Launch of Scotland's National Gaelic Language Plan

News From Bòrd na Gàidhlig  - Launch of Scotland's National Gaelic Language Plan

Bòrd na Gàidhlig: Established as a public body by the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 which was commenced on 13th February 2006. The legislation is designed to promote the use of Scottish Gaelic, secure the status of the language and ensure its long-term future.  The Act sets out 3 main aims for Bòrd na Gàidhlig:

• to increase the number of persons who are able to use and understand the Gaelic language;
• to encourage the use and understanding of the Gaelic language; and
• to facilitate access, in Scotland and elsewhere, to the Gaelic language and Gaelic culture.

The new National Gaelic Language Plan, which sets out the framework for the faster growth of the language across Scotland, has been launched today (Wednesday 28th March) at the Scottish Parliament.

The central purpose of the Plan is to encourage and enable more people to use Gaelic more often and in a wider range of situations. The key messages, aims, priorities and new commitments contained in the Plan all contribute to achieving this increased use of Gaelic.

Principal amongst these are the following:

 • Gaelic belongs to the whole of Scotland

• Promoting a positive image of Gaelic

• Increasing the learning of Gaelic; and

• Increasing the use of Gaelic

Welcoming the Plan John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills said “I am very pleased to launch this new National Gaelic Language Plan which reflects Gaelic’s unique and important contribution to many areas of Scottish life. It is vital that we have clear agreed priorities and continue to work together to increase the numbers speaking, learning and using the language. I would like to commend Bòrd na Gàidhlig for the work they have done in completing this Plan and I look forward to the opportunities for innovation, co-operation and progress prioritised in the plan over the next five years.” The five-year plan is the result of a comprehensive consultation process with individuals, communities, Gaelic organisations, voluntary organisations, and public authorities. It is the third such plan to be produced by Bòrd na Gàidhlig - the public body with responsibility for the promotion and development of the Gaelic language in Scotland.

 Allan MacDonald, Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: "The National Gaelic Language Plan 2018-2023 is a plan for the development of Gaelic throughout the whole of Scotland. Appropriately in the Year of Young People, many of the priorities and commitments in the Plan are focused on increasing the number of young people learning and using Gaelic. “Bòrd na Gàidhlig, with support from the Scottish Government and across the political spectrum, will work closely with partners and communities in rural and urban Scotland to promote the language. The opportunities for Gaelic to contribute to Scotland’s economic growth through business, education, publishing, arts, literature, drama, media and music will be pursued and will ensure a positive long-term future for Gaelic."

See Full Article in Scots Gaelic and English Linked Below:

http://www.gaidhlig.scot/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/PCNG-1-1

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