Language in Scotland

English is the main language in Scotland. The most common languages spoken by migrants in Scotland are Urdu, Mandarin and Polish.

Learning English in Scotland

A number of education providers run courses to learn or develop English skills. 

You can search for courses at the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) site

Learning English at work

Companies are employing migrant workers to fill skills shortages but need workers with good communication skills.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority helps employers to upskill their workers through a range of flexible qualifications - two of the most important ones are English for Speakers of Other Languages and Scottish Vocational Qualifications. 

School pupils

All schools in Scotland will provide support to children who don't have English as their first language.

Gaelic (pronounced 'gallick') is a minority language native to Scotland.

Gaelic is more common in parts of the Highlands and on some of the Scottish islands.

There are 60 Gaelic primary schools across Scotland and one Gaelic school in Glasgow which teaches 3-to-18-year olds.

School children in Scotland can learn a second language at school.

This normally includes French, Spanish, German or Italian.

Interpreters

Interpreters are provided free of charge for health, education and council department appointments in Scotland.

This means if an interpreter is needed for the National Health Service or the council, it will be arranged for you.

You would not need to contact the interpreter yourself.

The only exception would be for court cases because courts have their own interpreters.

Becoming an interpreter/translator in Scotland

In Scotland, there are two centres with courses for the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI). The DPSI qualification is internationally recognised. 

    Useful websites

    Find out more about Edinburgh Council's interpreting and translating service

    Discover more about Glasgow City Council's translation and interpreting services 

    If you're interested in becoming an interpreter, the Chartered Institute of Linguists can help