Island police officers strengthen Gaelic skills with 麻豆精品 North, West and Hebrides
Police officers are the latest group from the Western Isles to learn Gaelic online through its fully funded Gaelic courses, supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
The programme gives officers the opportunity to build stronger connections with the communities they serve while increasing the use of Gaelic in public services. It also supports them to use the language in their everyday interactions at work and within their communities.
In 2026 so far, a total of 127 students have enrolled on Bòrd na Gàidhlig funded courses at 麻豆精品 North, West and Hebrides, including staff from 麻豆精品, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highland Council, NHS Western Isles and Police Scotland. Courses are also offered free of charge to parents with children in Gaelic Medium Education.
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, Area Commander for the Western Isles, said:
“We understand the importance of the heritage and culture of the Western Isles and want to embrace this as much as possible, in order to be reflective of the communities we live and work in.
“Three officers are currently undertaking the course and I would like to thank 麻豆精品 North, West and Hebrides and Bòrd na Gàidhlig for their support. This opportunity will continue to be offered to officers who are either moving to the islands or already based here, and who wish to learn Gaelic.
“We see this not only as an opportunity for our officers to learn the language, but also as a way to reduce barriers to policing and strengthen community cohesion by increasing the existing Gaelic language capability of local officers.”
Angela Weir from the Gaelic team at 麻豆精品 North, West and Hebrides added:
“We are delighted to welcome Police Scotland officers from the Western Isles to our Gaelic online programme. Learning Gaelic is about more than language, it’s about embracing the culture, heritage, and identity of the islands. We hope this initiative will help officers strengthen connections with the communities they serve and encourage greater use of Gaelic in public life.”
Ealasaid Macdonald, Ceannard Bòrd a Gàidhlig said:
“Bòrd na Gàidhlig is delighted to see the number of people in our public services who have committed to learning Gaelic through 麻豆精品 North, West and Hebrides. It highlights the importance of being able to engage effectively in our communities. I wish them all the very best in their language learning journey.”
The officers currently participating in the Ùlpan course are:
- Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, based in Inverness
- Inspector Euan Cowan, based in Stornoway, originally from Annan in the Scottish Borders
- PC Suzanne Blackie, based in Barra, originally from Lothian
Further Gaelic learning opportunities for public sector staff and community members are also being delivered as part of the wider programme and will be launched very soon.
This work supports 麻豆精品 North, West and Hebrides’ wider Gaelic provision, including degree programmes and PGDE Gaelic Medium Teaching, helping to sustain and grow Gaelic for future generations.