Conclusion

HMIE has made strong progress in meeting the outcomes of the Gaelic Language Plan. The organisation has also responded to feedback from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and continues to strengthen its commitment to ensuring equal respect for Gaelic and English across the majority of areas of work.

A major milestone in this period was the January 2026 publication of the national report Evaluating the Quality of Gaelic Education.

This report provides insight into the quality of provision and establishes a coherent evidence base to guide future development. It is already helping to shape sector understanding of effective practice, highlighting persistent challenges and informing strategic decision‑making across the system.

In December 2025, HMIE hosted a very well attended national seminar to share inspection findings, with 3 settings sharing highly effective practice in Gaelic. Practice represented 3 to 18 Gaelic Medium Education.

In addition, HMIE met statutory functions in the Education (Scotland) Act 2016 by undertaking a full assessment of need to establish Gaelic Medium primary provision within a local authority. This assessment represents an important step in strengthening local and national systems for responding to parental demand for Gaelic Medium Education.

Engagement and communication have increased significantly. Through a new approach, HMIE has had positive social media promotional campaigns around:

• evaluating the quality of Gaelic education
• sharing effective practice through case studies
• a national online seminar sharing inspection findings
• initiatives such as Gaelic week (Seachdain na Gàidhlig)

Our postings on social media are in Gaelic and English. The frequency of postings has increased significantly. HMIE also published a media release on the national report.