems to have narrowly escaped from the “point of no return” in recent years. The island could provide an excellent example for language resurrection if current initiatives continue to improve - hopefully with increasing vigour. The picture of the Gaelic language on Tiree is slightly more encouraging. It still constitutes a prominent factor in local life although on a lower level than in the past. This status could be enhanced, however, much more successfully if the whole community would have a real chance to embrace Gaelic as part of their own lives. Linguistically Tiree looks very much divided between “locals” and newcomers.
|
|
|
Volume 21: Bàideanach, Srath Spè, Nàrann & Bràighean Mhàrr (Badenoch, Strathspey, Nairn & Braes of Mar)
The report does not only cover the traditional “Highland” districts of Badenoch and Nairn, but it also describes the situation in a "terra incognita" of Gaelic speech: The north-eastern fringe. Right until the First World War it was commonplace to hear Gaelic on the streets of Grantown-on-Spey, Tomintoul and even Braemar in Aberdeenshire. Equally unknown in many circles is the fact that the last “native speaker” of Aberdeenshire Gaelic died as late as the early 1980s. In Badenoch Gaelic still survived as a community language even until the Second World War. Today the language is still being held up in the area by a very small number of speakers. Newtonmore in western Badenoch and Nairn are the only communities where Gaelic still shows some flickering light with Gaelic-medium nursery and primary school education in local schools. Essentially arrived at rock bottom, ironically the situation of Gaelic can only improve in this district.
|
||
Volume 22: Cataibh an Ear & Gallaibh (East Sutherland & Caithness)
Gaelic once was the dominant means of conversation in East Sutherland and the western districts of Caithness. Since the end of the 19th century the language was on a relentless decline caused both by official ignorance and the low self-confidence of its speakers. A century later Gaelic is only spoken by a very tiny minority of inhabitants, many of them born around the time of the Second World War. Signs for the future still look not promising. Gaelic is still being largely sidelined officially in the whole area. Local councillors even objected to bilingual road-signs in Caithness. Teaching provision is either derisory or non-existent. Only constant parental pressure had achieved the introduction of Gaelic medium provision in Thurso. Sadly, the once thriving Gaelic medium unit in Bonar Bridge had to close due to the teacher shortage. Progress is slow in this area. The Gaelic language would already be dead in northern Scotland without grassroots support for the once dominant tongue. Currently (2024) there is some progress with Gaelic learner tuition in some primary schools in East Sutherland and even on secondary level at Dornoch Academy!
|
||
Volume 23: Inbhirnis & Taobh Loch Nis (Inverness & Loch Ness-side)
This volume is concerned with the modern history of Gaelic in the northern part of the Great Glen and its communities between Fort Augustus and Inverness. The “Highland Capital” and the district around Loch Ness has experienced a decline of Gaelic speaking like many other parts of the once Gaidheal-tachd. But within the last few decades Inverness has been at the forefront of many positive developments connected with Gaelic including early provision of Gaelic medium education. Commendable efforts to support the language in the town and its surrounding district have been done but there is still scope for considerable improvement. This includes more intensive second language teaching in primary and secondary schools and a more positive attitude concerning the usage and visibility of the language in public space and official proceedings.
|
|
|
Volume 24: Taobh Sear Rois & An t-Eilean Dubh (Easter Ross & Black Isle)
This study is concerned with the eastern districts of the old county of Ross & Cromarty. At the turn of the 19th century almost half of the population still spoke Gaelic in Easter Ross and the western parts of the Black Isle. After World War II the language was effectively dead as a community language by any standards. Nowadays Easter Ross is on the brink to achieving language viability (on a comparatively low level). Gaelic on the Black Isle, however, does not show any sign of recovery. But the potential for a breakthrough both in Gaelic medium education and in second language teaching is still there. It is only a matter of policy (and an increased pool of suitable teachers). The support of parents and whole communities has achieved remarkable results in the past – Easter Ross could be a prime example of successful language recovery.
|
||
Volume 25: Dal Riada & Cinn Tìre (Mid Argyll & Kintyre)
The Gaelic language was once widespread and dominant all over Mid Argyll and the Kintyre peninsula. Whereas Campbeltown and the southernmost tip of Kintyre were anglicised relatively early by the introduction of Lowland settlers in the 18th and 19th century, the remaining country kept its Gaelic tradition well into the inter-war period of the 1930s. Nowadays Gaelic in both areas is very much waiting to be revitalised. Besides some recent initiatives to introduce Gaelic language lessons in a few primary schools and the introduction of bilingual road-signs, there is not much worth reporting. Compared with the rich Gaelic tradition in these heartlands of Earra-Ghàidheal (Land of the Gael), the profile of the language in the district is on an all-time low these days. Even on the once staunchly Gaelic-speaking island of Giogha (Gigha) the language has practically disappeared.
|
||
Volume 26: Comhal, Siorrachd Bhòid & Dùn Breatainn (Cowal, Buteshire & Dumbarton)
This study is concerned with traditionally Gaelic speaking districts on the western and northern shores of the Firth of Clyde. In this respect the report looks at the past strength of the language on the peninsula of Cowal, in the neighbouring Highland parishes of Dunbartonshire and, last but not least, on the islands of the former County of Bute. The latter of course includes the island of Arran, where the local dialect lingered on until the 1990s. Since the 1880s Gaelic went into a substantial decline in the area until quite recently when numbers of Gaelic speakers rose again for the first time on the Cowal peninsula between 1991 and 2001. Unfortunately, second language teaching stopped on Comhal in the years after-wards except in a few locations. Despite this setback Dunoon has started to act as a catalyst for Gaelic language activities in the area – even Arran slowly wakes up to its cultural legacy. Currently a few small steps are being taken to bring new life into the once thriving language. This occurs in places which were considered as hard core “Gaelic free zones” a few years ago.
|
|
|
Volume 27: Siorrachd Pheairt, Aonghas & Sruighlea (Perthshire, Angus & Stirling)
Only a century ago Gaelic was commonly spoken in a large portion of the counties of Perthshire and Stirlingshire in Central Scotland. Despite the dramatic decline in the 20th century the once dominant community language has not been altogether forgotten in these historic counties. Although still confined to a small band of enthusiasts and supported only by scattered teaching of Gaelic in local schools the language is rising considerably in the perception of the public. Compared with the old days, Gaelic has still a long way to go but in the “Heart of Scotland” at least actions have started to redress the balance. In the region of Highland Perthshire there is at least some glimmer of hope – in the Stirling-governed former West Perthshire the traditional language has almost vanished.
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
All comments, criticsms, further information are very welcome indeed! We are only an email away: info@linguae-celticae.de ! Mòran taing! |
||
|
|
© 2003-2024 Kurt C. Duwe • webmaster@linguae-celticae.de