Resumen de Regional economic development and minority language use: the case of Gaelic Scotland

Alan Sproull

• The paper examines the potential role of minority language use in the process of regional economic development. An examination ofthe economic impacts that may arise from public policy support for minority language maintenance widens the ränge of potential arguments available to advocates ofsuch support andprovides economic development specialists with aframework within which to consider the füll cost and benefits of such support.

  The case of Gaelic-speaking parts of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland is used to explore the concept ofa "Gaelic economy". A definition is offered and estimations of the size of that economy are then presented.

  This is followed by an exploration of the dynamics of linkages between minority language development and economic development, focusing on impacts on migration flows, the impact of Gaelic on tourism, the language and small business development, and economic self-confidence in general.

  In conclusion there is a brief discussion of the factors likely to influence perceptions of the minority language/economy linkage in Western Europe.