We live in historic times. Don’t have any doubts. This is a historic moment for Gaelic in Scotland. A National Language Board, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, has been set up with statutory powers. A National Plan has been issued, after a very positive consultation process, and six public bodies have been charged with bringing forward their language plans. I welcome all of that and I took on the responsibility of Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig because I see that we have an opportunity now that we have never had before to save our language. 

Given that context where do I see the challenges for a Gaelic Language Board? I think I see three basic challenges. First, I see the challenge of producing a National Plan that will be acceptable not just to the Gaelic community but to the Scottish public at large. Secondly, I see the challenge of restoring self-confidence to the Gaelic community. Finally, I see the challenge of using a new political order to develop the language. 

The role of Bòrd na Gàidhlig as I see it is to cultivate interest in and develop the Gaelic language and culture and to do that it must enter into relationships and partnerships with the public at large and specific public bodies. 

I do not see Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s role as forcing anything on anybody. That, I think, would be suicidal. I want to see public bodies engaging with us to develop our language as best we can.

And where do you fit in? Do you own a firm which should have a Gaelic plan? Should you be thinking of bilingual signs in your workplace? What about Websites? Forms? Brochures? Recruitment? If you are not in that position should you not be banding together to promote the language in some other way? Let me give you a few examples. The UHI will be given degree awarding status in the next few months. Could the Gaelic business world endow a Chair in the new University? In Business Education? In Entrepreneurial Skills? If not at that level what about the level of Further Education? What about a skills course in Gaelic Management at Sabhal Mor Ostaig and Lews Castle College? We desperately need new skills to progress the Gaelic world. If not at that level what about sponsorship of various activities in the Gaelic world? Why not sponsor a local community newspaper on the condition that it contains a certain number of pages in Gaelic? The same could apply to a local History society.

What I am trying to say is that the National Plan applies to all of you. You are people with initiative. You wouldn’t be where you are if you didn’t. Now is the time to show initiative for Gaelic. And how can the Board help you? You come up with the schemes and the Board could certainly talk to you about funding mechanism.

My message, this evening, therefore, is quite clear. The Gaelic community is in a stronger position than it has been for some time. But it is only strong if we take advantage of the opportunities open to us. I have always maintained that the Gaelic Language Act is the beginning of a process, not the end of one. I do believe that and that is why I look ahead with optimism.

This is a new world for Gaelic. It will bring many challenges but I believe it will bring more opportunities. The Gaelic community must grasp these opportunities now.

Matthew M MacIver

Chairman of Bòrd na Gàidhlig

26 April 2008