Agendas, reports and minutes

 

Present:

 

Mr G Farlow, Mr C Fraser, Mr C Macaulay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr K MacLeod, 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 S Black, Director of Planning and Development
Mr K Murray, Gaelic Development Manager, Education, Culture and Sport Service
Ms M A Macleod Mitchell, Gaelic 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

 

Also in attendance:

 

Dr D Ansdell, Head of Gaelic and Scots Unit, Scottish Government

 

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

 

Business

 

Preliminaries

 

In the absence of Mr H Fraser, in terms of Standing Order 11.1, the Group AGREED to appoint Mr G Farlow, having being duly proposed and seconded, to preside as Chairman for the meeting,

 

1. Apologies for Absence

 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr H Fraser and Mr J Gordon.

 

2. Declarations of Interest

 

There were no Declarations of Interest.

 

3. Good News

 

During discussion of various items of Good News (21kb pdf) the following were raised:-

• disappoint was expressed that no specific mention had been made of Dingwall’s successes in the Royal National Mod when other areas were listed;
• the opening of the Gaelic Medium Education Unit in Thurso was welcomed, as was the Adult Learner Weekend at Glencanisp Lodge on 16 and 17 November 2013; and
• the success of the Gaelic show “Eun Bheag Chanaidh”, which was shortlisted in the Arts and Culture Category of the 2013 National Gaelic Awards, was highlighted and it was hoped that more events like this could be encouraged in Highland village halls.

The Group otherwise NOTED the tabled items of Good News.

 

4. Gaelic Language Plan 2012-16, Theme 5 “What we will do for Gaelic
    in Economic Development” – Implementation Report

 

There had been circulated Report No GIG-18-13 (40kb pdf) dated 1 November 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing Members with the first update on the implementation of Gaelic Language Plan (GLP) 2012-16 Theme 5 “What we will do for Gaelic in Economic Development”.

 

Attention was drawn to the two strategic commitments for Gaelic in Economic Development, which were detailed in the report, and practical examples of the importance of Gaelic to the economy were given.  Members commented that an aspiration of Gaelic in relation to the economy was for all Gaelic leaners to obtain suitable employment upon leaving school or further education.  In response to further questions, it was explained that:-

• discussions were underway with VisitScotland and other tourism bodies on the wider marketing of the Blas Festival and the Mod.  Future programming and marketing would be brought back to Members; and
• the Memorandum of Understanding with Nova Scotia was being discussed, with plans to renew it during the National Mod in 2014.

The Group NOTED the comments on the implementation of the GLP Economic Development Theme and AGREED:-

 

i. to encourage renewed activity and action on the Gaelic Employment and Skills
   Partnership and engagement with the Government’s Labour Market Intelligence
   specialists;
ii. to encourage the marketing of Gaelic Careers and Job Opportunities with the
    Scottish Government, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Skills Development Scotland and others;
iii. to foster and develop the economic potential of partnerships including the Blas
    Festival, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Fèis Rois and An Comunn Gàidhealach; and
iv. to explore how to attract Gaelic-related high profile economically and culturally
    beneficial events, which might be hosted in Highland.

 

5. Gaelic in Economic Development     

 

There had been circulated Report No GIG-19-13 (33kb pdf) dated 28 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development bringing Members up to date with the current situation regarding the impact that the Gaelic language had played in the delivery of economic development projects in the Highlands.

 

The report supported the aims of the Council’s programme of priorities, ‘Working Together for the Highlands.’  The economy was identified as being one of the programmes’ key themes, and the current Gaelic Language Plan (GLP) made specific mention of the importance of Gaelic as an asset that could promote economic development.

 

A number of economic development initiatives that supported the GLP’s Economic Development Strategic Commitments were detailed in the report, with the commitments being to create and support initiatives that strengthened the use and profile of Gaelic within general economic development and tourism projects in the Highlands, and to work with partners to develop strategies for the Gaelic jobs market, including careers advice, skills acquisition, further and higher education and work experience opportunities.

