Public meetings are to be held to discuss the way forward for the network of Gaelic Language Initiatives being established throughout Scotland by Comunn na Gàidhlig, with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.  The Language Initiatives, which are based on the highly successful Welsh Mentrau Iaiths, and will be the foundations for Gaelic development at community levels are being set up in Lewis (Ness to Carloway), South Uist, Barra, North Skye, Lochaber, Glasgow, Edinburgh and the North West Highlands. 

The community-based organisations are being formed to raise the profile of the Gaelic language in specific areas and which work with individuals, other organizations and local businesses to promote the use of Gaelic in the area.  They have two specific aims, to increase the number of Gaelic speakers and to expand opportunities where Gaelic can be used.  This will be done by stimulating and coordinating a strong programme of activities across all ages and will greatly assist current efforts in creating sustainable communities.

Archie Maclean, Chief Executive of Comunn na Gàidhlig said, “We are delighted to be working with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Highlands and Islands Enterprise in establishing Language Initiatives across Scotland and look forward to making a difference in the specified areas.  CnaG believes that the community-based Initiatives are the way forward to strengthen and develop the language in areas where the language is still reasonably strong but under constant threat.  We urge people who have an interest in the future of the language to get involved and wee look forward to seeing them at the various meetings being organized to explain how the Initiatives will work.”

Arthur Cormack, Chairman of Bòrd na Gàidhlig said, “Bòrd na Gàidhlig is delighted that the language initiatives are being set up.  The Bòrd believes that the community-based network of Initiatives will enable more people to appreciate, understand and, most importantly, use Gaelic.  Targeting resources into specific areas 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 community groups contribute to the prioritisation of resources.  The Initiatives will enable us to channel our resources into areas 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 coordinating 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.” 

Over the next few weeks public meetings are being held in the north of Lewis, South Uist and Glasgow, to explain these developments in more detail and we are inviting all sections of the community, organisations and individuals from across the area to attend these meetings.  At the meetings, the principles and structures will be explained and there will be ample opportunity for those attending to contribute to the development.  Following on from these public meetings, Steering Groups will be formed in the various areas, to work with the Initiative Officers in preparing action programmes and events to encourage people of all ages to embrace the language through activity and opportunity.  

Public meetings are being held as follows:

15 June 2009, 7.30pm, -                     Sporsnis, Lionel, Ness, Lewis

16 June 2009, 7.30pm, -                     Talla Coimhearsnachd Bharbhais is Bhrù, Barvas, Lewis

18 June 2009, 7.30pm, -                     The Albany Learning and Conference Centre,  44 Ashley Centre, Glasgow, G3 6DS

22 June 2009, 7.30pm, -                     Ionad Seann Sgoile Shiaboist, Shawbost, Lewis

30 June 2009, 7.30pm -                      Sgoil an Iochdair, South Uist

1 July 2009, 7.30pm -                         Talla a’ Chidhe, Lochboisdale, South Uist