21 May 2026
Skills Development Scotland plan strengthens commitment to Gaelic learning
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has published its Gaelic Language Plan 2026–29, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the growth and everyday use of Gaelic across Scotland’s skills system.
The plan, approved by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, sets out a range of actions designed to increase opportunities for people to learn, use and engage with Gaelic in education, work and community settings. It represents the fourth iteration of SDS’s Gaelic Language Plan and builds on progress made through previous delivery periods, including partnerships with schools, employers and national initiatives that promote Gaelic learning and careers.
The updated plan aligns with the National Gaelic Language Plan 2023–28 and supports wider efforts to strengthen Gaelic as part of Scotland’s cultural and economic landscape. It also reflects the increasing emphasis on embedding Gaelic within public services, supported by the Scottish Languages Act 2025, which reinforces the language’s status in public life.
A key focus of the plan is improving the visibility and accessibility of Gaelic across SDS services and programmes. This includes encouraging greater use of Gaelic in learning environments, strengthening pathways for young people to engage with the language through education, and expanding opportunities for adults to develop Gaelic skills beyond school.
The plan also highlights the importance of Gaelic within Scotland’s broader skills and employability system. By working with employers, education providers and public sector partners, SDS aims to support more inclusive access to Gaelic learning and ensure the language is better connected to modern career pathways and economic opportunities.
Partnership remains central to the delivery of the plan, with SDS continuing to work alongside national bodies, local authorities and third sector organisations to expand Gaelic provision and improve engagement across communities.
Read more: New plan focuses on increasing use and learning of Gaelic - Skills Development Scotland
The plan, approved by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, sets out a range of actions designed to increase opportunities for people to learn, use and engage with Gaelic in education, work and community settings. It represents the fourth iteration of SDS’s Gaelic Language Plan and builds on progress made through previous delivery periods, including partnerships with schools, employers and national initiatives that promote Gaelic learning and careers.
The updated plan aligns with the National Gaelic Language Plan 2023–28 and supports wider efforts to strengthen Gaelic as part of Scotland’s cultural and economic landscape. It also reflects the increasing emphasis on embedding Gaelic within public services, supported by the Scottish Languages Act 2025, which reinforces the language’s status in public life.
A key focus of the plan is improving the visibility and accessibility of Gaelic across SDS services and programmes. This includes encouraging greater use of Gaelic in learning environments, strengthening pathways for young people to engage with the language through education, and expanding opportunities for adults to develop Gaelic skills beyond school.
The plan also highlights the importance of Gaelic within Scotland’s broader skills and employability system. By working with employers, education providers and public sector partners, SDS aims to support more inclusive access to Gaelic learning and ensure the language is better connected to modern career pathways and economic opportunities.
Partnership remains central to the delivery of the plan, with SDS continuing to work alongside national bodies, local authorities and third sector organisations to expand Gaelic provision and improve engagement across communities.
Read more: New plan focuses on increasing use and learning of Gaelic - Skills Development Scotland
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