Gaelic speakers know their language is in crisis, the research published yesterday that appeared in the Guardian and other papers, although difficult to read is accurately reflects the picture on the ground.

Knowing the challenge is the first step to affecting change.

Learning the language is a powerful act. If you become Gaelic you are putting a foot in its future.

It is vitally important however that the high numbers learning on Duolingo are never used to obscure the crisis Gaelic faces in the last areas where it is spoken habitually.

The loss of Gaelic in the islands would be indescribable. I really do feel it is important that learners know the challenges Gaelic speakers face, so they can add their voices to those pushing for radical change and intervention in the islands.

The dedicated Gaelic team have poured hundreds of volunteer hours into this course, no doubt in part because they know urgent change is needed. They know the scale of the challenge and would want you to know too.

The situation for learners has improved drastically, GM schools are bursting at the seams. There is good news out there to be found and every new learner is welcome and has a role to play.

But this in no way changes the facts on the ground in the islands.

If you want to help -

- Keep learning and visit the islands when it's safe. Use you Gaelic. Stay with Gaelic speakers. Buy their stuff.

Read up - @MisneachdAlba manifesto for Gaelic is a good place to start

Thanks for reading. This is not to make people despair, but there is a danger that the great progress that has been made on Duolingo could obscure the very real challenge that Gaelic communities face. That is the last thing we want.

Keep learning, keep sharing the joys of Gaelic with others and encourage the next generation.

Cha bheò cànan gun bhruidhinn. - A language needs to be spoken to live. X