Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcomes the publication of the Scottish Government’s Gaelic Language Plan launched today (Wednesday 7th July) in South Uist.
The plan was prepared under the provisions of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act and enables public bodies to increase the use and enhance the status of Gaelic through their organisations and day to day operations. Gaelic Plans also help Bòrd na Gàidhlig implement and support its own action plan, Ginealach Ùr na Gàidhlig, Creating a new Generation of Gaelic Speakers.
Arthur Cormack, Cathraiche (Chair) of Bòrd na Gàidhlig has welcomed the publication of the Plan.
“Bòrd na Gàidhlig sees the publication of the Scottish Government’s Gaelic Language Plan as a welcome and positive indication of its continuing commitment to the language. The Scottish Government has signalled that there is real benefit in sustaining and developing Gaelic and this is a practical Plan that not only applies to its own operations, but which offers a lead to other organisations including Government agencies with a clear message that the Scottish Government wants to see a sustainable future for Gaelic. I am confident that other bodies will follow the Scottish Government’s lead in making commitments to the Gaelic language, and in implementing their own Gaelic Language Plans.”
“Even although times are challenging economically, I believe we are in a time of unprecedented opportunity for the Gaelic language, and it will be important to build on the momentum that has built up over the past few years in increasing the status and use of Gaelic. As recently outlined in the Bòrd’s new action plan, Ginealach Ùr na Gàidhlig, we are now focussing on the task of increasing the numbers of Gaelic speakers and the Scottish Government’s support in this will be both welcome, and vital.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
The Scottish Government’s Gaelic Language Plan can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/07/06161418/0
Bòrd na Gàidhlig is the principal public body responsible for promoting and developing Gaelic: http://www.gaidhlig.org.uk/. Under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, the Bòrd has powers to request public bodies to prepare Gaelic language plans.
Ginealach Ùr Na Gàidhlig supports the National Plan for Gaelic 2007-12 and the requirements of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, reprioritising resources and actions to support an incremental increase in learning and using Gaelic. For more information see www.gaidhlig.org.uk
For more information on this news release contact Shona Sloan, Communications Manager, shona@gaidhlig.org.uk, 07500099394, or Hugh Dan MacLennan on 0751 528 7040.
