Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Skye and Raasay qualify as an area of linguistic significance due to the high levels of Gaelic skills BySteven McKenzie Highlands and Islands reporter Published 12 minutes ago A Highland Council-wide consultation is to be held on plans to give parts of the region special status due to their use of Gaelic. The local authority has proposed using powers in the new Scottish Languages Act to designate areas of linguistic significance (ALS).