A new centre to promote Gaelic language and culture in Inverness
is to receive a significant funding boost from the Scottish
Government.
Cultarlann Inbhir Nis will receive £370,000 to develop a space
for Gaelic gatherings, ceilidhs and exhibitions in the centre of
the city.
The Cultarlann is based in what was the East Church building. The
new funding is a crucial step in developing the property, which
will also feature meeting rooms for language courses, a café and
shop.
The investment forms part of a £4 million package to promote
Gaelic initiatives across Scotland.
The centre will be the first dedicated Gaelic cultural centre in
the Highlands and is also intended to be a tourist attraction
where visitors can meet Gaelic-speaking staff and learn more
about the language and its history.
Cultarlann Inbhir Nis's expansion will meet a growing demand for
a dedicated space for Gaelic speakers in Inverness. Census
figures published earlier this year show a 12% increase in the
number of people with some Gaelic skills in Inverness compared to
2011.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy
and Gaelic said:
“To strengthen Gaelic, we are supporting projects like Cultarlann
which will enable more people to use the language in their
day-to-day life.
“Gaelic is a unique selling point for Scotland, which is why
promoting the language goes hand-in-hand with attracting visitors
and growing the economy.
“The Scottish Government is also supporting the language's
continued growth in the Highlands by working collaboratively to
progress the Scottish Languages Bill. The Bill will create a
system to enable all parents to apply for Gaelic early learning
and childcare services and introduce measures to strengthen
Gaelic education in secondary school.”
Margaret Mulholland, Chair of Cultarlann, Inbhir Nis,
said:
"We are hugely grateful for this fantastic funding offer.
It will enable our plans for a Gaelic Cultural Centre to take a
major step forward. This is a wonderful, iconic building
and this funding will enable us to ensure it is properly
watertight and to deal with all external essential repairs.
"We are delighted to welcome Deputy First Minister, , to the Cultarlann. Kate is a
great enthusiast for Gaelic and she can see the exciting future
the Cultarlann will have in promoting and building Gaelic culture
in Inverness and the wider Highlands."
Background
Census statistics show
that 3,411 people in Inverness had some Gaelic skills 2022, an
increase of 369 people from 2011.