 

In his presentation, the Director of Planning and Development referred to the estimated value of Gaelic to the economy, quoting figures from 1993, which suggested an estimated worth of £40m and the creation of around 1,000 jobs.  Up-to-date figures would be significantly higher and, currently, BBC Alba alone accounted for 17-20 jobs in Inverness.  Examples were given of the uses to which Gaelic was put in terms of economic development, from the Ranger Service to Tourism projects, including the Heritage Lottery bid by the Nevis Partnership to develop projects in Glen Nevis.  Mention was also made of community initiatives that had taken place through Highland LEADER, a European Union Community Initiative aimed at promoting economic and community development within rural areas.  Feis Rois, for example, had received around £66k investment.  Mention was also made of the ongoing success of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig which was celebrating its 40th anniversary, and plans for the nearby development at Kilbeg which would secure the economic future of southern Skye for many years to come.  Finally, reference was made to the increasing voluntary usage of Gaelic by local and national businesses on their signage and to the conclusions detailed in the report, which included the Council having recently contributed £5,000 towards the cost of research examining the role of Gaelic as an economic asset that could be utilised more fully, a report on which was due in early 2014.

 

During discussion, Members welcomed the recognition that Gaelic was now receiving as an economic tool, as well the increased provision of Gaelic signage by businesses, with various examples of this being provided. Support was expressed for the Kilbeg project, for which early ground work was due to start in early 2014, and for the integration of Gaelic into every economic development project.  It was pointed out that there were many supporters of Gaelic in the far north of Scotland and that both Gaelic and traditional Caithness culture should be promoted and celebrated. Gaelic had, at one time, struggled to gain recognition but, through this Council and previous Administrations, attitudes had now changed.  Nevertheless it was important to continue to look to see how other areas, such as Wales, had regenerated their language.

 

The Group NOTED the report and the presentation.

 

6. Memorandum of Understanding with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig – Projects
    Report

There had been circulated Report No GIG-20-13 (19kb pdf) dated 31 October 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport informing Members on the progress to date in relation to the projects being worked on under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Council and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (SMO).

 

It was pointed out that the joint Working Group had last met on 27 August 2013, with the next meeting scheduled for 3 December 2013.  Current projects included the Kilbeg Village Development, the Adult Literacy Project, the Council-UHI Bursaries Scheme, the 40th Anniversary of SMO, Links with Cape Breton and Nova Scotia, Arts Development, the Family Week, Seachdain nan Deugairean (a residential event for teenagers) and the Bilingual App for marketing filming opportunities on Skye.

 

During discussion, Members commented as follows:-

• Arts projects presented useful learning opportunities;
• some of the demand for English Adult Literacy classes could be expanded to include literacy in Gaelic;
• in relation to social media app development, funding was required to develop a bilingual tourism app, similar to those being developed in English.  Learning opportunities could be provided to young people in particular, via an app, and this was being investigated as part of the GLP in partnership with SMO.  It was possible that funding for an app project could be sought via the Gaelic Language Act Implementation Fund (GLAIF) in the future;
• it was hoped that something similar to the Family Week or the Adult Learner Weekend at Glencanisp Lodge could be provided for Sutherland or Northern Ross-shire; and
• SMO had archives showing that in the early 19th century, the Gaelic Schools Movement in Skye had taught children to read and write in Gaelic using the Bible.  This early educational tool merited further study to establish how, in today’s society, children could pass language skills onto their parents.

The Group AGREED that officers continue to work and liaise with SMO officials regarding key developments with the MoU.

 

7. Gaelic Data from Census 2011 

 

There had been circulated Report No GIG-21-13 (36kb pdf) dated 1 November 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport introducing a presentation by Dr Douglas Ansdell, Head of Gaelic and Scots Unit at the Scottish Government, which gave an overview of the Gaelic data extracted from the 2011 Census and a survey of recent Gaelic priorities for Gaelic in Scotland.

