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BBC ALBA airs Eòrpa, Gaelic Census Special

2022’s Census saw the first increase in those able to speak Gaelic since 1971. The numbers were up from 57,375 to 69,701 – a 21% increase.

While the national data is welcome news for a language which has seen a long downward trend in speaker numbers, the picture is not as positive in the language’s heartland of the Western Isles.

There, Gaelic is now a minority language with 45% reported being able to speak it in 2022, compared to 52% in 2011 – a 7% decrease.

In this latest episode of BBC ALBA’s current affairs programme, Eòrpa, reporter Eileen Macdonald visits the Western Isles where she hears how depopulation and housing challenges are impacting traditional Gaelic-speaking communities.  In Glasgow Eileen hears the challenges faced by Gaelic speakers in Scotland’s cities when it comes to opportunities to use the language.

The northwest of the Isle of Lewis has traditionally been one of the areas in Scotland with the highest proportion of Gaelic speakers. There, Eileen met Kirsty and John, both plumbers and both part of a younger generation on which any improvement in the fortunes of the language depends.

Kirsty, a Gaelic speaker, told Eòrpa: “Not many people use it. If your parents or your gran or grandad have it, then you’ll probably speak it. But if your parents don’t have it, any the people you speak to regularly don’t either, then you won’t”.

John, who grew up with the language but rarely uses it, added: “I think if you’re not speaking it home, it’s definitely going to die down and I think less and less young people are out less and so they are not interacting with people who have Gaelic and they don’t know about it as well.”

Responding to the 21% growth nationally in Gaelic speakers, and sharp growth in parts of the the country with comparatively few Gaelic Services, Emeritus Professor Wilson McLeod of the University of Edinburgh said: “In places like Edinburgh and Glasgow, there are Gaelic schools and these places have always attracted Gaels from the islands for work and study.

“But in other parts of the mainland, there isn’t very much being done. Despite that, the biggest growth is seen in places like Aberdeenshire, Falkirk, Dundee and similar places where not much is happening in terms of Gaelic.”

Indeed, encouraging those able to speak the language to use it regularly remains a challenge. The Census tells us how many people in 2022 reported being able to speak the language, but not how many actually do.

In the Scottish Government, the responsibility for Gaelic is part of Deputy First Minister and Economy Secretary Kate Forbes’ brief.

Asked if she thinks Gaelic is in crisis, the Cabinet Secretary remarked: “You can be happy about the numbers that have gone up. People would always ask how best to provide more support for learners, and we’re seeing progress there. That’s good news.

“But a language has to be alive, like English is alive. Gaelic is alive in the traditional communities, but it’s bad news that the numbers there are falling. People ask if Gaelic is in crisis.

“I’m prepared to say “yes it is”, but that’s not going to make any difference if all it is is words. We need the right policies, as well as money and funding.

Reporter Eileen Macdonald: “Having visited communities, and met campaigners, experts, and poilicy-makers, it’s clear there are positives and negatives to take from the state of Gaelic today.

A national rise in speakers is good news, with Gaelic Medium Education continuing to play a large part in feeding that growth. However, there’s real concern about the decline of Gaelic in its heartlands and the fact that it is now a minority language in terms of speakers in the Western Isles.

“The challenge persists too, of how to make sure those able to speak it actually do.”

Eòrpa is BBC ALBA’s flagship current affairs programme, covering a range of domestic and European stories, ranging from the plight of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, to the impact of mass tourism in the Canaries, and the issue of gender-based violence in rural Scotland.

The new episode of Eòrpa: Suas leis a’ Ghàidhlig? premiered on BBC iPlayer and BBC ALBA at 9.00pm on Wednesday 28 August (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006mvwb/eorpa

Council extends financial support for tenants struggling to pay rent

City councillors have announced plans to increase the Tenant Hardship Fund maximum average payment to around £480.

Launched in 2023, the Fund was created in response to the additional financial burden that tenants were facing from the cost-of-living crisis. It offers financial assistance to tenants struggling to make rent payments.

By 31 March 2024, the Council had received 2,741 applications to the Fund with 2,585 approved.

For 2024/25, the award has increased to a maximum of two fortnightly charges which will help tenants who need intervention to prevent court escalation and secure an affordable repayment plan.

Around 80% of Council tenants in Edinburgh receive assistance with their rent in the form of housing benefits or Universal Credit. The changes will also apply to new Universal Credit claimants, where deferred payments may create a rent pressure. 

