Falkirk's Gaelic Plan 2025-2030

Background Information

Falkirk Council along with all other local authorities and public bodies must have a Gaelic Language Plan. The Plan must demonstrate our commitment to preserving, growing and protecting Gaelic language and culture. This is part of The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, securing the status of Gaelic language as an official language of Scotland commanding equal respect to the English language. Our current plan expires in July 2025, when our new prosed plan will take effect from July 2025 – June 2030. 

Falkirk Council’s Gaelic Language Plan is underpinned by five key principles of equal respect, active offer, mainstreaming, third parties and corporate parenting. The following section identifies our commitment to these principles and how they are applied throughout the Plan and our combined activities.  

Gaelic in Falkirk

Our area does not have a large Gaelic-speaking community. According to the 2022 Census, only 1.6% of the Falkirk population understands, reads, writes, or speaks Gaelic. However, this is an increase from the previous census data when only 0.3% could understand Gaelic. Over the years, partnerships between local Gaelic organisations and the Council have strengthened, fostering greater awareness of Gaelic language and culture while expanding support and opportunities for Gaelic learners.