Language is key toourculture

Sir,– In regard to Robert Scott’s letter (Stop splashing cash on promotion of Gaelic, June 20) I would point out that in 1755 Gaelic was not at its peak it had retreated to mostly areas north of the Highland line and Galloway in the

south. Gaelic was at its peak from around the 9th Century to the 13th and 14th Centuries.

I would further add that when Scotland was forming and was being recognised as a country many languages were spoken but Gaelic became the dominant one and was recorded as the Lingua Scotia.

If Mr Scott has any doubts about this he would surely have noticed that most names of places, hills and rivers are directly Gaelic or from Gaelic on his trip out of Fife.

Further, I would point out that Gaelic is a British language and worth preserving.

Perhaps Mr Scott would have us live in a cultural void. Or perhaps he should be proud of the three languages spoken in Scotland.

Gaelic, Scots and English all have a place in our culture and that’s what makes Scotland such a great place to live, work and visit.

I, like many others, am proud of my cultural heritage and wish it preserved not for political purposes but because culture, arts and language are important for the wellbeing, fairness and happiness of our people. Bryan Auchterlonie. Bluebell Cottage, Perth.