The new two fortnightly payment is expected to support tenants during this period and protect them against an arrears spike.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher said: “We don’t want tenants to fall into a situation where their debt becomes unmanageable, and we absolutely want to help people remain in their home. It’s so important that we continue to collect rent but that we do everything we can to support tenants in arrears.

“By extending the fund, we are providing a vital lifeline for those facing difficult times, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid the devastating impact of eviction. I want tenants and residents’ groups to know that they can come to us if they’re worried about being able to pay their rent or have already missed payments.”

Tenants who are struggling to pay rent can speak to their housing officer or contact tenanthardshipfund@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2024 Winners revealed

The winners of the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards have been revealed! The winners picked up their trophies at a glittering ‘Grand Ole Opry’ themed event held at the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow on Tuesday 27th August.

The awards, now in their 29th year, celebrate all that is good and great about the hospitality industry with more than 100 hospitality venues shortlisted as finalists at the event.

Industry veteran Stuart Ross, former Chief Executive of Belhaven received a Legend of the Industry Award while David and Ruth Wither, the founders of Edinburgh-based Montpelier Group, picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award.  

Other award winners came from as far apart as Carnoustie and Inverness!

There were celebrations in Glasgow as The Piper Whisky Bar won the double for Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year and with Gillian Kirkland becoming Deanston Whisky Guru 2024! The Absent Ear was named Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year, Shilling Brewing Company as Cold Town Craft Beer Pub of the Year, Boteco Do Brasil as Favela Latin American Venue of the Year and The Smokin’ Fox snatched the Sunday Mail Pub of the Year accolade. 

Fullbacks Sports and Pizza Bar in Milngavie was named Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year while Ayr venues Tempura and The Stravaig were also winners picking up the Casual Dining Award and Kopparberg New Bar of the year awards respectively. The Ship in Irvine was Dog Friendly Pub of the Year and Steven Muir of Beatbox Leisure was named Boss of The Year!

It was also a winning night for Stravaigin in Glasgow who proved they have some of the best staff around as Olivia Wong was named HOSPO Manager of the Year and Marquis Smith as Schweppes Bartender of the Year.

The party continued in Edinburgh where Black Ivy snatched the Best Outdoor area award for the second year in a row while Teuchters Landing was named Inverarity Morton’s Best Drinks offering and Lochrin Rooftop Bar (Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge) as Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year.  

In Aberdeen, Malones were crowned Jameson Best Irish bar, in Fife Hugo’s Bar and Pavilion collected the Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality and in Dundee Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort was awarded Family Business of the Year. There was also a special award for The Craw’s Nest in Carnoustie who scooped the ‘Community Pub of the Year’ accolade. 

Other big winners were two of the industry giants – Manorview Hotels who proved what a great company they are to work for by snatching the Hospitality Health Employer of the Year gong and Inverness based Cru Hospitality who won Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year.

The late Janet Hood was posthumously named ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’ and Gordon McIntyre received the Scottish Hospitality Group’s Contribution to the industry award. 

Susan Young organiser and Editor of industry publication DRAM, said, “These awards are all about the people that make the hospitality industry the success it is.

“This year we had an exceptional entry. All the finalists deserve credit for the great venues that they run, but the trophies were presented to the pubs, restaurants and people that impressed their customers, judges and mystery shoppers most. Congratulations to each and every one!”

The full list of winners is below:

