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

A total of £1.4 million from the Gaelic Language Act Implementation Fund (GLAIF) will help bodies provide a range of functions in Gaelic; from Gaelic courses for staff to producing publications in Gaelic as well as English.

This is the third year that GLAIF has been in operation. Over the past two years 18 public bodies submitted successful applications to the fund for a range of projects.

Minister for Gaelic, Linda Fabiani said:

“This is a significant investment in Gaelic development. I am very pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to secure this fund for the period of the Spending Review. 

“We are committed to the implementation of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and recognise that there is great potential in Gaelic plans for raising the status of Gaelic and promoting its use throughout Scotland. 

“Our Local Authorities councils and public bodies have a vital role in creating a sustainable future for Gaelic in Scotland and this fund enables Bòrd na Gàidhlig to offer important support to them for particular projects.”

Under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act the Bòrd has statutory powers to ask public bodies to prepare Plans to make their services available in Gaelic. The Highland Council published the first Plan in May with another five to follow from; The Scottish Parliament, Argyll and Bute Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The Scottish Government in the first batch of public bodies required to produce plans.

The next six bodies to receive formal notification from the Bòrd to prepare Plans will be announced next week.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig Chief Executive, Kenneth Murray said:

“This fund is an important tool to help public bodies implement their Gaelic Language Plans.

“It will help strengthen the visibility of Gaelic and increase the availability of Gaelic services in Scottish public life.

“We are pleased with progress to date on the Plans and look forward to working in close partnership with all organisations committed to growing the language.”

GLAIF is primarily for the purpose of supporting the implementation of Gaelic Language Plans prepared by public authorities under the framework of the 2005 Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act. The fund will be used to support initiatives that develop the capacity of public bodies to deliver on their Gaelic Language Plans and will help bodies provide a range of functions in Gaelic; everything from language learning for staff to translation services.

Bodies wishing to apply for funding can do so by accessing the necessary forms at http://www.bord-na-gaidhlig.org.uk/gaelic-language-plans.html or by contacting:

GLAIF

Bòrd na Gàidhlig

Darach House

Stoneyfield Business Park

Inverness

IV2 7PA

Tel: 01463 225 454

Email: oifis@bord-na-gaidhlig.org.uk