• Agenda

Minutes of Meeting of the Gaelic Implementation Group held in Seòmar 3, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Sleat, Isle of Skye on Thursday 23 May 2013 at 2.00 pm.

 

Present:

 

Mr G Farlow, Mr C Fraser, Mr H Fraser, Mr A M Millar, Mr F Parr, Mrs M E Paterson, Dr A Sinclair

 

In attendance:

 

Mr H Fraser, Director of Education, Culture and Sport
Mr K Murray, Gaelic Development Manager, Education, Culture and Sport Service
Ms M A Macleod Mitchell, Gaelic Development Officer, Education, Culture and Sport Service
Ms N Young, Area Education Manager, Education, Culture and Sport Service
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs F MacBain, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr S Taylor, Civic Officer, Finance Service

 

Also in attendance:

 

Professor B Robertson, Principal, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Mr J N MacLeod, Vice Principal and Director of Studies, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Mr D A MacLennan, Head of Estates and Services, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Ms C MacKenzie, PA to the Principal, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Mr J Morrison, Chief Executive, An Comunn Gàidhealach
Mr J Macleod, President, An Comunn Gàidhealach

 

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to the Committee.

 

Mr H Fraser in the Chair

 

Business

 

1. Chair’s Opening Remarks and Commemoration of Sabhal Mòr
    Ostaig’s 40th Anniversary

 

Welcoming the Gaelic Implementation Group to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Chairman congratulated the college on 40 years of work to preserve and promote the Gaelic language at both national and international levels.  He wished them every success for the future and hoped that the Council and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig would continue to develop their mutually supportive relationship.  In commemoration of this relationship, a flag had been raised outside the college before the meeting and a specially designed plate was presented to the college by the Chairman on behalf of the Council.

 

There was tabled a ‘Good News’ information sheet, which contained the following information:-

 

Careers Day

 

On 19 March 2013 a very successful Careers Day called “Siuthad”, or “Go On”, took place in Eden Court with over 100 pupils from S2 and S3 in Highland High Schools attending.  The main aim of the event was to encourage young people who had been educated in Gaelic Medium to continue with Gaelic up to qualification level.  Siuthad also aimed to raise awareness of economic and careers opportunities that could be available to young people if they continued studying Gaelic.  The young people had the opportunity to meet officials in organisations and individuals where a career in Gaelic or being able to speak the language was an advantage.  Various organisations were present including Skills Development Scotland, BBC ALBA, Fèisean nan Gàidheal and An Comunn Gàidhealach.  The young people also received a presentation from Ruairidh Maclean the current Tosgaire na Gàidhlig (Gaelic Ambassador) who highlighted people and individuals who were currently employed in organisations due to their linguistic skills in Gaelic.  Council Officers worked closely with Skills Development Scotland to organise this successful event.

 

FILMG

 

Ten Highland secondary schools had made fifteen films for FILMG.  Portree High School won the FilmG Awards for Best Production and for Best Gaelic and Tain Royal Academy won the Best Drama Short Award. A list of other Highland prize winners was also provided.

 

SOILLSE

 

SOILLSE had recently published research entitled ‘Public Attitudes to Gaelic in Scotland’ which summarised results on public attitudes to Gaelic from the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey 2012 based on a sample of 1,229 people.  The research results gave a strong, positive and resounding message for Gaelic stating that:-

• 70% of participants had heard Gaelic in their homes by means of the media;
• 58% had seen Gaelic on road signs or on other public signs; and
• 86% perceived the Gaelic language to be an important part of the heritage of the Highlands and Islands.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s 40th Anniversary

 

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (SMO) had organised an exciting programme of events to celebrate 40 years and further information on this was available on their website, currently linked to the Council’s home page.  Reference was also made to the Group’s visit in the morning to the Kilbeg development and referred to the announcement on 14 May 2013 that the Scottish Government had given a £1.9m funding package towards the cost of business facilities which were to be built on the site.  Other developments would include a new campus, 93 homes and sport facilities for the College and the community.

 

0-3 years Open Days in Gairloch, Lairg, Aviemore and Fort William

 

Successful pre-school Gaelic Open Days had been held in Gairloch, Lairg, Aviemore and Fort William with the aim of informing parents about Gaelic Medium Education and of the support that was available should they choose to place their child/children into GM Education.

 

Gaelic in Thurso and Wick

 

Gaelic classes in Thurso and Wick were proving popular with 24 people currently having registered for the class in Thurso and 19 registering in Wick.  The Wick classes had been running for two months with no participants withdrawing.

 

The Group NOTED the Good News items.

 

2. Apologies for Absence

 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr J Gordon, Mr C Macaulay, Mr J McGillivray and Mr K MacLeod.

 

3. Declarations of Interest

 

The Committee NOTED the following Declarations of Interest:-

 

Item 9 – Dr Audrey Sinclair (non-financial)
Item 9 – Mr D Millar (non-financial)

 

4. Presentation from the Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

 

There had been circulated Report No GIG-6-13 (96kb pdf) dated 13 May 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport introducing the Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (SMO), Professor Boyd Robertson, who gave a presentation on the background of SMO and providing detail on current initiatives.

