Languages as infrastructure

What if languages were treated not as a cultural asset, but as critical infrastructure?

A new blog published by the Scottish Arts and Humanities Alliance (SAHA) explores exactly this question. Co-authored by ITI chief executive Sara Robertson FRSA FIIC and Raisa McNab of the Association of Translation Companies, it examines why language capabilities matter to the UK economy, to Scotland's public services, and within our increasingly diverse communities.

The article also identifies a pressing challenge: Scotland's shortage of language teachers and declining university provision. Follow the link to find out why Sara and Raisa argue that language capability must move from the policy margins to the centre of how Scotland builds a sustainable future.

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Authors

Sara Robertson

Sara has been Chief Executive of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) since May 2023.

She initially trained as an architect at Edinburgh College of Art where she specialised in historic building conservation. Having undertaken the SPAB Lethaby Scholarship in 2002 she spent the early years of her career honing her skills in conservation policy and practice in various roles at the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.She has considerable experience in strategy, communications and policy from her roles as Head of Historic Environment at the Heritage Lottery Fund and Chief Executive at Icon (the Institute of Conservation).

LinkedIn:: https://linkedin.com/in/ayrshirelass/

Raisa McNab

Chief Executive, Association of Translation Companies

Raisa McNab is Chief Executive Officer at the ATC. Her role spans the boundaries between the language service industry, academia and the public sector, promoting collaboration and best practice. Her experience as a translator and as a production, quality and development manager at a busy language service company has given her a deep insight into the translation industry and the challenges it faces in a changing global landscape. She holds an MA in translation and interpreting from her native Finland.

Website:: atc.org.uk/