Speaker's corner: Baroness MacLeod of Camusdarach

"Women in these communities played a pivotal role. Often, their partners were at sea and times were tough, but they brought up their children and coped with the daily challenges of worrying about bad weather and the uncertainty of boats landing safely.

"Often, they had jobs outside the home, gutting fish or working in hotels. All were striving to put food on the table.

"Despite the hardships, their spirits remained mostly undiminished and they enriched the fabric of our lives.

"These people are the forebears of the people who are still keeping the Highlands alive against the odds.

"The Highlands have huge potential, but their development is hindered by neglect and a growing lack of investment. If they are going to prosper, and they could lead the renewables revolution in the United Kingdom, that needs to change.

So too does the establishment’s attitude to the Gaelic language, still surviving against the odds. I should declare an interest because I am on the development trust of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for the Gaelic Language and Culture, on Skye.

"To survive, it still desperately needs help. It has always struck me as odd that in London we can be exercised about losing famous paintings and other memorabilia but sit back while the UK’s oldest spoken language withers on the vine and, with it, its traditions, music and poetry.

"One of the great cultural successes in the Highlands is a recent musical revival. Musicians travel all over the world, proudly sharing their tremendous ability and their cultural inheritance in English and Gaelic.

"Since Brexit, travelling in Europe is more difficult for them. We must try to make it easier.

"Women are pivotal to keeping the language and culture alive. Today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, a momentous celebration of women is taking place."

To mark the occasion Lochaber musicians Ingrid Henderson and Iain Mcafarlane wrote a march - Baroness Ceit of Camusdarach - to coincide with her introduction.

Watch the full speech below.