Fife's Gaelic Language Plan 2026-2031

Overview

The Gaelic language and culture is woven into Fife’s history, landscape and place‑names, reflecting a rich heritage that continues to be reclaimed and strengthened.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of people in Fife with Gaelic skills. Since 2011, the number of Gaelic users in Fife has doubled, with around 1.3% of the population now reporting some Gaelic language ability. Fife Council is committed to supporting the Gaelic language and culture in ways that reflect local need and opportunity. 

Fife's Gaelic Language Plan 2026–2031 sets out how the Council and its partners will strengthen Gaelic across Fife by: 

• Increasing the range and frequency of opportunities to use Gaelic in community life, supported by Gaelic learning and cultural activity. (Community support) 

• Supporting Gaelic language and cultural activities for people across a wide range of ages and interests. (Support in the home; Creative industries) 

• Promoting and supporting access to Gaelic education in early years, primary and secondary settings. (0-18 Education) 

• Expanding post‑school and adult learning of Gaelic through community‑based programmes and learning delivered through the medium of Gaelic. (Post-school and adult learning) 

• Strengthening partnerships to support delivery of the Plan. (Public Authorities) 

• Strengthening Fife Council’s own role in supporting the Gaelic language through planned delivery, partnership working and stronger links to wider policy. (Public Authorities) 

There are seven themes each with their own areas of focus. We are seeking your opinions on these areas of focus and to know if there is anything missing

You can view the full proposed plan here Proposed Gaelic Language plan 2026-2031

Why your views matter

This consultation is giving you the chance to let us know that the priorities that we've set out meet your needs around access to Gaelic language and culture in Fife.

The plan will shape what activity we will focus on in the next 5 years. Taking part will help us know that the plan is fit for purpose or if we still need to re-think to make sure we are best meeting the current need of the community.