The highly successful "Gàidhlig air a’ Bhàta” (Gaelic on Board) project is back again this year and is working alongside The Gaelic Rings initiative. Information Officers will be on board the ferries making the Oban/Coll/Tiree, Tiree/Barra, Uig/Lochmaddy/Tarbert and the Ullapool/Stornoway crossings. The Officers will be provide passengers with some information on the Gaelic language and culture as well as information on things to do, places to see and events happening on the various Gaelic Rings. As well as giving some information on the history of the language the Information Officers will provide passengers with an up to date picture of the current state of the language. An opportunity to learn basic words and phrases will also be given to passengers in attendance as well information on the different ways available to learn the language. Each session will conclude with Gaelic songs or music provided by the Information Officer. Passengers attending the sessions will be encouraged to participate and at the end of each session to ask questions.

Comunn na Gàidhlig Chief Executive, Archie Maclean said, "CnaG is delighted to be working with Caledonian MacBrayne, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Bòrd na Gàidhlig on the "Gaelic on Board" project again this year. It is particularly pleasing to be working in conjunction with The Gaelic Rings initiative. I believe that Cultural Tourism has a huge part to play both in current efforts to revitalise the Gaelic language and also for creating economic opportunities in Highland and Island communities. The Gaelic Rings is an important component in current efforts to attract people to the Highlands and Islands and we are delighted to be part of it. We had fantastic feedback from passengers who attended the sessions on the ferries last summer and we are confident that some of the passengers visiting the islands last year will return this year to continue on their journeys of discovery of the Gaelic language and culture. Many of last year's sessions were attended by people from all over the world and many commented positively on the Gaelic on Board project. We look forward to another equally successful season on board!”

CalMac Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said, “I am delighted that “Gaelic on Board” sessions will take place onboard Caledonian MacBrayne ferries again this summer. Caledonian MacBrayne is committed to the promotion of Gaelic, and it is fitting that our customers will have the opportunity to learn more about the language and culture of the islands served by CalMac ferries. “Gaelic on Board” proved very popular last year, and I’m extremely pleased that more customers will have the opportunity to enjoy the information sessions again this year.

Joe MacPhee, Development Manager of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, stated that…“The Gaelic Rings is a groundbreaking series of trails celebrating Gaelic language and culture throughout the Hebridean islands and West Highland mainland. The partners of The Gaelic Rings are delighted that the Gaelic on Board sessions are being held again this year as there is real synergy with The Gaelic Rings project, particularly with the introduction of the five new journeys this year. The six Gaelic Rings journeys are contained in a stunning book, available from the Onboard Shop on CalMac ferries for only £5. More information on The Gaelic Rings is available on the website at www.gaelic-rings.com

Without doubt, both The Gaelic Rings and the Gaelic on Board sessions will ensure that visitors will be able to enjoy a Gaelic-rich experience as they travel to and from our unique and beautiful Hebridean islands”.

Kenneth Murray, Chief Executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig said, “It is great to see this initiative taking place again this year. Gàidhlig air a’ Bhàta has proved successful in encouraging people to find out more about the Gaelic language and culture and even learn some of the language.

“This initiative working alongside the Gaelic Rings project is an example of how partnership working is crucial to the future growth of Gaelic and is something the Bòrd is committed to seeing more of in the months and years ahead.”

The information sessions will take place on board MVs Lord of the Isles, Clansman, Hebrides and Isle of Lewis for eight weeks starting on 7th July. The Information Officers will be, Lindsay Mitchell, Cara Maclean, Cameron Wilkie and John Angus Mackinnon.