This technical discussion, organised by the Scottish Government and the British Council, will provide a platform for dialogue on the role of language in sustaining cultural identity, promoting educational attainment and strengthening international cooperation. It will also consider how national-minority and regional languages can be supported and promoted in contemporary society.
Technical discussion: Languages, cultural Identity and international cooperation: Scottish and Breton perspectives
M. Wright
As part of this year's Saint Andrew's Day celebrations, taking place on 26 November 2026, the Scottish Government's annual programme will spotlight Scotland's seas and the communities, cultures and industries connected to them. The wider theme will showcase Scotland's seafood sector, coastal communities, transport links, sustainable marine energy, seaside distilleries and maritime heritage.
Recognising the strong relationship between language, culture and coastal identity, a dedicated technical discussion will complement the celebrations and will explore Scotland's linguistic diversity and its connections with partners in France and, specifically, Brittany.
Initial expressions of interest have been received from representatives of Scottish Gaelic, Shetland dialect/Shaetlan speakers, as well as academic partners from the Sorbonne and universities in Brittany, highlighting the potential for a rich and internationally connected discussion. The event aims to facilitate networking between Scottish, French and wider European partners.
Given ongoing preparations for future UK engagement with European educational and mobility programmes, the discussion will also include a focus on the importance of strengthening cooperation.
The event will be organised by the Scottish Government, and the technical discussion will be facilitated by the British Council in its role as the UK’s international body for cultural relations, languages and educational opportunities.
Key themes will include:
• The role of regional languages in cultural preservation and identity.
• Approaches to the promotion of regional-language learning in schools as a factor in educational success and inclusion.
• Government and local authority approaches to supporting regional languages in education and within the wider community.
• Examples of cultural diplomacy in relation to regional languages across the different nations.
• The contribution of regional languages to economic and social development, particularly within coastal and island communities.
• Concrete actions for strengthening institutional and academic partnerships in the field of regional-language policy and practice between Scotland, Wales and France, particularly through Erasmus+.
• A networking breakfast will take place from 10am – 10.30am on 26th November 2026.
• The technical discussion will take place from 10.30 am – 12.00 pm.
• Venue: Turner room, British Council, 9 rue de Constantine, 75007 Paris
For further information, please contact: FranceHub@gov.scot