The heart of Gaelic culture in the Hebrides has just been given a welcome boost.
Two key projects in Stornoway are set to receive new funding from the Scottish Government, part of a wider push to breathe fresh life into the language in the places it belongs most.
An Taigh Cèilidh, a well-loved Gaelic cultural centre in the heart of the town, will receive £10,000 to carry out essential renovations and bring in new musical instruments.
The vibrant centre already serves as a community hub with its cosy café, shop and regular live music sessions.
Now, thanks to this investment, it will be even better equipped to host Gaelic cèilidhs and cultural events that draw people together.
Meanwhile, MG ALBA, the Gaelic Media Service, will benefit from a substantial £110,000 to upgrade its studios in Stornoway, home to BBC ALBA’s production base.
These modernisations are expected to support the development of new programming and build on the success of hit shows like An t-Eilean, the gripping Gaelic crime drama that has earned fans across Scotland.
The announcement was made by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes as she marked one year in her role as Scotland’s first Gaelic Secretary.
Speaking ahead of her visit to the Western Isles, she made it clear the Government is committed to nurturing the language where it is most at home.
“We know that urgent action is needed to grow Gaelic in the communities where it is still spoken,” she said.
“This funding will support community-led Gaelic events and ensure the media infrastructure is in place to continue creating high-quality Gaelic content.”
She also pointed to the wider plan to strengthen the language, highlighting the upcoming Scottish Languages Bill and a planned £35.7 million investment in Gaelic initiatives during the 2025 to 2026 budget year.
The impact of Gaelic broadcasting is already being felt far beyond the islands.
Independent research shows that for every £1 invested, Gaelic media returns £1.34 to the Scottish economy and supports 340 jobs, with 160 of those based in the islands.
This is not just about saving a language, but about sustaining communities, boosting local economies and giving future generations something to be proud of.
With cultural spaces like An Taigh Cèilidh and powerful storytelling on BBC ALBA, Gaelic is finding its place in modern Scotland, and the momentum is only building.
