• Agenda

Minutes of Meeting of the Gaelic Implementation Group held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 22 August 2013 at 2.15 pm

Present:

Mr D Fallows (Substitute), Mr G Farlow, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr C Macaulay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr A M Millar, Mrs M E Paterson

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 D Grant, Community Learning and Development Officer (Gaelic Language and Culture), Education, Culture and Sport Service
Mrs M Mulholland, Gaelic Community Learning and Development Officer, Education, Culture and Sport Service
Miss S Paterson, Community Learning and Development Officer, Education, Culture and Sport Service
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs F MacBain, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs T Bangor-Jones, Administrative Assistant, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Mr C I Macleod, Development Manager, Comunn na Gàidhlig
Mr D J MacIntyre, Director, Comunn an Luchd Ionnsachaidh Gàidhlig

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. Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr C Fraser, Mr F Parr and Dr A Sinclair.

2. Declarations of Interest

There were no Declarations of Interest.

3. Recess Powers

The Group NOTED that the Recess Powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 27 June 2013 had not been exercised in relation to the business of the Gaelic Implementation Group.

4. Good News

The Chairman informed the group of a list of Good News Items, which included the following issues:-

• progress on new Gaelic Primary Schools for Portree and Fort William;
• the establishment of a new Gaelic Department in Mount Pleasant Primary School, Thurso;
• partnership working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other organisations on a research project looking at the economic and social value of Gaelic as an asset;
• HRH Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay, had hosted a reception to mark the 40th Anniversary of Sabhal Mor Ostaig (SMO) at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh;
• the Gaelic Family Week had taken place between 1-5 July at SMO;
• the current review of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia;
• the partnership with Ainmean Aite na h•Aiba (Gaelic Place-Names of Scotland) continued to develop with a total of 272 names having been researched between April and July;
• the 75th Anniversary of Colaisde na Gilidhlig (The Gaelic College in Cape Breton) was being celebrated this year; and
• the Blas Festival to take place from the 5-14 September.

The Group NOTED the list of Good News Items.

5. Gaelic Language Plan 2012-16, Theme 1 “What we will do for Gaelic
    in the Home and in Communities” - Implementation Report

There had been circulated Report No GIG-12-13 (47kb pdf) dated 31 July 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provided Members with information on the implementation of Gaelic Language Plan (GLP) 2012-16 Theme 1 “What we will do for Gaelic in the Home and in Communities.”

During a summary of the report, the range of on-going activity was detailed.  Attention was drawn to activity in supporting Gaelic through pre-school education, programmes of activity organised through primary and secondary schools, adult learning and community engagement.  An update on progress being made in a wide range of local Gaelic Classes and the requirement for a review of the demand for Gaelic classes in Highland was also provided.

The Chairman praised the report and emphasised the importance of carrying out research to ensure community needs were being met appropriately.

In response to questions from Members, it was explained that:-

• it was not yet known when statistics from the 2011 Census detailing the number of households where Gaelic was spoken would be available; and
• it was important to, as often as possible, have new Ùlpan classes following on from the upper Units so that if students dropped out for any reason, they could slot back in later to another class.

Members further commented that:-

• given the 135 participants in SMO’s family week held in July 2013, consideration should be given to repeating the event during winter months;
• further work was required to increase interest in Gaelic in East Sutherland; and
• the Council needed to do more to encourage the use of Gaelic amongst staff and further information was included in the Report on implementing the “Gaelic in the Workplace “ GLP Theme.

The Group:-

i.  NOTED progress in implementing the Home and Communities Theme in GLP
    2012-16;
ii.  AGREED to publicise the extent of the Council’s delivery on Gaelic in the
    Home and in Communities;
iii. NOTED the review of Gaelic Adult Learning needs in Highland;
iv. AGREED continued cross-agency working to encourage Gaelic learning and
     usage opportunities in homes, schools and communities; and
v. AGREED that the Council work with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and other partners to
    create a range of Gaelic Adult Learning resources, including online and other
    materials to support parents of Gaelic Medium pupils.

