Although the model of Asset-based Rural Community Development (ABRCD) which I developed listed Language is a key Intangible Asset, it wasn't until I was commissioned by the Scottish Government to undertake an Audit of the Provision of Support for Scots Language in Scotland that I realized how imporant it is.

When I first moved to Aberdeen in 1999 I was befriended by group of musicians and local types who taught me all about bothy ballads, sessions, good drams, community woodlands, and how to reply to "Fit like?" ["Ach, nae bad" works!]. Later, as my ear grew better atuned and I worked all over Scotland, I began to appreciate and enjoy the many dialects of Scots and how they pervade life in my new adopted home. As a result I was very excited when commissioned to undertake the Audit.

By using an Assets-based approach I was able to adapt standard ABRCD methods and treat the individuals and organisations that support the language as a Community.   In this way I was able to characterize the community, to see 'provision' as support and development of the assets, and to see just how important Scots language is to Scottish identity.

The results can be seen here on the Scottish Government's web pages.

This has certainly taught me the value of language as an Intangible Asset for community development, and the equal importance of Scots, alongside Gaelic, as contributing to the regional identities which make up Scotland.

Click here for an Executive Summary of the  Audit of Current Scots Language Provision in Scotland