Poets, artists, kings and queens, scientists: they have all visited the Highlands and Islands through the ages. And Scotland and its Gaelic heartlands continue to attract millions of visitors each year who come for the breathtaking vistas, the rich and diverse heritage, the fascinating history, the music, the people, the international and local events, the delicious food, the best whisky in the world, top-class golf courses, the arts, the sea, the landscape, the limitless sky, and a warm welcome (or fàilte mhòr) for everyone.

There are excellent facilities for tourists in the Gaelic areas, ranging from renowned restaurants to luxurious hotels. There are outdoor activity centres, sheltered and well-equipped harbours, countless popular walking and cycle routes and a transport network that reaches almost every corner of Scotland. And there is one tourism sector which is becoming more and more important and attracting a growing number of people to areas such as the Highlands and Islands – cultural tourism. Gaelic and its culture have an important place in Scotland’s tourism, and particularly in this dynamic and fairly new aspect of the industry. You will see bi-lingual road signs and initiatives such as the Gaelic Rings or Cearcaill na Gàidhlig and ‘Gaelic on Board’ or ‘Gàidhlig air a’ Bhàta’, which encourage people to engage with the language and culture, and more and more people are doing just that.

In an extremely competitive market, Scotland’s Gaelic culture can make a difference. Gaelic and its culture belong to Scotland, and you can share in this culture when you visit Scotland and the Gaels. Pay us a visit and find out more.