XpoNorth to highlight how the Gaelic language can help boost economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic as Highland and Nova Scotia business converge for conference
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A Highland organisation is recognising the significant opportunities that arise from the Gaelic language’s potential contribution in helping to drive economic growth on two sides of the Atlantic.
This topic will be explored at the XpoNorth conference on June 15 and 16 in a session titled Shared Perspectives: Driving Culture Through Place.
Conducted in Gaelic, it will feature businesses from Scotland and Nova Scotia discussing how the culture and place are indelibly intertwined and how this shared heritage has developed over the years.
The linked heritage began more than 250 years ago, when one of the earliest groups of Highland settlers emigrated from Loch Broom aboard The Hector, and helped create Nova Scotia – New Scotland.
XpoNorth works with businesses, social enterprises and community organisations that can demonstrate economic and social value from using Gaelic.
The panel discussion will bring together a varied group of professionals who use Gaelic as an everyday part of their work and will share their experiences from both sides of the Atlantic.
Panelists will discuss how place shapes and defines culture and how this creates meaning and value for communities and businesses, with language playing a significant part of that discussion.
Iain Hamilton, head of creative industries at Highlands and Islands Enterprise and co-founder of XpoNorth, said: “This will be a fascinating panel session looking at perspectives of culture and creativity, place and community in the Highlands and Islands and Nova Scotia, and we are delighted that it will be in Gaelic.
“Increasingly there is a global demand for authenticity and real provenance, stories behind products and services that allow people to engage more and to have a greater understanding of place and where something comes from.
“We are pleased to be supporting the use of Gaelic and recognise the importance of nurturing the language.
“Gaelic is a unique and powerful opportunity for Scotland and we realise the value both economically and socially.”
n For more information, visit www.xponorth.co.uk
