About us
Bòrd na Gàidhlig was established as a public body by the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 which was commenced on 13th February 2006.
The legislation is designed to promote the use of Scottish Gaelic, secure the status of the language and ensure its long-term future. The Act sets out 3 main aims for Bòrd na Gàidhlig:
- to increase the number of persons who are able to use and understand the Gaelic language;
- to encourage the use and understanding of the Gaelic language; and
- to facilitate access, in Scotland and elsewhere, to the Gaelic language and Gaelic culture.
The Chairman and members of Bòrd na Gàidhlig were appointed by Scottish Ministers in January 2006. The Bòrd currently has eleven members in total, including the Chair, and is responsible for the governance and strategic direction of Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
In April 2010, the Scottish Ministers approved Ginealach Ùr na Gàidhlig, an action plan which is specifically aimed at increasing the numbers of Gaelic speakers in Scotland. Amongst the priorities in Ginealach Ùr na Gàidhlig there is an endeavour to increase the number of pre-school children who are learning Gaelic, support for their parents, increase in the numbers of adult learners and increase the number of teachers able to teach through the medium of Gaelic.
As a statutory Non-departmental Public Body, the Bòrd is directly funded by the Scottish Ministers and is accountable to them. The Bòrd works closely with the Scottish Government, public authorities and key partners, including the Gaelic organisations and community groups, to promote and develop the use and understanding of Gaelic and to ensure that public funds are wisely and effectively spent.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig, in partnership with Gaelic speakers and the people of Scotland, wants Gaelic to be spoken far and wide.