Lifetime Achievement Award

David & Ruth Wither

Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year

 The Piper Whisky Bar – Glasgow

Black Ivy and Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

Alex & Rachel Palumbo – Hey Palu & Chancho, Edinburgh

Brugal Best Cocktail Bar of the Year

The Absent Ear – Glasgow

Campari Bar Apprentice 2024

Finlay Paterson – Scotts South Queensferry

Cold Town Craft Beer Bar of the Year 

Shilling Brewing Company – Glasgow 

Deanston Whisky Guru 2024

Gillian Kirkland – The Piper Whisky Bar, Glasgow

DRAM Casual Dining Award 2024

Tempura – Ayr

Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year

Cru Hospitality – Inverness

De Kuyper Liqueurs Mixologist of the Year

Fowwaz Ansari – Bittersweet, Edinburgh

Favela Latin American Venue of the Year

Boteco Do Brasil – Glasgow 

DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year

The Ship – Irvine

Hospitality Health Employer of the Year

Manorview Hotels – Howwood

HOSPO Manager of the Year

Olivia Wong – Stravaigin, Glasgow

Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year

Forbes of Kingennie – Dundee

Unsung Hero Award

Jules Clark – Montpeliers

Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering

Teuchters Landing – Edinburgh

Jameson Best Irish Bar

Malones – Aberdeen

Kopparberg New Bar of the Year

The Stravaig – Ayr

Media World Best Outdoor Area

Black Ivy – Edinburgh  

Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year

Lochrin Rooftop Bar – Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge

Schweppes Bartender of the Year

Marquis Smith – Stravaigin, Glasgow

Scottish Hospitality Group Contribution To the Industry Award

Gordon McIntyre

Sims Automatic Sports Bar of the Year

Fullbacks Sports & Pizza Bar – Milngavie

Inspirational Woman of the Year

Janet Hood

Boss of the Year

Steven Muir – Beatbox Leisure, Ayr

Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality 

Hugo’s Bar and Pavilion – Dalgety Bay

Community Pub of the Year

The Craw’s Nest – Carnoustie

Sunday Mail Pub of the Year

The Smokin’ Fox – Glasgow

Social Security Scotland: Make sure you’re getting all the help you need

To be eligible for some of our payments you need to already be getting a qualifying tax credit or benefit.

Use one of these handy independent benefit calculators to check all the financial support that may be available to you:

http://bit.ly/BenefitCalculators

Safety Tips ahead of Bank Holiday Weekend casualty spike 

  • August sees over 350 more reported road casualties than the monthly average
  • Over last 10 years, July and August have been most frequent months for water-based fatalities
  • RoSPA has issued some lifesaving tips for how to stay safe ahead of busy long weekend

With August Bank Holiday approaching, many will have plans to head outdoors on road trips or splash about in waterways. But health and safety experts at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident (RoSPA) are warning the public to take heed of the hazards that often lay ahead during this busy weekend.

Typically, August sees a bump in incidents on the road and in water, with men overwhelmingly bearing the brunt of the casualty rate. According to the Water Incident Database (WAID), 83 per cent of people involved in water-based incidents over the last ten years have been male. [i]

Likewise, according to the Department for Transport’s provisional figures[ii], last year 75 per cent of fatalities and 61 per cent  of casualties of all severities were male, sparking concern among RoSPA’s road safety team ahead of the approaching long weekend. August also sees over 350 more reported road casualties than the monthly average.[iii]

Speaking on how to stay safe on the road, Caitlin Ann Taylor, Road Safety Manager, said: “As we approach the summer bank holiday, it’s crucial to remember that safe driving isn’t just about reaching your destination—it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.

“Whether you’re heading off on a long journey or just popping out, take your time, stay alert, and make safety your top priority. With more road users out and about, including cyclists and motorcyclists, it’s vital to stay vigilant and share the road responsibly.

“We often see tragic collisions in the news and think that will never happen to us, but the reality is that it can. By driving carefully, staying alert, and respecting all road users, we can all contribute to making this holiday safer for everyone.”

Caitlin’s Road safety tips to stay safe:

  • Plan your journey in advance
  • Watch your speed
  • Check your coolant levels and tire pressure, especially if there is hot weather
  • Stay hydrated
  • Do not leave children or pets in the car

Regarding staying safe in and around water, Carlene McAvoy, Senior Policy Manager, said: “We urge everyone to follow the Water Safety Code, especially during busy weekends and hot weather. What is the water safety code? Can we link to our website here?

“Always swim in lifeguarded areas and remain within the designated zones. Never enter the water alone—ensure someone is aware of your intentions.

2Be mindful of the dangers of cold water shock, even on warm days, and avoid consuming alcohol before swimming. Check the conditions beforehand and be considerate of others in the water. By staying vigilant and adhering to safety guidelines, we can all enjoy the water safely.”

“Never enter the water alone, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer. Always let someone know where you are, and exit immediately if you feel unsafe. Before venturing into wild or open water, check the weather and tide conditions—if it’s rough, wait for calmer seas.

“For watersports, always use the proper safety gear. Listen to your body: if you feel tired, swim to shore; if short of breath, float until you’re in control, then swim to safety.”

For more information, on road safety during summer, visit our latest News & Views piece here: https://www.rospa.com/news-and-views/prepare-properly-to-ensure-a-safe-holiday-drive