Annual Report

Bòrd na Gàidhlig Annual Report 2008/09

Gaelic Language Plans

Under the terms of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, Bòrd na Gàidhlig has been charged with identifying public authorities which must develop Gaelic Language Plans. These organisations are integral to public life in Scotland and have a key role to play in the development of Gaelic. At present 13 public authorities are preparing or implementing Gaelic Language Plans and it is anticipated that a further eight will be asked this year to begin to prepare their plans.

The first six are: The Scottish Government, The Scottish Parliament, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Highland Council, Argyll & Bute Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. The Highland Council, Argyll & Bute Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Scottish Parliament Corporate Body and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) Gaelic Language Plans have received the Bòrd's formal approval.

These Plans will reflect the aspirations of the National Plan for Gaelic, and will mean that Gaelic users can access some public services in their language of choice. It is also expected that public authorities producing Plans will encourage people to use Gaelic when dealing with them, and will expand their organisation's Gaelic services and resources.

This Guidance is an official document that directs public bodies to the best way of developing Gaelic Language Plans.

Gaelic Language Act Implementation Fund

The 2009/10 round of the fund was closed by Bòrd na Gàidhlig at the end of April 2009. This is the fourth year of GLAIF.

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 £1.4 million 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.