Gaelic

Scottish Gaelic, the ancient language once spoken throughout Scotland, is closely related to Irish and Manx Gaelic, these three being distinct from a second group of Celtic languages which includes Welsh, Breton and Cornish. It has a rich oral tradition, particularly in poetry, but has suffered centuries of persecution and decline, halted only in recent years.

Today, the Outer Hebrides is the key centre for the language, with the Isle of Skye also having a significant Gaelic speaking population. In northern Trotternish in particular, it is still spoken by over half the population. There is a Gaelic college of further education (soon to be part of the University of the Highlands and Islands) at Sabhal Mor Ostaig in Sleat, which has led to a resurgance of the language in southern Skye. Gaelic-medium education is now available in schools around most of the Highlands, and for the first time in generations the future of the language is looking more secure.

Learning Gaelic is beyond the scope of Walk Highlands (for a starter, have a look at Colin and Cumberland on the BBC), but an understanding of words commonly occurring in place names can enhance the enjoyment of walkers. Some of the most frequently encountered words from maps of Scotland are listed below.