6. Gaelic Language Plan 2012-16, Theme 2 “What we will do for Gaelic
    in Education” – Implementation Report

There had been circulated Report No GIG-13-13 (61kb pdf) dated 31 July 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provided Members with an update on the implementation of Gaelic Language Plan (GLP) 2012-16, Theme 2 “What we will do for Gaelic in Education.”  It also provided information on progress with developments in the Pre-school, Primary and Secondary sectors, including a new Gaelic Medium Primary School Department in Thurso and the launch of the Council’s new online Gaelic Education web-map.

In a summary of the report, it was confirmed that in 2012, the Council had entered into a three year partnership project with Bòrd na Gàidhlig to support and develop a professionally organised, properly resourced, long term, sustainable 0-3 early years sector.  This work was on-going through funding support from the Gaelic Language Act Implementation Fund and was proving highly successful with 20 pre-school voluntary groups providing Gaelic for 302 children.  The year-on-year pupil totals in Gaelic Education provision in Highland from 2007 were detailed.

Specific attention was drawn to the opening of the new Gaelic Medium Department in Mount Pleasant Primary School, Thurso after several years of effort and parental perseverance.  Progress had also been made with standalone Gaelic Primary Schools, with the school in Fort William having been submitted for planning permission on 21 June 2013 and the school in Portree having received formal approval from the Council of its financial package on 27 June 2013.

In addition, it was confirmed that work had taken place to bring into effect the GLP commitment to produce an online map indicating locations where the Council provided Nursery, Primary and Secondary Gaelic Education.  A web map plotting all 3-18 Gaelic Education providers within the Authority had been produced and, via weblink, Members were shown this new public information resource which would be launched following the meeting.

In response to comments and questions from Members, it was explained that:-

• although it was important to encourage the uptake of Gaelic Medium Education, a strategic approach should be adopted to ensure that expectations were not raised without sufficient resources being available to meet any demand that was created; and
• the Gaelic Learners in Primary School (GLPS) budget from the Scottish Government had been reduced, although uptake had increased.

During discussion, Members suggested that the Council should provide staff with sufficient opportunity to learn Gaelic, with specific mention made of the importance of ‘cluster’ Headteachers in Sutherland being encouraged to participate in Gaelic awareness training sessions.  It was also pointed out that work on the Portree and Fort William standalone Gaelic schools should not be delayed, with acceleration of the projects sought if possible.

Concern was expressed about the future capacity of Dingwall Primary School, in light of a significant number of housing developments which had or were likely to be built.  Although the project was not currently included in the capital plan, it was confirmed that the school roll was being closely monitored.  In response to a query about the possible use of land opposite the school for a standalone Gaelic Medium Primary School, the Director offered to provide Mrs Paterson with up-to-date information.

In response to queries from Mr Millar, the Director offered to provide information on the number of subjects available in secondary schools in the past two years that were taught through the medium of Gaelic together with current progress in relation to Gaelic Nursery provision in Portree, the latter matter also to be reported to the relevant Area Committee.

The Group:-

i.  NOTED progress in implementing the Education Theme in GLP 2012-16;
ii. AGREED to publicise the extent of the Council’s delivery on Gaelic
    Education;
iii. AGREED to welcome the partnership working resulting in significant
    progress in the early years, primary and Secondary Sectors;
iv. AGREED the publication of the Council Gaelic Education web map;
v. AGREED that Mr D Millar be provided with the number of subjects available
    in secondary schools in the past two years that were taught through the
    medium of Gaelic;
vi. AGREED that Mrs M Paterson be advised of the current situation in relation
    to possible land available in the Dingwall area for a Gaelic Medium Primary
    School; and
vii. AGREED that Mr D Millar be informed as to current progress in relation to
     Gaelic Nursery provision in Portree.

7. Council Funded Partnership Projects with Comunn na Gàidhlig

There had been circulated Report No GIG-14-13 (29kb pdf) dated 31 July 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which updated Members on partnership working with Comunn na Gàidhlig (CnaG) on initiatives supported and part-funded by Highland Council.

