Highland could become an 'area of linguistic significance'

Highland Council has proposed using powers in the new Scottish Languages Act to designate its region as an area of linguistic significance (ALS).

In a new report, it said the status would confirm its "clear commitment" to Gaelic.

It said evidence from Irish Gaeltacht areas suggested the designation could bring economic and educational benefits.

There are 18,552 people in the Highland Council area with Gaelic skills, according to the latest census data.

Gaelic and Scots were recognised as official languages as part of a range of new measures that came into force on St Andrew's Day last November.

The Scottish Languages Act, which MSPs voted through in June last year, also empowers parents to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area and aims to ensure that more qualifications are available in Gaelic.

It includes powers for ministers to commission research into the use of Gaelic and Scots and establish teaching standards for the languages.

Scotland's deputy first minister at the time, Kate Forbes - a Gaelic speaker - called it a "historic milestone".

Highland Council's Gaelic committee will consider the ALS plans next week.

In a report to the meeting, officials said: "In the Highland Council area, supporting Gaelic growth directly contributes to economic resilience by creating opportunities for skilled employment, encouraging population retention and strengthening links between education, culture and enterprise."