Gaelic to the Fore in Council Administration’s Programme
Gaelic version of press release (pdf)
Gaelic features prominently in a four-year action plan revealed today (Thursday) by The Highland Council’s Independent/Scottish National Party Administration. The Programme was presented this morning at the full council meeting for confirmation.
The Administration has created a Gaelic Committee to promote the language and culture. Chairman Councillor Hamish Fraser is delighted at the priority given to Gaelic in the Programme.
He said: “The Programme sets ambitious but realistic targets that we can achieve within the four-year life of this Council. Working with Bord na Gaidhlig and other partners, we will support the development of the Gaelic language and culture, fund the growth of Gaelic education and, via the Gaelic Committee and provide political leadership for the promotion and support of Gaelic.”
The Programme sets out the following goals:-
• Putting in place a Gaelic Language Plan based on the principle of equal respect for Gaelic and English, and review the plan and progress in implementing it annually;
• Continuing to promote Gaelic medium education in primary schools and expand Gaelic medium education in the secondary sector;
• Developing Gaelic Medium Education in pre-school provision where there is parental support for it;
• Enhancing the Gaelic team, led by a new post of Gaelic Development Manager, to co-ordinate the development of Gaelic;
• Working with the Scottish Government and Higher Education institutions to address the issue of supply of Gaelic medium teachers;
• Continuing to implement the Council’s Memorandum of Understanding with Nova Scotia to ensure collaboration on a range of mutually beneficial cultural projects;
• Working with Sabhal Mor Ostaig – Scotland’s Gaelic College – to develop partnership projects which will support the Council’s objectives for Gaelic.