Mr Calum Iain Macleod, Development Director of CnaG, undertook a presentation on some of the initiatives, providing an overview of their impact on Gaelic development, with particular reference to the Gaelic Language Plan, Theme 1, ‘What we will do for Gaelic in the Home and Communities’.  CnaG and Council Officials would continue to work together to manage, organise and promote these initiatives which brought many positive benefits to all participants, especially in enhancing their linguistic and employability skills and increasing the retention rate of young people in local communities.

Mr Macleod then gave an overview of two specific initiatives as follows:-

• Cuach na Cloinne, a national football competition for Gaelic Primary Schools in Scotland which had 37 teams competing from 20 different schools, with Gaelic being the only language used during the competition; and
• Sgeama Greis Gnìomhachais, a Students’ Summer Placement Scheme which had, since 2005, benefited 216 students, who had been placed for ten weeks in organisations where the main language used was Gaelic.  Of the £200 per week received by the students, the host organisation contributed £100 and the remainder was funded by CnaG.

The Chairman thanked Mr Macleod for his presentation and, in response to questions from Members, it was explained that:-

• CnaG were not currently involved with the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award Scheme in the Highland Council area but they were working with a similar scheme run by the John Muir Trust in Highland.  Work was being undertaken with the DofE Award Scheme in the Western Isles and investigation was being undertaken to extend this to Highland; and
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) had been the lead organisation under a 4-year contract for the Students’ Summer Placement Scheme which was due for renewal in September 2013.  HIE had put this work out to tender and CnaG had applied for the contract, which was yet to be awarded.  However, it was anticipated that the scheme would continue regardless of who won the contract.  Local Authority funding for the initiative was generally sought annually.

The Group:-

i.  NOTED the presentation;
ii. AGREED to the continuation of the partnership to deliver within the three
    relevant Themes in the Gaelic Language Plan 2012-16; and
iii. AGREED that Council officers explore how the Council might use a
    placement from the Students’ Summer Placement Scheme.

8. Performance and Risk Management System – Gaelic Language Plan

The Gaelic Development Manager undertook a presentation which provided an overview of progress in monitoring and implementing the Gaelic Language Plan (GLP) 2012-16, using the Performance and Risk Management System (PRMS).

Having been informed that PRMS would assist in the preparation of the annual report to Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Group NOTED the presentation.

9. Gaelic Language Act Implementation Fund Projects 2013-14

There had been circulated Report No GIG-15-13 (38kb pdf) dated 31 July 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provided Members with an overview of the successful Gaelic Language Act Implementation Fund (GLAIF) projects for 2013-14.

It was confirmed that GLAIF had been established to support initiatives which developed the capacity of Public Authorities to deliver existing or potential Gaelic Language Plans and support the aims of the National Gaelic Language Plan 2012-17 ‘to secure an increase in the number of people learning, speaking and using Gaelic in Scotland”.  Four projects had been submitted by the Council for consideration by Bòrd na Gàidhlig for GLAIF support for 2013-14, three of which had been successful as follows:-

• Gaelic Early Years 0 to 3 Support Strategy in Highland Council Area (3 Year Pilot)
• Oifigear Choimhearsnachd Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (BSGI)
• Provision of Gaelic Adult Learning Classes

An overview, project delivery partnership arrangements and the overall aims and objectives of each project were detailed.  It was confirmed that the unsuccessful project, entitled Gaisgich Coimhearsnachd (Community Heroes), might be re-appraised, before the end of the year if funding became available.

The Group:-

i.  NOTED the three successful GLAIF projects for 2013-14;
ii. AGREED that officers engage with Bòrd na Gàidhlig to identify all the
    successful projects in GLAIF 2013-14 and the chances of Gaisgich
    Coimhearsnachd being re-evaluated; and
iii. AGREED to receive a final report on GLAIF project implementation in 2014.

10. Comann an Luchd-Ionnsachaidh Gàidhlig (CLÌ Gàidhlig)

There had been circulated Report No GIG-16-13 (24kb pdf) dated 31 July 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which introduced Mr D J MacIntyre, Director of Comunn an Luchd Ionnsachaidh Gàidhlig (CLÌ Gàidhlig), who undertook a presentation on the role, remit and work in which CLÌ was currently involved in respect of Gaelic in the Home and in Communities.

