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COMUNN NA GÀIDHLIG LAUNCHES IOMAIRT GÀIDHLIG LOCH ABAIR
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05 May 2009
Comunn na Gàidhlig has launched Iomairt Gàidhlig Loch Abair (The Lochaber Gaelic Initiative), the first in a series of community language programmes aimed at increasing the number of Gaelic speakers. Iomairt Gàidhlig Loch Abair was launched in a packed Council chamber in Fort William at the weekend.
Iomairtean Gàidhlig, or “Gaelic Initiatives” are being established in several communities across Scotland with the specific aim of increasing the number of Gaelic speakers in the area and providing enhanced opportunities to use the language within these communities. Iomairtean Gàidhlig are community-led, with local steering committees overseeing the work being undertaken. It is expected that the local steering groups will consist of members of the local community who have an interest in the language, as well as representatives of local voluntary bodies, national organisations and public agencies who deliver services in the area.
Gaelic development activity in Lochaber is being co-ordinated by Eilidh Shaw, who has recently taken up post as the Iomairt Gàidhlig Loch Abair Officer. Also launched at the meeting was a community consultation to establish priorities with regard to Gaelic development. The findings of this consultation will form the agenda for the steering group, once formed.
Archie Maclean, Chief Executive of Comunn na Gàidhlig said, “We are delighted to have launched Iomairt Gàidhlig Loch Abair. We were particularly pleased to see so many members of the Lochaber community attending the event, as well as representatives of national organisations such as Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Comunn nam Pàrant, An Comunn Gàidhealach and also to have had so many present from Highland Council, both at Member and Officer levels. I believe that Iomairt Gàidhlig Loch Abair will make a real difference for Gaelic in the area and we now urge as many people as possible to get involved. I am grateful to Bòrd na Gàidhlig and to Highlands and Islands Enterprise for their support in getting Iomairtean Gàidhlig off the ground.”
Arthur Cormack, Chairman of Bòrd na Gàidhlig said, “Bòrd na Gàidhlig is delighted that Iomairt Gàidhlig Loch Abair has been launched and is paving the way for a network of community-based programmes which will enable more people to appreciate, understand and, most importantly, use Gaelic. The Bòrd believes that targeting resources into specific areas like Lochaber, is one way forward in reversing the recent decline in both the numbers speaking Gaelic and also the level of usage of the language. It is very important that we have community support and that the community groups contribute to the prioritisation of resources. Iomairt Gàidhlig Lochabair will enable us to channel our resources in the area more effectively and it is encouraging to see so many disparate bodies and agencies coming together to create the network of support mechanisms we need to deliver the National Plan for Gaelic effectively. By pooling our resources and co-ordinating the efforts we are all bringing to bear on meeting the challenges and aspirations we share, we will have the best chance of making progress.”
For further information, please contact Archie Maclean, Chief Executive, Comunn na Gàidhlig: Tel: 07912 850442 E-mail: eairdsidh@cnag.org.uk
Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Darach House, Stoneyfield Business Park, Inverness, IV2 7PA
Tel: +44 [0] 1463 225454 • Fax: +44 [0] 1463 716217 • fios@bord-na-gaidhlig.org.uk