Public invited to have their say on Highland Council's Gaelic Plan
Leugh sa Ghàidhlig
A series of eight meetings, seeking the views of the public on The Highland Council’s draft second generation Gaelic Language Plan, commences at Thurso High School, 7pm on Monday 24 October, 2011.
The draft Plan sets out The Highland Council’s commitment to Gaelic for the next four years from May 2012 – 2016.
The Highland Council’s current Gaelic Language Plan (2007 – 2011), was produced under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005. It was the first plan produced by a public body in Scotland, formally approved by Bòrd na Gàidhlig. The plan’s intentions were to boost the status and use of the language throughout the Highlands.
The actions proposed in this Gaelic Language Plan will be delivered under 6 themes: Gaelic in the Home; Gaelic in the Community; Gaelic in Education; Gaelic in the Workplace; Gaelic in the Arts, Media and Heritage; and Gaelic in Economic Development.
Members of The Highland Council took part in workshops in June and September 2011 to consider the preparation of the Council’s second Gaelic Language Plan and have fed their views in during the drafting stages.
Highland Council Gaelic Committee Chairman Councillor Hamish Fraser said: “I’m pleased with the feedback received so far on the second draft Gaelic Plan. It is vital that people take the chance now to have their say while we are drawing up the plan before it is finalised. The public meetings give everyone the opportunity to hear and discuss what is being considered as the Council’s blueprint for Gaelic and cultural development for the coming years.”
Copies of the draft plan will be available at key council offices, such as libraries and Service Points and on the council’s website at http://www.highland.gov.uk/gaeliclanguageplan.htm
Public meetings (all starting at 7pm) are being held at:
• Thurso High School - Monday 24 October;
• Fingal Centre, Portree High School - Tuesday 25 October;
• Macphail Centre, Lochbroom Room, Ullapool – Wednesday 26 October;
• Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis – Thursday 27 October;
• Lochaber House, Council Chamber, Fort William – Friday 28 October;
• Dingwall Community Centre - Monday 31 October;
• Aviemore, International Starters, Morning Room – Tuesday 1 November; and
• Golspie High School, Community Centre, Community Lounge – Wednesday 2 November.
The deadline for comments from members of the public about The Highland Council’s Gaelic Language Plan 2012-2016 is 5pm, Wednesday 4 January 2012. For further information on the consultation email: gaelic@highland.gov.uk.
Following consultation, the draft plan will be considered by The Highland Council in March/April 2012 and then submitted to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for final approval.
For further information please contact: Kenny Murray, Gaelic Development Manager, The Highland Council, Town House, Inverness tel: (01463) 724224