The Gaelic language thrives in the Outer Hebrides, which is where the main body of the country's native speakers reside although the number of Scots overall who speak it are disappointingly low. The Island schools play a great part in continuing promotion and encouragement of the native tongue to children and families. Gaelic publishing and broadcasting have made great strides over the past two decades, so that new literature has been appearing from within this diaspora whose ancient traditions have so largely been oral. TV production has been lively and thought provokng too, with many features and documentaries which have dealt with both historical and contemporary issues, while managing to counterpoint the old and new in innovative ways that hopefully give rise to fresh ideas & lessons for today's world. The main cultural festival of Gaeldom is the National Mod, where singers, bards, poets, musicians and other artists congregate to perform and compete annually. The Mod changes venue each year and attracts numerous overseas artists and visitors, so many Scottish towns have enjoyed hosting this lively and well attended event. In addition, many of the islands and regions have their own mini versions of the mod, along with other festivals and initiatives for the promotion and improvement of arts, music and culture. The links below will provide some insight to the various bodies, organisations and initiatives which exist to maintain the interests and welfare of this oldest of languages and cultural backgrounds.

Ann an Gaidhlig - In Gaelic

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