August 2006

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ISSUED THE FIRST NATIONAL PLAN FOR SCOTTISH GAELIC

August 2006 - The first ever National Plan for Gaelic has been put out for public consultation by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the statutory Gaelic Development Agency. This public body was established under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 to promote Gaelic both in Scotland and abroad. The Act, which was commenced in February this year, requires the Bòrd to prepare a National Plan for Gaelic to establish a strategic approach to the development of the language and its culture.

The draft plan proposes measures to normalise the use and promote the development of Gaelic and its culture across the full spectrum of home and community life, building on the many successful initiatives which have already taken place across Scotland. Bòrd na Gàidhlig Chief Executive, Allan Campbell said that “the consultation process enables all those with an interest in Gaelic to contribute to the plan, and the Bòrd is keen to encourage the maximum possible response to achieve a positive consensus”. He also declared that “it is clearly very important that the Gaelic community takes ownership of the plan and works in effective partnership to realise its aspirations for Gaelic.”

The Bòrd will be holding a programme of public meetings across Scotland until 10th November to present the draft National Plan and to enable discussion of its proposals. The organisers hope that these meetings will attract considerable interest and that they will assist people to respond effectively to the consultation.