WITH warnings it could die out as a community language within a decade, the precarious position of Gaelic in Scotland has come under the spotlight in recent months. Shona MacLennan, chief executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the quango responsible for promoting the language, is among those entrusted with making sure it has a future. But in an interview with The Herald on Sunday, the 58-year-old said saving Gaelic is bigger than any one organisation. She said Gaelic speakers feel real anguish over the state of the language, with a range of complicated socioeconomic factors contributing to its difficulties in rural and island areas.
Last modified on Tue 29 Dec 2020 05.54 EST
Dog Tom, as he is known to his mountain rescue colleagues, has spent close to three decades searching for lost and injured souls across Scotlandâs most breathtaking and treacherous terrain. But his memory of that first call-out is as clear as unbroken snow.
Tom Gilchrist and his dog, then a Border collie named Orna, were dropped off by helicopter just before dawn on to the Five Sisters of Kintail, an 8km ridge that rises steeply out of Glen Shiel in the north-west Highlands. âThe sun was rising and the dog just went off, following a scent.â The ground they covered was rough and dangerous as the pair searched for a missing hillwalker, who had lost his bearings and hunkered down for the night. âWatching a dog work is a joyous thing,â says Gilchrist.
Photos showing Scotland in winter will take your breath away
Scotland looks good in any season, but winter can be really special.
Updated
The beautiful Allt Dearg Cottage framed by the Red Cuillins. (Image: Getty)
Join thousands of others who have signed up to the weekly Scotland Now newsletter for the latest Scottish heritage and culture news.Invalid EmailSomething went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.