Scottish Gaelic, often referred to simply as Gaelic, is a Celtic language spoken in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and the Western Isles. It is one of the three Gaelic languages, alongside Irish and Manx. Scottish Gaelic has its roots in the Goidelic branch of the Celtic language family and has historical ties to Old Irish.

The language has a rich cultural and literary heritage, with a tradition of poetry, songs, and storytelling. Scottish Gaelic is traditionally written in the Latin alphabet, and efforts have been made to standardise its orthography. Despite facing challenges over the years, including a decline in the number of speakers, there has been a resurgence of interest in the language and efforts to promote its use in various aspects of Scottish life.

Scottish Gaelic is recognised as a minority language in Scotland, and there are initiatives to incorporate it into education and public life. Bilingual signage, Gaelic-medium education, and cultural events contribute to the revitalization and preservation of Scottish Gaelic as an integral part of Scotland’s linguistic and cultural heritage.