About the role

Scots is a language in its own right, spoken across Lowland Scotland, the north-east and the Northern Isles, and in Ulster as Ulster Scots. Its main varieties include Doric, Glaswegian and west-central Scots, Borders Scots and Shetlandic, and spelling is not fully standardised. Good Scots translation respects these differences and chooses spellings that readers in each area recognise.

Most work is written: translating public information, leaflets and websites into Scots, transcribing oral history and research interviews, and preparing subtitles. Interpreting is occasional, for example for older speakers in health or community settings who are more comfortable in Scots.

What you will do

Translate public information, websites and creative texts from English into Scots, keeping spelling consistent within each project.
Transcribe Scots speech from interviews and archive recordings accurately, without anglicising it.
Follow professional standards of accuracy, impartiality and confidentiality on every assignment.
Prepare for each booking by reviewing the brief and researching specialist terminology in advance.
Take on-site assignments at hospitals, courts, offices and other venues, and remote sessions by video or telephone.

What we are looking for

Fluent spoken and written Scots, and excellent written English.
Relevant qualifications such as the DPSI, DPI or a translation degree, or equivalent professional experience; CIOL, ITI or NRPSI membership is welcome.
Familiarity with Scots spelling resources and with at least one regional variety, such as Doric or Shetlandic.
Willingness to undergo a DBS check, which is required for some assignments, such as those involving children or vulnerable adults.
For on-site work in the UK, the right to work in the UK.
Reliable internet access and suitable equipment (computer or phone with headset) for video and telephone work.

What we offer

Freelance flexibility, accepting work when it suits you.
Remote and on-site assignments.
Fair pay that reflects your skills and time.
Support from our operations team.
Assignments across sectors, including healthcare, legal and public services.

Scots work with SILA Linguists®

SILA Linguists® is a language services company providing interpreting, translation and transcription across the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, in more than 350 languages and dialects. As a Scots linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Scots:

Scots interpreting of every type: face-to-face, telephone (OPI) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, video (VRI) through the SILA Linguists® app or the client's platform, consecutive, simultaneous, conference and remote simultaneous (RSI), community and escort interpreting.
Scots translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
Certified Scots translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
Scots transcription of audio and video recordings, with time stamps, translation of the transcript and subtitling.

Our vetted, trained and qualified linguists work in legal, police and court settings, immigration and asylum matters, NHS and private healthcare, social care, schools and universities, charities and business. Every assignment is covered by confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR.

Questions

Is there much interpreting work in Scots?

It is occasional. Most requests are for translation, transcription and subtitling, so please tell us which kinds of work interest you.

Do you need a particular variety of Scots?

No. We work with every variety, so please list the ones you speak and write with confidence.

Do I need the DPSI to apply?

No. The DPSI or a similar qualification is welcome, and some clients require it for legal or police work, but it is not mandatory for every assignment.

Apply for this role

Freelance Scots Translator, Transcriber and Interpreter