News > 2008

Encouraging Research Findings for Gaelic TV Audience

Five per cent of people in Scotland can speak fluent or conversational Gaelic, according to new figures, and a further 7% say they can speak a few words, bringing the percentage who can speak some Gaelic up to 12%, a far higher figure than had been anticipated.

These new figures emerged from Scotland-wide research commissioned by Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Media Service) towards the end of 2007. Progressive Research were contracted to gather the views of people in Scotland on Gaelic and on the new Gaelic Digital Channel, which is to launch this year.

In an omnibus survey of 1001 people, 46% said they were interested in Gaelic culture and 19% said they would like to learn more about Gaelic.

In addition to the omnibus survey, 201 Gaelic speakers were also canvassed. Eighty four per cent (84%) of the Gaelic sample and almost 50% of the omnibus respondents said that they would tune in to the Gaelic Digital Service when it is on the air (44% likely to tune in, 45% unlikely to tune in, 11% did not express an opinion either way).

Welcoming the research findings, Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig, said: “These figures show that we are pursuing the right strategy by targeting a Scotland-wide audience for the Gaelic Digital Service. It is extremely encouraging to see that so many people have a connection with Gaelic.”

Linda Fabiani, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, commented: "This is good news and I am encouraged by these figures. I believe it is important that we continue to strengthen the status of Gaelic and to promote Gaelic learning at all levels. Our aim is to create a secure future for Gaelic in Scotland and the Gaelic Digital Service will certainly advance this."

Kenneth Murray, Chief Executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “These new figures are hugely encouraging and show some new potential to increase the number of Gaelic speakers. We now need to build upon this fresh information and look with renewed optimism to work with our partners and with communities to strengthen opportunities to develop and grow our language. The figures will also be tremendously helpful in formulating the questions that need to be asked at the 2011 Census and we will be working with the GRO to improve this following their current trials in the Western Isles and Edinburgh.”