Scottish Gaelic is a vital and historic part of Scotland’s identity, deeply connected to its culture, place names, music, literature and traditions. However, despite its importance, opportunities to learn Gaelic, particularly in large cities like Glasgow, remain extremely limited. Today, only around 1% of people in Scotland speak Scottish Gaelic, yet research and surveys consistently suggest that nearly 30% of people would like to learn it. This gap highlights a clear and significant unmet demand. There is interest, enthusiasm, and willingness to engage with the language, but not enough accessible opportunities for people to begin their learning journey.

In Glasgow, Gaelic Medium Education (GME) exists in a small number of schools, but these options are limited and often oversubscribed. They are also primarily aimed at children already within the education system, meaning many young people, adults, and families who did not grow up in GME have no realistic pathway to start learning Gaelic. For most people, the only option is to rely on online resources. While these can be useful, they often lack structure, in-person support, and community interaction. This can make them difficult for beginners, those with limited IT skills, or anyone who learns best in a classroom environment. This makes Gaelic inaccessible to a large proportion of Scottish people.

Compared to other languages such as Spanish, French, or German which are widely available in schools, colleges and community classes, Gaelic remains largely inaccessible. These other languages benefit from established teaching networks, regular evening classes, and clear progression routes. Gaelic, by contrast, is often treated as a niche interest rather than a core part of Scotland’s cultural heritage. This creates an imbalance where people who want to connect with Scotland’s own language face far greater barriers than those wishing to learn languages from elsewhere.

This lack of access has real consequences. Without opportunities for new learners, the already small number of Gaelic speakers risks continuing to decline. Language preservation depends not only on fluent speakers but also on learners, communities, and everyday use. If people cannot access Gaelic learning in major population centres like Glasgow, it becomes increasingly difficult to grow the speaker base. This affects cultural preservation, education, and community engagement. Scotland cannot effectively protect its language if people are unable to access opportunities to learn and use it.

However, the situation also presents a clear opportunity. With nearly 30% of people expressing interest in learning Gaelic, there is strong potential for growth. Community based classes could provide an inclusive and accessible starting point for beginners of all ages. Evening or weekend sessions would allow working adults, students, and families to participate. Partnerships with schools, libraries, community centres and cultural organisations could help integrate Gaelic learning into existing public spaces. This would not only make learning more accessible but also normalise Gaelic as a living, everyday language.

Expanding access to Gaelic learning would also support wider benefits. It would strengthen cultural identity, encourage intergenerational learning, and promote community cohesion. It could support local arts, music, and heritage initiatives, while also creating opportunities for people to engage more deeply with Scotland’s history and traditions. Increased demand for Gaelic could also support teachers, cultural organisations, and educational programmes, helping to build sustainable infrastructure for the language’s future.

We are therefore calling on local authorities and public bodies to take meaningful action to create accessible, community-based Gaelic classes in Glasgow. These should include beginner courses for all ages, flexible learning times, and partnerships that bring Gaelic into everyday community spaces. The goal is simple: to ensure that anyone who wants to learn Gaelic has a realistic opportunity to do so.

By signing this petition, you are showing that there is genuine demand for Gaelic learning opportunities. You are helping demonstrate that people across Glasgow, and beyond, want to engage with Scotland’s language. Most importantly, you are supporting efforts to preserve and promote Gaelic for future generations, ensuring it remains a living part of Scotland’s cultural landscape rather than a language that fades due to lack of access.

Together, we can close the gap between the 1% who currently speak Gaelic and the 30% who want to learn—and help give Scotland’s language the accessible future it deserves.

Let's Make Gaelic Accessible for All