 

The census results had been published on 26 September 2013 and showed an increase in the number of young people able to speak Gaelic, although a slight fall of 1.2% in the number of Gaelic speakers overall since 2001.  An age breakdown of Gaelic speakers in Highland was anticipated at the end of November 2013. Plans for Gaelic primary schools in Portree and Fort William and the opening of the Gaelic Medium Department in Thurso were expected to increase the percentage of pupils entering GME in P1 in the future.

 

During his presentation, Dr Ansdell pointed out that the census information did not cover the level of knowledge of Gaelic or the frequency of use but still provided an overall picture of current Gaelic speakers.  Putting the 1.2% decrease (around 1,000 speakers) from 2001 to 2011 in context, between 1991 and 2001 there had been a decrease of 7,000 and between 1981 and 1991 a decrease of 16,000.  The current census showed an increase in all categories for those aged under 20 and, nationally, a small increase in those who said they could read, write or understand Gaelic, rather than speak it.  Overall there was an encouraging growth in language competence and confidence giving a positive message for the future of the Gaelic language.

 

Members made the following comments:-

• the census had recorded people who felt they could read, write or understand Gaelic without speaking it, but there were also people who could speak but not read or write Gaelic; and
• although there were more GME teachers than ever before, continued efforts had to be made to recruit more for both primary and secondary.

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

• there were few families who spoke Gaelic who did not send their children to a GME Unit when it was available;
• the National Records of Scotland would be publishing a more detailed analysis of 2011 census information in 2014; and
• investigation would be undertaken into how the more detailed analysis of the census data could further the development of the Council’s  Gaelic Language Plan 2012-16.

The Group NOTED the presentation.

 

8. Engagement on Gaelic with Skills Development Scotland

 

There had been circulated Report No GIG-22-13 (30kb pdf) dated 1 November 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing part of the Group’s overview of the implementation of the Gaelic Language Plan (GLP) 2012-16 Theme on Economic Development.  It provided Members with an overview of the Council’s engagement with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) on the implementation of their respective GLPs and reported that two productive meetings had taken place between SDS and Council officials and another, involving Bòrd na Gàidhlig, was being arranged to agree specific actions required to progress the issues outlined in the report.

 

SDS was one of the core funders of Deiseal Ltd which developed Ulpan and it had been agreed with them that the outcomes from the review of Gaelic Adult Learning opportunities would inform potential partnership working on adult learning.  Other projects being worked on included Gaelic Careers Events, a possible Childcare and Nursery Qualification, Workplace Initiatives, Renewed National Progress on Gaelic in Economic Development and Gaelic for Senior Citizens in Social Care.

 

During discussion, Members welcomed the projects being developed, with particular mention being made of the benefits of bi-lingualism for the prevention of dementia among older people and the positive aspects of young people being able to train locally for childcare and nursery qualifications.  Reference was made to a useful presentation that was given by SDS at the Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee on 6 November 2013 which, it was suggested, Members might find beneficial.
 

The Group:-

 

i. NOTED the current and potential collaborative work between the Council and
   SDS;
ii. AGREED to press ahead with joint actions on the shared agendas in the SDS
    and Highland Council GLPs; and
iii. AGREED the commissioning of an assessment of the demand for, and the
    potential to provide, opportunities for Gaelic speaking senior citizens to speak
    and hear Gaelic within publicly funded care provision.

 

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

 

There had been circulated Report No 9 GIG 23-13 (44kb pdf) dated 1 November 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing 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 provided information on national level initiatives, on continuing engagement with the Scottish Government, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Education Scotland; on progress with developments in the pre-school, Primary and Secondary sectors including engagement in the Government’s 1+2 Languages initiative; and a Highland-wide survey of teachers to identify possible Gaelic Medium teaching candidates from existing staff.

 

It was emphasised that the report moved away from planning towards specific actions to developing initiatives, with partnership working being key at all levels.  Attention was drawn to the creation of new Gaelic and Education Degrees to facilitate Gaelic teaching for which demand still, at present, outstripped supply.  The Gaelic Team had been working with others in the Council to ensure a holistic approach was taken to the inclusion of Gaelic in projects, with the example provided of the planned new Inverness Royal Academy which had Gaelic provision integrated from an early stage.

