Increasingly businesses and community groups throughout Scotland are seeing benefits of producing a variety of signs in English and Gaelic. Whilst there are few native Gaelic speakers in Cowal, the interest in the Gaelic language and culture is blossoming. Tourists, particularly those attracted to Cowal as part of Homecoming Scotland 2009, are increasingly expecting to see bi-lingual signs.

In addition to recognising the cultural heritage of Scotland, Gaelic and bi-lingual signs are important in commercial and public activities. Fay Thompson, of the Federation of Small Businesses recently commented: "Many high growth companies in Ireland and Wales have attributed their success to the elevated status and price that bilingual marketing affords their products. They recognise that the Irish and Welsh languages carry a strong message about the origins and identity of a product. This is seen as an invaluable asset in creating highly profitable niche markets." There is no reason why Scotland should not benefit in the same way. Research shows that ‘the Gaelic economy had contributed £41 million to the Scottish economy and created 1000 jobs’, and there is little doubt that this is on the increase

The first port of call if want to establish whether bi-lingual signs would be of value to you is probably Comunn na Gàidhlig. One of their priorities is promoting schemes which give support and advice to interested organisations thinking of erecting bilingual signage. Community groups and businesses can get advice about the benefits of bilingual signs, and may even be able to get financial assistance. Màiri Bremner, reflects that: ‘With the establishment of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the introduction of the Gaelic Act, CnaG’s future role will be focussed more on community support and initiatives.’ All sorts of signs can be eligible for a grant, and there is little doubt that they attract attention and make people look twice. It’s a great way of establishing a Scottish identity and saying ‘Made in Scotland’

One Cowal group who has recently accessed financial assistance for signs is Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop, and its Gaelic arm Fèis Cheann Loch Goibhle. They received contributions from Comunn na Gàidhlig and Fèisean nan Gàidheal towards pop up display banners that they will be able to use at public concerts and other events.

Elizabeth Bain, who helps run the group, commented: ‘Of course we are in a different position to many businesses and community groups in Cowal in that we already have a strong Gaelic element in the events we organise, so the benefit of bi lingual signs was obvious from the outset. These banners will be invaluable to us for our annual tour of local schools, our residential Fèis weekends for children, public concerts and any other events we put on such as the Opening of the National Parks HQ which we were involved in last year. We are very grateful to the funders for their support, and hope that other local businesses and groups will consider the idea of combining Gaelic and English on their signage.’

You can get more information from www.cnag.org.uk