More Gaelic required!

A new Scottish Government report, Public Attitudes Towards the Gaelic Language, shows that some 81% of the public feel it is important to preserve the Gaelic language in Scotland. The full report is available at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/04160631/0, with a summary of its findings at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/04140925/0.

The report examined seven key areas:

1 Background and Objectives
2 Method and sample
3 Knowledge Of The Gaelic Language Today
4 Support for the Gaelic language
5 Identity
6 Relevance and value of Gaelic
7 Gaelic In Education

The Am Paipear newspaper, from the Uists, has a handy summary of the findings at www.ampaipear.org.uk/2011/08/gaelic-vital-to-scotland - here's the key bit:

* 65 per cent thought more should be done to promote Gaelic in Scotland
* 81 per cent feel it is important that Scotland does not lose its Gaelic language traditions
* 70 per cent thought there should be more opportunities to learn Gaelic
* 90 per cent thought pupils should be taught Scottish studies.
* 53 per cent would like to see more Gaelic in Scottish life

(Thanks to various tweeters, including @direcleit @BBCScotlandNews and @seaboardGaelic. Tha an sgeul anseo cuideachd 'sa Ghaidhlig)

Chris