 

There had been a significant increase in the number of subjects available through the medium of Gaelic and the importance of Early Years contact with Gaelic was emphasised.  The success of the new GME Unit in Thurso was highlighted, it being reported that there were 7 pupils in P1 and 19 enrolled in the nursery.  However, continued focus was required to encourage pupils to continue with Gaelic from primary to secondary school.

 

During discussion, Members suggested that the attendance of a member from the Gaelic Team at discussions on the Sustainable School Estates Review at Strategic Committees would be helpful.  They commented that the leaflet promoting bi-lingualism that had been given to parents of prospective primary 1 GME pupils had also been a successful tool.

 

In response to a question about the support that was offered to Gaelic teachers, it was explained that support was provided according to policy at all levels, from nursery through to secondary, with discussions ongoing in relation to the possible need for an Education Officer.  The Council had provided paid time off for primary and secondary teachers to undertake personal development work and a new focus group had been established for GME, with the Director of Education, Culture and Sport, as Chair, looking at the matter at a strategic level.  All resources within the secondary sector were brought together on GLOW and a newly established In-Service day for GME teachers had been arranged for 21 April 2014.

 

The Group NOTED progress in implementing the Education Theme in GLP 2012-16 and AGREED:-

 

i. that Gaelic Education continue to be factored into the Council’s implementation of
   the Government’s 1+2 Language Agenda;
ii. that the Council use all available avenues to resolve issues concerning the
    creation and translation of Secondary School Gaelic Resources;
iii. to pursue a national review of the resources available for Gaelic Education and
    how best to prioritise the creation of Gaelic Education resources across the 0-18
    continuum;
iv. that the Council engages with Scottish Government and Bòrd na Gàidhlig
    colleagues on the future resource implications of the successful developments in
    Thurso, Inverness, Fort William and Portree; and
v. that a member of the Gaelic Team be present during discussions on the
    Sustainable School Estates Review at Strategic Committees.

 

10. Royal National Mods in Highland

 

There had been circulated Report No GIG-24-13 (20kb pdf) dated 1 November 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport updating Members on the Royal National Mods in Highland in 2014 and 2017 including progress and development to date regarding the Royal National Mod which was to take place in the City of Inverness in October 2014.
 

The Group NOTED the progress regarding the Inverness 2014 Mod and AGREED to welcome the return of the 2017 Mod to Lochaber.

 

11. Forward Planner for 2014 Agendas and Partner Presentations  

 

There had been circulated Report No GIG-25-13 (46kb pdf) dated 1 November 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing Members with information on a selection of partners with whom the Council had regular contact and with whom the Gaelic Language Plan (GLP) was delivered.  The Report proposed the GLP Themes to be reported on at each of the 2014 Gaelic Implementation Group meetings, plus a schedule of partner organisation presentations to complement debate and discussion on the implementation of the Plan.

 

Members voiced support for some future meetings of the Group being held outwith Inverness and, following discussion, a preference was expressed to meet in Fort William in May 2014 including a site visit to the new Gaelic Primary School.  Members hoped to visit the new GME Unit in Thurso but it was felt that this would be preferable in 2015 once it was fully established. Consideration should also be given to either holding a future meeting of the Gaelic implementation Group at Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis or for children in Gaelic Medium Education to attend the meeting in the Chamber and make a presentation to Members.

 

The Group AGREED:-

 

i. the 2014 Gaelic Implementation Group programme of business agendas and
   presentations as detailed in paragraph 3.1 and the appendix of the report;
   subject to
ii. the February and May meeting Themes being exchanged, with the meeting
    scheduled for 29 May 2014 being held in Fort William; and
iii. that consideration be given to either holding a future meeting of the Gaelic
    implementation Group at Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis or for children in Gaelic
    Medium Education to attend the meeting in the Chamber and make a
    presentation to Members.

 

The meeting ended at 4.15pm.