Study on Gaelic's economic impact

The BBC recently launched a Gaelic-language news website

Gaelic's effect on economic growth in Scotland is to be investigated by public agencies.

The study will look at how many organisations employ staff in posts where Gaelic is deemed to be an essential skill.

Meanwhile, Highland Council is to consider setting up a Gaelic translation unit.

The plan is to provide the authority and other public bodies with a quality translation service.

The economic impact study is being funded by Careers Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Creative industries

Over the next few days, more than 250 organisations across Scotland will receive a questionnaire requesting information including how many posts there are in each place of work where Gaelic is an important skill, the level of fluency and where these posts are based.

Major developments in how the language is promoted and protected have been driven by the Gaelic Language Act and imminent launch of the Gaelic Digital Service on television, radio and online.

The BBC also recently launched a Gaelic-language news website.

HIE said that jobs created included translators, teachers, broadcasting and in the creative industries sector.

On Thursday, Highland Council's Gaelic committee will be asked to approve the setting up of a translation unit.