Cairngorms National Park Authority launches new online tool to help businesses make most of Gaelic
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The national park says many of the ideas contained in the kit could also be useful to projects using Scots or Doric.
The national park says visitors to Scotland are increasingly interested in the country’s cultural heritage and particularly Gaelic.
In response it has now launched the Cairngorms National Park Heritage Interpretation Toolkit.
This is a simple step-by-step guide aimed at supporting local communities and businesses to develop cultural heritage projects.
The toolkit provides broad advice on using Gaelic, with the goal of encouraging users to feel confident in applying the language within their projects.
This could be something as simple as including select words or phrases, which can bring an added element of interest and meaning for visitors, or something more comprehensive such as Gaelic-specific interpretation in key locations.
The national park says research has calculated that the potential economic value of Gaelic as an asset to the wider Scottish economy could be up to £148.5 million a year.
It has deep-rooted connections with the landscape and also plays a crucial role within Scotland’s heritage and culture through traditional music, literature, poetry and song.
Bruce MacDonald, who led the project for the CNPA, said: “Gaelic terms and phrases can be incredibly descriptive, nuanced and evocative for visitors.
"Language is all around us in one form or another and its use by both communities and businesses can bring much more depth and interest to a project, therefore creating a more distinctive, authentic experience for visitors.”
A previous project led by Bruce – The Shinty Trail – was the "road test" for the Heritage Interpretation Toolkit.
The Shinty Trail tells the story of this historic sport in Badenoch and its deep-rooted connections with other aspects of traditional Highland culture in the area.
The Shinty Trail also illustrates the strong ties which the Gaelic language has within the history of the sport.
A case study is available about The Shinty Trail which the CNPA hopes will serve as a useful guide for those embarking on their own cultural heritage projects.
Dr Fiona MacLean, CNPA board member and cultural heritage professional said: “When used effectively, Gaelic can be a useful asset in engaging the audience by creating a unique sense of culture, people and place.
"I think the Heritage Interpretation Toolkit will prove to be a really useful resource for communities and businesses in the park and beyond as we try to meet the expectations of visitors who have a real thirst for Gaelic and our rich cultural heritage.”
The Heritage Interpretation Toolkit can be accessed here
Access The Shinty Trail Case Study here
The Shinty Trail can be viewed in English and Gaelic here
Related article: New trail dedicated to shinty in Badenoch is launched
