Why championing Gaelic makes cultural and economic sense

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Over several decades, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has established a strong track record of recognising and supporting the cultural and commercial value of Gaelic through a broad range of activities.

As the Scottish Government’s economic and community development agency for the Highlands and Islands, HIE is delighted to be sponsoring the Gaelic as an Economic Asset category at the Scottish Gaelic Awards 2023 .The award recognises success made by a business, social enterprise or community group in realising the proven economic value of Gaelic towards Scotland's economy.

This can be marked through turnover, attributable and measurable, associated with the use of Gaelic as an asset to add economic value.

The award recognises a wide range of initiatives from the creative industries, food and drink, tourism and commercial provision.HIE introduced the category to the Gaelic Awards, post publication of the Ar Stòras Gàidhlig: The Economic and Social Value of Gaelic as an Asset research, and has been a consistent champion for the contemporary use of Gaelic in such a positive way."We recognise how many organisations are taking innovative opportunities to enhance the provenance, authenticity and attractiveness of their products and services using Gaelic in different ways to add value to businesses and organisations across the country," said a spokesperson."We also appreciate how such efforts, particularly when those happen in our rural and island communities, lead to interesting jobs and careers, and help contribute to the sense of place.