 

In his presentation, Professor Robertson welcomed the Group to SMO and summarised the major events in SMO’s history, including its opening in 1973, the start of full-time courses in 1983 and its commitment to the UHI project in 1994.  A multitude of courses were currently being run at the college, from short courses during vacations to four BA/BA (Hons) courses, an MA/MA (Hons) in Gaelic and Education and two postgraduate courses (in Heritage and Culture and Editing and Publishing).  The childcare facility Fàs Mòr was thriving and the college’s economic impact on the locality was significant, with an estimated 138 FTE posts being created, approximately £3.5m income being generated and around £400k being spent off site, mostly by students.  The population of Sleat had doubled since SMO’s opening in 1973.  Turning to the future, Professor Robertson outlined the plans for the Kilbeg development, a £41m project which would extend the college and could provide up to 75 new houses, sports and conference facilities, a school, health centre, hotel, shop and catering establishment.

 

Members thanked Professor Boyd for his presentation and, in response to questions, it was explained that SMO would work in partnership with the Council and Housing Associations with regard to the allocation of Affordable Housing.  It was intended that some serviced plots would be made available for sale and, in time, a housing strategy would require to be developed, in conjunction with the Council’s Housing Service.  Members commented that the sports centre, especially the indoor facility, would be welcomed and would play a key role in the retention of young people in the area.

 

The Group NOTED the contents of the report and presentation.

 

5. Memorandum of Understanding between The Highland Council and
    Sabhal Mòr Ostaig - Partnership Update

 

There had been circulated Report No GIG-7-13 (24kb pdf)  dated 13 May 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport informing Members of progress with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Highland Council and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

 

A summary was given of the report and current developments that were underway between the Council and SMO under the auspices of the Joint Working Group.  Questions from Members were responded to as follows:-

• the free download App for android phones that was being developed by the Highlands and Islands Film Commission and SMO to promote economic development would be available by the start of June 2013 and negotiations were underway to include Gaelic content on this.  Although it was not intended for the promotion of tourism at this stage, this was something that could be looked at in the future;
• funding for the ‘Gaelic for Learners in Primary School’ (GLPS) Teacher Training, that had been established with SMO, had been reduced but, although it would be challenging, it was intended that the training would continue;
• discussions were underway with Bòrd na Gàidhlig to investigate what could be done, in terms of Continuous Professional Development, to encourage teachers who spoke Gaelic to use their Gaelic in their teaching, including consideration of teaching through the medium of Gaelic; and
• the forging of links with other countries where minority languages were spoken, such as the Basque Country in Spain, would continue.

Members commented that the reduced radio coverage of the National Mod was disappointing and it was explained that this would be discussed as part of Item 9.

 

The Group NOTED the progress regarding the activities undertaken under the auspices of the Memorandum of Understanding Joint Working Group.

 

6. Gaelic Language Act Implementation Fund - 2013-14 Projects and
    2012-13 Final Project Reports

 

There had been circulated Report No GIG-8-13 (58kb pdf)  dated 10 May 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing Members with on overview of the projects submitted for Gaelic Language Act Implementation Fund (GLAIF) consideration in 2013-14 and providing the final reports on the projects delivered in 2012-13.

 

A detailed summary was given of the following four projects which had been submitted by the Council for consideration by Bòrd na Gàidhlig for GLAIF funding support in 2013-14:-

• Gaelic Early Years 0 to 3 Support Strategy in Highland Council Area (3 Year Pilot);
• Gaisgich Coimhearsnachd – Community Heroes;
• Oifigear Choimhearsnachd Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (BSGI); and
• Provision of Ùlpan Progressive Language Classes.

Members welcomed the detail in the report and suggested that the GLAIF projects reflected activities that should be undertaken at Ward level.  Members were urged, when visiting Primary and Secondary Schools, to ensure that staff were aware of and engaged with GLAIF projects as much possible.  In addition, confirmation was provided that Sgàilean Coimhearsnachd, the community reflections project, was ongoing and would be fully reported on in due course.

 

The Group NOTED the suite of projects submitted for GLAIF support in 2013-14 and the 2012-13 project delivery report.

 

7. Gaelic Language Plan 2012-16 Implementation - Cross Service Gaelic
    Liaison Group

 

There had been circulated Report No GIG-9-13 (23kb pdf)  dated 10 May 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport informing Members of further progress in implementing the Gaelic Language Plan (GLP) 2012-16 across Council Services.

 

Members were reminded that a Cross Service Gaelic Liaison Group of officers had been established to help implement and monitor the GLP.  The Liaison Group had now met and progress was continuing on points within the GLP and was feeding into the Performance and Risk Management System.  As a result, all areas of Council activity were monitored.  In addition, contact had been made with High Life Highland with a view to Gaelic being introduced to communities in libraries, book clubs etc.

