A new campaign is being unveiled today (19 March) encouraging people and organisations to commit to using the Gaelic language every day across Scotland. The ‘Gach Latha’ movement aims to showcase Gaelic being spoken in communities, online and in workplaces, inspiring more people to use the language with confidence.
Private, public and third sector bodies are being urged to join the campaign by pledging to incorporate Gaelic words and phrases into every working day in some way.
High-profile organisations have already given their backing to the initiative, including the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), True North Advisors and Inverness Chamber of Commerce.
‘Gach latha’ translates as ‘every day’ in English. The new campaign is being spearheaded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Scotland’s Gaelic body, which marks its 20th anniversary in 2026.
Organisations can give their backing to the initiative in a variety of different ways, with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
Gaelic speakers of all abilities are also being asked to show their love for the language through posts on social media from today, using the #gachlatha hashtag.
Ealasaid MacDonald, CEO of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said:
“We are inviting people and organisations across Scotland to join this movement to use Gaelic every single day.
“We know there is great love and interest in the Gaelic language and culture across Scotland and beyond, and we are seeing encouraging growth in the number of people learning Gaelic.
“There are fantastic events organised accross the country by organisations like An Comunn Gàidhealach, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Ceòlas, and a wide range of others that successfully showcase Gaelic in our homes, our schools, our streets, and our businesses each year. With this new ‘Gach Latha’ campaign, we want to build everyday momentum for Gaelic.
“You absolutely do not have to be a fluent speaker to participate – we want to hear from people from all walks of life, including businesses and organisations – who want to show their love for Gaelic and speak it more often.
“Our hope is that when people see friends, colleagues or even their managers using Gaelic on social media or in the workplace, it will give them the confidence to join in.”
Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“I am delighted to support this important initiative from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, which recognises Gaelic as both a cultural treasure and a valuable economic asset for Scotland’s future.
“The Gach Latha campaign has real potential to increase the visibility and everyday use of Gaelic across workplaces in Scotland.
“Many of our members are already engaging with Gaelic in creative ways, and this campaign will help accelerate that even further. I look forward to engaging in the campaign and seeing more businesses use the language in innovative ways to strengthen its role in our cultural identity and in Scotland’s wider economic story.”
Vicki Nairn, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), said:
“Gaelic is a vital part of the culture and identity of the Highlands and Islands.
“Through our Gaelic Language Plan, UHI is committed to increasing the visibility and everyday use of Gaelic across our learning, research and community partnerships.
“Initiatives like the Gach Latha campaign are a positive way to encourage people of all abilities to use Gaelic more often and with confidence.”
Eilidh Alexander, Head of Membership for Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said:
“We absolutely welcome Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s “Gach Latha” movement, both as a way of celebrating the Gaelic language and in helping to foster connection amongst the business community. Many of our members are native speakers or passionate learners, who use Gaelic as a way of providing their clients with a unique, tailored service, as well as safeguarding the future of the language and our rich heritage.
“Growing up in a Gaelic-speaking community, I took using the language on a daily basis for granted, and unfortunately for me, that ended when I left school. However, over the past two years whilst working at Inverness Chamber, I have had more opportunities to connect with other Gaelic speakers than I have in the previous 15.
“This has boosted my confidence and ability to use Gaelic conversationally and in emails to members, no matter how rusty I feel, and has reignited my passion for the language.
“Gaelic speakers probably converse all the time without knowing that they share this skill, and the “Gach Latha” movement will help people of all levels and proficiencies to use Gaelic proudly in business and beyond. I hope that Chamber members will join us in committing to using Gaelic daily as part of this inspiring initiative.”
Learn more about the ‘Gach Latha’ campaign at www.gaidhlig.scot/en/gachlatha/
