New signs in Dumfries and Galloway will say “Scotland Starts Here,” promoting tourism and Gaelic language.
The new signs will also have Gaelic writing. This promotes Scotland’s traditional language. Councillors will discuss a report next week, and it involves a Gaelic signage plan.
A council committee talked about this in 2020. A group requested Gaelic/English signs be added. They wanted to prioritize “Welcome to Dumfries and Galloway” signs.
Members agreed to use Gaelic on signs before. Then Covid happened, impacting the plans. In 2023/24, the council checked all road signs. Many signs needed replacement.
The council says this is a good time. They can add Gaelic without extra cost. They can replace signs when it’s time anyway.
A tourism plan wants “Scotland Starts Here” visible. The plan updates signs across the region, focusing on major entry points from England.
Borders Council already uses this branding. They have it on fifteen signs currently. Replacing these signs lets them add Gaelic now, and they can add “Scotland Starts Here” too.
Next week, councillors must approve the changes. They will ask for money for the project. The economy and infrastructure committee handles funding.