 

In discussion, Members emphasised the importance of having Gaelic incorporated across all Council Services and called for a robust approach to be adopted.  Members too had a role to play in encouraging the use of Gaelic in such areas such as planning applications and press releases.  This sentiment was echoed by others who recognised the significance of having Gaelic at the heart of services, especially early years and economic development.  In facilitating this, Members asked for sight of the Notes from Liaison Group meetings and for service representatives to make presentations to the Gaelic Implementation Group demonstrating the equal status of Gaelic in their service activity.  They were, however, encouraged that discussions were also taking place as to how Gaelic could be included in the next draft of the Single Outcome Agreement.

 

The Group:-

 

i. NOTED the further cross Service engagement in implementing the Gaelic
   Language Plan;
ii. AGREED to receive progress reports on future service activity in
   implementing the Gaelic Language Plan;
iii. AGREED that Members be provided with Notes of the Cross Service Gaelic
   Liaison Group;
iv. AGREED that reports be submitted to future meetings of the Gaelic
   Implementation Group on various Council activities – such as economic
   development - to demonstrate how Gaelic was being incorporated; and
v. AGREED that consideration be given to including Gaelic in the Single
   Outcome Agreement.

 

8. Gaelic Language Plan 2012-16, Theme 3 “What we will do for Gaelic
    in the Arts, Media and Heritage”: Implementation Report

 

There had been circulated Report No GIG-10-13 (34kb pdf)  dated 10 May 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing information on the implementation of the Gaelic Language Plan 2012-16, specifically, Theme 3 “What we will do for Gaelic in the Arts, Media and Heritage”.

 

Following a summary of some of the work that was being undertaken to implement Theme 3 “What we will do for Gaelic in the Arts, Media and Heritage”, notably partnership working on delivery of the Royal National Mod in Inverness in 2014 and other events in 2014 including the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and 2nd Year of Homecoming, questions from Members were responded to as follows:-

• the Memorandum of Understanding with Nova Scotia was still in operation, having been first signed in 2002, and would be renegotiated as part of the National Mod in 2014. Work was being undertaken with representatives from Nova Scotia in relation to the creation of events for the National Mod; and
• the desire for fringe events to the National Mod to be held in nearby towns such as Dingwall and Nairn was being fed into discussions with An Comunn Gàidhealach.

Members having been reassured that they could attend meetings relating to the Royal National Mod if they wished, the Group:-

 

i. NOTED progress in implementing the Arts, Media and Heritage Theme in GLP
   12-16;
ii. AGREED to support high profile activity and engagement for the Inverness
   Royal National Mod in 2014; and
iii. AGREED that the Council work with partners to host high profile Gaelic-
   related arts, media and cultural events in Highland to provide economic
   benefits within the Council area.

 

9. Presentation from the Chief Executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach

 

Dr A Sinclair declared a non-financial interest in this item as Chairman of the Lochalsh Mod but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion.

 

Mr D Millar declared a non-financial interest in this item as Director of Cullin FM Radio but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

 

There had been circulated Report No GIG-11-13 (31kb pdf) dated 9 May 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport introducing a presentation by Mr John Morrison, Chief Executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach (ACG) on partnership activity and an update on the organisation of the Royal National Mòd 2014 in Inverness.

 

Mr Morrison gave a presentation on the history of ACG since its inception in 1891, which had resulted in the first Mod taking place in Oban in 1892.  The Mod was Scotland’s leading arts festival for the Gaelic language and had taken place annually since 1892, with the exception of wartime years.  Support for ACG came from the government, the press and media, local authorities, other public sector agencies and commercial organisations in the form of local sponsorships.  Having outlined ACG’s priorities and plans for the future, Mr Morrison provided statistics on participation in and the economic impact of the Mod over the years, pointing out the growing function of local Mods in addition to the National Mod.  It was hoped that in future years, more coverage of the Mod would be undertaken by BBC Alba.

 

During discussion, Members pointed out the disappointing reduction in radio coverage of the Mod and suggested that many non-Gaelic speakers had enjoyed listening to radio programmes covering Gaelic singing at the Mod.  The work undertaken by people who organised local Mods was recognised and it was hoped that, in future, higher levels of publicity could be given to local Mods.  In response, it was explained that funding for Radio Mod of around £7k had been withdrawn and, although the programme had continued for a further two years with funding from elsewhere, it eventually became unsustainable.  If future funding was to be forthcoming, consideration could be given to it being reinstated.  Work was ongoing to raise the profile of local Mods, with one setback being their tendency to happen at similar times, putting pressure on limited staffing resources.  Further use of internet technology, social networking sites in particular, was being encouraged.

 

In relation to the drop off in participation in the Mod from primary to secondary school, it was explained that Gaelic Medium Education was not as prevalent at secondary level and other means of involving teenagers were being sought, with choir participation being popular but requiring additional conductors to be trained.  Members pointed out that Eden Court was a popular local Mod venue, particularly with teenagers and, although expensive, had been instrumental to the growing popularity of the Inverness Mod.

 

The Group:-

 

i. AGREED to support the continued partnership working between the Council
   and An Comunn Gàidhealach; and
ii. NOTED progress in relation to the Royal National Mòd 2014.

 

The meeting concluded at 4.10pm.