1st April 2010

The majority of people support continued and expanded use of Gaelic on bilingual signs according to research carried out by Comunn na Gàidhlig (CnaG) into the effects of bilingual signage at Scottish Ski Centres.  The headline figures show that 69% support the introduction and use of bilingual signs at Scottish Ski Centres with 20% indifferent and 11% against.  Signs also mean prizes and CnaG is happy to announce that Josephine Kinsley of Edinburgh has won a 5-day, all areas pass for the next ski season. Josephine was chosen at random from the submissions to the consultation.

Widespread support was also expressed for Gaelic in a more general sense with many making the link between the language and a cultural reawakening.  CnaG specifically asked if a link could be made between the use of Gaelic and an increase in turnover.  Whilst no evidence exists that this is the case, opinion was divided with many saying that they would choose an establishment with bilingual signs over that without.  Countering this, a similar number thought that no link could be established.

Marian Austin, Managing Director at Nevis Range said " We thought it was a great idea to have Gaelic/English signs at the ski centres, but we did not know what our customers would think, so it is great to see that so many of them appreciate it. After all, in European ski resorts the signage is not only bilingual, but often tri-lingual." Donald Morris, CnaG's Area Development Manager added that this was the biggest survey of it's kind to date and the encouraging results demonstrated the value of such activities in raising the profile of Gaelic.

Highlands & Islands Enterprise's Neil Ross welcomed the bumper ski season and was delighted that a large majority of the snowsport population appreciated these signs and recognised the relevance of Gaelic to the environment where snowsports take place.

Reasons for supporting bilingual signage were varied with many feeling that Gaelic brought a sense of identity and uniqueness to Scotland, a sense of place.  Many thought it could be seen as a unique selling point and could only enhance the snow sports experience in Scotland.  Some thought that supporting and normalising Gaelic was essential to the language's future.  Many felt that organisations in the Highlands should be using more Gaelic to reflect the area where they are situated.  The investment in Scottish Skiing by Gaelic organisations was welcomed by the vast majority.

The survey also showed that a majority support the continued and expanded use of Gaelic in this manner. CnaG asked what people though if ski centres decided to revert to English only.  Again, over three quarters of those taking part thought that this would be a retrograde step and would in some senses be seen as a snub to Gaelic and wider Scottish culture. 

Negative opinion was very much in the minority and mainly represented those that thought investing in bilingual signage did not represent a good use of resources or that bilingual signs might present a safety issue in a ski area.

People from all over Scotland took part in the research as well as those from further afield.  The survey, the biggest of its kind with 250 submissions, was carried out both online and by conducting face to face interviews at Nevis Range.  Web traffic was sourced from the individual ski centre websites and well known dedicated snowsports forums such as Winterhighland.

CnaG's bilingual signage scheme is currently open, with successful applicants able to receive up to £2,000 towards the cost of including Gaelic within signage or promotional and marketing material.  Full details of the scheme are available on the CnaG website.