Comhairle nan Eilean Siar was one of the first national organisations to have its Gaelic Language Plan endorsed by Bòrd nan Gàidhlig. Culture Minister Linda Fabiani launched the Comhairle’s Gaelic Plan whilst on an official tour of the Western Isles and also announced a Gaelic conference which will be jointly organised by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Bòrd na Gàidhlig on the 12th of September in Lewis. The theme of the conference will be, “Moving forward with Gaelic in the community.”

Speaking at the launch in Lewis today the Minister said:

“I would like to congratulate Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for launching its Gaelic Language Plan today. It will ensure that Gaelic speakers in the Western Isles have increased opportunities to use their own language when accessing local services.

“The Scottish Government has an ambitious programme to raise the profile of Gaelic in public life and to ensure that the language has a sustainable future. Gaelic Language Plans have a crucial contribution to make, setting set out how authorities will use and promote the language in provision of public services. 

“Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is the second local authority in Scotland to have its Gaelic Language Plan ratified by Bòrd na Gàidhlig. I look forward to more public bodies’ plans coming into force, and the benefits these will bring to Gaelic-speaking communities and to Scotland.”

Alex MacDonald, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, commented:

“We are delighted that the Minister is with us to-day to launch the Comhairle’s Gaelic Language Plan. The Plan will be the main driving force in the Comhairle’s efforts to meet the aspirations of the people of the Western Isles in relation to Gaelic. The Comhairle will work closely with the community, Gaelic organisations in the Western Isles, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Government to assist in the national revitalization of Gaelic at this exciting time for the language”.