Rich heritage and diverse cultures: two of Aberdeenshire’s greatest assets

Last week saw Aberdeenshire Council’s Gaelic Language Plan go to consultation. The plan, which has been created within the framework of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, recognises the value and importance of Gaelic to the region and nation and is committed to promoting its use within Aberdeenshire.

Gaelic may not seem all that relevant in the North-east where Doric holds sway however Aberdeenshire actually has a rich cultural heritage of the language. The Book of Deer, a tenth century Celtic manuscript from the North-east, now resident in Cambridge University Library, includes the earliest recorded Gaelic writings. Also, though the numbers are still low, Aberdeenshire saw the largest increase in Gaelic speakers in Scotland in the 2011 census.

Furthermore, with a rapidly increasing population and bilingualism and multilingualism now becoming standard, it’s representative of Aberdeenshire’s universal appeal and global reach, with our high quality of life, stunning scenery and vast array of amenities.

Comments on here are, as always, welcome but I would encourage everyone with an opnion the matter to take part in the consultation, which you can do on the Aberdeenshire Council Website