In line with the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable future for Gaelic, Minister for Culture Linda Fabiani today appointed a Deputy Chair at Bòrd na Gàidhlig (BnaG) to provide continuity of leadership following Matthew MacIver’s decision to step down as Chair. 

After leading BnaG through its early life, Matthew MacIver CBE has tendered his resignation as Chair in order to take up a professorship at the University of Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute. To ensure strong leadership within this key public body Linda Fabiani has asked Arthur Cormack, who currently serves on the Board, to become Deputy Chair. 

Ms Fabiani said:

“Matthew MacIver has devoted real effort and energy to Bòrd na Gàidhlig in its early years of operation. I commend the contribution he has made to building a strong and successful future for Gaelic in Scotland and wish him success in his new post at the University of Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute.

“As testament to the importance this Government places on the promotion of Gaelic, I have appointed Arthur Cormack to the position of Deputy Chair. Arthur has been instrumental in driving forward change and leadership at Bòrd na Gàidhlig and I am confident he will provide strong direction and continuity for the body. The Bòrd will now begin the process of electing an interim Chair. 

“As it moves into its next phase, I am certain that Bòrd na Gàidhlig will build on recent progress with the Gaelic Language Plans and develop a more strategic approach to delivering this Government’s ambitious plans for the language. The Gaelic community rightly demand and deserve strong, unequivocal support and the Scottish Government is committed to a sustainable future for Gaelic.”

It is the responsibility of the Board of BnaG to elect an interim Chair for the body. This will allow time for the appointment of a new Chair subject to the normal public appointments process ensuring a full fair and open competition. As with most permanent public appointments, it is for Ministers to make the final decision.