Council confirms commitment to Gaelic Plan

The Highland Council has confirmed its Highland-wide policy on bi-lingual road signs.

At a full Council meeting today (Thursday 6th March 2008) the Council voted in support of an amendment by Councillor Hamish Fraser Chairman of the Council’s Gaelic Committee, to support the Council policy as set out in its Gaelic Language Plan.

In doing so, the meeting rejected by 36 votes to 29 a notice of motion by 8 Caithness Councillors who wanted their area excluded from the policy stating: “…the blanket roll out of bi-lingual signs in the Highlands should only proceed where there exists significant local demand for such a policy.”

Councillor Hamish Fraser said: “I am pleased that the Council has confirmed its Highland-wide support for our policy on bi-lingual signage.”

Highland Council’s draft Gaelic Language Plan was adopted by the Council’s Gaelic Committee on November 8 2007 and was submitted to Bòrd na Gaidhlig on October 1 2007, as required by the Gaelic Language Act 2005.

The plan states that for road signage: “town, city and village welcome signs and Council road signs will be bilingual. Signs will incorporate historic village, town and city crests where appropriate. Gaelic will be placed above the English on these signs. Gaelic will be green and English in black. The size of the letters will be the same in each language. When existing signs require to be replaced due to age or damage, bilingual signs will be erected. Historic and visitor signs commissioned by the Council to direct people to historic and visitor events and venues should be bilingual unless this conflicts with Scottish Government regulations. The spelling of placenames will be determined through consultation with Ainmean Àite na h-Alba.”

For street name signs the plan states that: “…the adoption of Gaelic names will be encouraged on new streets and developments, using local historic and cultural connections wherever this information is available. Public opinion will be sought through the local Community Councils and the views of the local elected Members will be taken into account. In the event of a disagreement, the matter will be referred to the Planning, Environment and Development Committee. When existing street name signs require to be replaced due to age or damage, the new signs will be bilingual. Gaelic will be placed above English on these signs. The size of the letters will be the same in each language. Contractors erecting temporary signs will use bilingual signage. This will be required as an integral part of the contracting process.”

Copies of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Plan can be found here.

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