Bill Wilson MSP

Dr Bill Wilson (West of Scotland, SNP) has written to Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Culture and External Affairs, asking her to support a Scots language version of the name of “Creative Scotland”.

Dr Wilson said, “Creative Scotland is one of the main cultural bodies in Scotland and has a responsibility to foster the Scots language. Gaelic is already used in Creative Scotland branding with ‘Alba Chruthachail’ being shown in conjunction with its English equivalent. I feel it would be fitting if there were a Scots language alternative title too. I have asked that ‘Ingynit Scotlan’ be considered for this purpose, the Scots word ‘ingynit’ meaning, ‘to have intelligence, ability or to be gifted’.

“There is a long history of creative Scots writing, ranging from Blind Harry’s epic ‘The Wallace’ and William Dunbar’s poem ‘Timor Mortis Conturbat Me’ of the medieval period, through to David Lyndey’s satirical play ‘Ane Pleasant Satyre of the Thrie Estaitis’  as well as the poetry of Ferguson and Burns. Finally, into the modern period, creative Scots writing is best represented by Hugh MacDiarmid and Matthew Fitt, whose dystopian science fiction novel, ‘But’n’Ben A-Go-Go’ is written entirely in Scots.

“Given this long history of creative Scots literature, it appears bizarre that Scots has no presence on Creative Scotland branding, especially as it is studied in universities all over the world.

“However, there has been an increased awareness and recognition of Scots language recently and this will be reflected in the next UK census, which will ask the people of Scotland to declare whether they can understand, speak, read or write Scots, along with English and Scottish Gaelic.

“I have previously endorsed the increased use of Scots language in public life through initiatives such as the use of Scots words on labels and signage in shops.

“I hope my proposal is given due consideration as I feel it would be a small but significant contribution to the recognition of the long creative history of the Scots language and its modern potential to generate economic benefit, self confidence and self awareness to the people of Scotland.”

Notes to Editors

Information on Scots Language

Information on Creative Scotland

Related Press Releases