Scots

Scots is a collective name for many Scottish dialects.  Often  referred to as the Scots language it is a sister language of English. Originating in Denmark, it is related to the languages of the Angles and the Vikings. The Angles used words like hoose, coo and stane and the Vikings brought us words like greet and midden.

Scots was the official language of Scotland by the Middle Ages but when James VI of Scotland came to the throne in England in 1603, English became the national language.  Now, with the number of Scots speakers estimated at some 1.6 million, there is renewed interest in this language from Parliament, the media, society in general and within Scottish Education.

Scots is a living language that is used by people all across Scotland every day. For example, many Scottish say ‘ken’ instead of‘know’. 

Scots Language Centre
A K Bell Library
York Place
Perth
PH2 8EP
Tel: 01738 477010
Website: www.scotslanguage.com
The Scots Language Centre exists to promote Scots language.

The Centre is open ti aabodie - they dinna hae rules aboot whit kin o language fowk shuid uise or aboot whaur they shuid come fae. They aye try ti uise Scots in their day ti day business but dinna fash gin ye're blate ti uise it yersel - ye can aye contact them in English an they'll gie ye an answer that ye can unnerstaun.

The Centre is open to all regardless of language background or place of origin or residence. It is their policy to use Scots in their daily business. However, if you are uncertain about using the language, you should contact them in English.

Gaelic

Fàilt' oirbh uile aig a bheil ùidh ann an Gàidhlig!
Welcome to all of you who have an interest in Gaelic!

Gaelic is the traditional language of the Scotti or Gaels, and the celtic language of Scotland.

Gaelic was declining until recently but is now undergoing a revival, with many people and organisations recognising and supporting it. Many young people in Gaelic speaking areas of Scotland are now educated entirely in Gaelic.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig
Darach House
Stoneyfield Business Park
Inverness
IV2 7PA
Tel: 
Website: www.gaidhlig.org.uk
Bòrd na Gàidhlig was set up in 2005, after the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 was published, recognising Gaelic as an official language of Scotland. The Bòrd promotes Gaelic in Scotland including advising Scottish Ministers on Gaelic issues and giving guidance on Gaelic education.

BBC Alba, the BBC’s Gaelic webpages, are a great resource for all Gaelic speakers with Gaelic music shows and TV listings as well as information about all things Gaelic in Scotland and to chat to other Gaelic speakers on the message board.  If you're interested in learning Gaelic there are also plenty of resources to help you here.