Mr D J MacIntyre, Director of CLÌ Gàidhlig, undertook a presentation where he confirmed that CLÌ Gàidhlig looked after the needs of adult Gaelic learners and speakers, both in Scotland and throughout the world.  The organisation’s core remit and services were detailed together with the projects with which it had been involved.  CLÌ Gàidhlig aimed to work closely with other agencies, such as Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Fèisean nan Gàidheal and Comunn na Gàidhlig, to increase the use of Gaelic in the home, education, community and the workplace.  The organisation would use the aims set out in the National Gaelic Language Plan as guidance for its strategic plan for the next 4 years and would look at supporting, building on and assisting the aspirations and ambitions contained in the Council’s Plan.

Mr MacIntyre went on to explain that barriers to progress ranged from having too many Gaelic organisations in existence to the need for increased support with Gaelic for parents of pupils in Gaelic Medium Education (GME).  However, there had been a number of notable successes and this was demonstrated by the increased demand for GME and the increased popularity of BBC Alba.  Turning to how CLÌ Gàidhlig could help the Highland Council with its Gaelic Plan, assistance could be provided to build the profile of Gaelic by highlighting council services via the CLÌ website and by approaching the Gaelic Development team with ideas to enhance services.  In addition, CLÌ could also provide assistance with funding for students and tutors, placements for school pupils and offering different types of courses to encourage Gaelic in the workplace.  There was considerable economic value to be gained from this, examples of which were the employment of tutors, the training of students and assistance with locating potential Gaelic Medium pupils and teachers.

CLÌ Gàidhlig had been formed in 1984 and, to celebrate its 30th Anniversary, a joint venture was to be undertaken in 2014, with discussions on this to be undertaken with Council officials.

During discussion, Members commented that the monthly emails with details of Ùlpan class availability and quarterly electronic newsletters from CLÌ Gàidhlig were appreciated, as was the inclusion of Gaelic on Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Interpretation panels in the North West Highland Geopark.  These signs helped to emphasise the important link between the natural landscape and the Gaelic language and also evidenced a growing acceptance of bi-lingualism on signage.  ‘Place Names’ guided walks, which had been led by Roddy Maclean, had been popular and it was hoped that these would be repeated, with possible input from SNH.  Consideration could also be given to adapting the walks for children as well as adults.

Members having voiced support for CLÌ Gàidhlig and the Council continuing to work together to implement Gaelic Language Theme 1 “Home and Communities” and Theme 4 “Gaelic in the Workplace”, the Group NOTED the presentation.

11. Royal National Mod - Inverness 2014       

There had been circulated Report No GIG-17-13 (22kb pdf) dated 31 July 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which updated Members on progress and development to date regarding the Royal National Mod which would take place in the City of Inverness in October 2014.

Members were advised of the progress currently being made by the Mod Liaison Group, which had met on 25 June 2013 and would meet again in early Autumn.  Council Officials would continue to work closely with An Comunn Gàidhealach and the Chair of the Local Organising Committee to ensure that the 2014 Homecoming Mod proved a premier event for the nation for 2014 and an event which also delivered an increase in the number of participants and visitors to Inverness and the surrounding area.  Record entries in excess of 1,000 for the Inverness provincial Mod which took place in June 2013 was commendable and figures for other provincial Mods would be available by the end of September 2013.

The Group:-

i. NOTED the update on developments to date in the lead up to the 2014
   Homecoming Mod; and
ii. AGREED to maintain close contact with An Comunn Gàidhealach locally and
    nationally.

12. November Gaelic Implementation Group - Presentation by Director
      of Planning and Development

The Group NOTED that Stuart Black, Director of Planning and Development, would provide the Gaelic Implementation Group on 14 November 2013 with a short presentation on his Service’s engagement with, and implementation of, the Gaelic Language Plan 2012-16.

The meeting concluded at 4.10 pm