As of November 2025 Gaelic and Scots are now recognised as official languages.

Latest census statistics show that 130,161 people in Scotland had some Gaelic skills in 2022, an increase of 43,105 from 2011. Despite this UNESCO still recognises Gaelic as endangered.

This poem and the English translation is from ‘Am Measg Luaithrean, Beò’ by Robbie Macleòid published by Stewed Rhubarb Press. With thanks to Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature for their contribution to No Tongues Left To Chant exhibition.

Dà-sheòrsach

An dithist aca — mo Ghàidhlig,
mo ghnèitheachd — mar chàraid,
orm san aon dòigh.
Clèithte.

Teann a-nall, ma-thà.
Feuch blas
mo theanga ‘mairbh’.

Two-type*

I wear my Gaelic
like my queerness. You’d not
know it to look at me, so

come here to me, love.
Shove your dead tongue
down my throat.

*Literal translation of dà-sheòrsach, the Gaelic word for ‘bisexual’.