TESCO has been praised by speakers of the Gaelic language after new in-store signs were shared on social media.
A picture from one of the supermarket’s stores in Stornoway showed mid-isle signage with the contents of the isle listed in Gaelic on top, then English in a smaller font below.
Stornoway has a high proportion of Gaelic speakers, with the 2011 Census showing 43% of its residents can speak the language.
They’re renovating the @Tesco shop in Stornoway. 👍👍 to the new signage pic.twitter.com/RQPacUxpVx
— Domhnall Macsween (@sweenyness) November 25, 2021
MP Angus MacNeil, whose Na h-Eileanan an Iar constituency includes Stornoway, applauded Tesco for the move.
READ MORE: Gaelic speakers go wild for Lidl's 'Nollaig Chridheil' door mat
“It’s very welcome,” he said. “The decline of Gaelic didn’t come by accident and the revival of Gaelic, particularly seen in young people in primary schools needs to be encouraged – and that won’t happen by accident either.
“So well done Tesco.”
The SNP politician said more supermarkets should take heed of Tesco’s move: “Gaelic is Scotland’s oldest language, and the only Celtic language.
“So the more that is done, particularly for young children learning Gaelic in school and can see evidence of it outside the classroom, it’s a great help.
“So I’m grateful to Tesco for what they are doing – every little helps.
“Time to shop at Tesco’s folk!”
In October, Mod director Allan Campbell urged more people to use Gaelic in “every area of their daily lives” in a push to keep the language alive.
Despite recent research warning the language could die out within a decade, Allan Campbell said he did not believe Gaelic is a “lost cause”.
Domhnall Macsween, who posted the picture of the sign online, praised the supermarket chain.
He said: “Normalising the use of Gaelic is the best way to support the language.
“Tesco in Stornoway has had Gaelic signage for over a decade and these new signs must mean it’s working for them.”
READ MORE: Government urges Scots to speak Gaelic to save 'fragile' language
It comes just a week after the announcement of the first-ever World Gaelic Week.
Seachdain na Gaidhlig will celebrate the living leid and will include a packed programme of events with individuals and groups invited to “take ownership” of the language.
Despite similar events occurring in Ireland and Canada, it’ll be the first of its kind for Scotland.
Tesco has been contacted for comment.
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