Rt Hon Alex Salmond, MSP, First Minister of Scotland has launched the country’s first ever Homecoming year.

A total of six more public bodies have been notified by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, to prepare Gaelic Language Plans.

The announcement was made in the Scottish Parliament by Minister for Gaelic, Linda Fabiani. The news comes as Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Argyll and Bute Council launch their newly approved Gaelic Language Plans.

More teachers should be given the opportunity to teach the Gaelic language in Scottish schools according to the Chairman of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Matthew MacIver CBE.

Bids are again being invited by Bòrd na Gàidhlig to the fund to help public bodies implement Gaelic language projects.

There are scores of book festivals around these shores with hundreds of authors and stacks of books. On the Isle of Skye they do things differently. Aos Dàna, the Book Festival in July is unique - it has only one author and one book. But this is not a minimal festival. In presenting the book, the festival organisers have brought together a wealth of poets and musicians,

Bòrd na Gàidhlig has announced its funding allocations for Gaelic organisations working to develop the language and culture.

Inverness is set to host the regional final of a prestigious new European singing competition which will attract an internet audience from around the world. Nòs Ùr, meaning 'new style' in Gaelic, is a Celtic and Scots language competition based on the Eurovision Song Contest format.

Fresh from their world première at the Celtic Media Festival in Galway, young film-makers from Plockton and Portree High Schools and Sleat Primary School presented three new Gaelic films at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye recently.

The launch of a new book written by Gaelic medium pupils and illustrated by young people from throughout the Highlands took place in Inverness Town House on Friday 6 June. 

Hailing from the Isle of Lewis, Sunrise not Secular are the hottest new band to emerge on the Celtic Rock scene.
09 June 2008

A new design awards scheme for innovative and cutting edge architecture in the Highlands and Islands has attracted over 170 entries and announced The Highland Council as a new sponsor.

Tickets are now on sale for the first Celtic & Scots languages song contest to be held in the Highlands as part of a number of regional competitions across Europe.  
02 June 2008