About the role

Under Scottish law, many Scottish public bodies run Gaelic language plans, so councils, health boards, schools and agencies publish in Gaelic as well as English. Gaelic-medium education, broadcasting and cultural work also call for skilled Gaelic translators, transcribers and subtitlers.

Most work is translation of reports, signs, websites and learning materials, along with transcription and subtitling of Gaelic recordings. Interpreting is less frequent, but includes meetings, events and occasional health or legal appointments for speakers in the Western Isles, Skye and other Gaelic-speaking communities.

What you will do

Translate English into Gaelic that follows the Gaelic Orthographic Conventions and the client's terminology.
Transcribe and subtitle Gaelic speech, including island varieties, for broadcasters, archives and researchers.
Keep everything you hear and read on assignments strictly confidential, and remain impartial throughout.
Build and maintain your own glossaries for the sectors you work in.
Attend video and telephone assignments from a quiet, private space with a reliable connection.

What we are looking for

Fluent Scottish Gaelic and English, with an excellent standard of written Gaelic.
The DPSI (Diploma in Public Service Interpreting), DPI (Diploma in Police Interpreting) or an equivalent qualification is an advantage; CIOL or ITI membership is welcome.
Experience of public sector Gaelic terminology or Gaelic-medium education is an advantage.
Willingness to complete a DBS check for assignments in healthcare, education or with vulnerable people.
Right to work in the UK if you will take on-site assignments in the UK.
A reliable internet connection, headset and quiet, private workspace for remote assignments.

What we offer

Remote work by video and telephone, plus on-site bookings.
Fair compensation for your skills and time.
Opportunities for professional development.
Help from our operations team before and after assignments.
Varied assignments across healthcare, legal, government, finance and more.
Flexible working: choose the assignments that suit your availability.

Scottish Gaelic 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 Scottish Gaelic linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Scottish Gaelic:

Scottish Gaelic 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.
Scottish Gaelic translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
Certified Scottish Gaelic translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
Scottish Gaelic 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

Do you need Gaelic interpreters as well as translators?

Yes, though translation is more common. Tell us whether you interpret simultaneously, consecutively, or both.

Is this a freelance role?

Yes. This is freelance (self-employed) work, so you choose which assignments to accept.

Apply for this role

Freelance Scottish Gaelic Translator and Interpreter