Welcoming the first National Plan for Gaelic

Hugh Dan Maclennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care for Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries Limited said:

“CalMac is committed to supporting Gaelic and to playing a positive and perceptible role in contributing to the National Plan for Gaelic. 

“We believe it is crucial that there is a national strategic vision for the language, with due  regard to prioritised objectives that are pragmatic, achievable and sustainable. 

“We are also eager to play a proactive role in creating increased opportunities to use and  promote Gaelic in various situations involving our communities and customers. Gaelic is  a key component, both strategically and tactically, of our communications and marketing planning.”

Alison Magee, Chair of Highland 2007, said:

“Highland 2007 fully supports Bòrd na Gàidhlig's efforts to promote the Gaelic language and culture.

“Gaelic is a core theme of Highland 2007, with language one of the six strands of culture highlighted during this year of celebrations. Highland 2007 has encouraged all event organisers involved in the year to include Gaelic within their events whenever possible and has supported many Gaelic projects and events directly.”

Ian Jones, Homebase retail director, said:

“We’re very proud of the fact that Homebase was the first private sector organisation to use an extensive package of dual language signage in its Scottish stores (Oban and Greenock) in September last year.

“With over 30 stores in Scotland, we are committed to supporting Gaelic and acting on customers’ feedback, so we intend to implement permanent signs in both English and Scottish Gaelic in all new stores and those going through refurbishment.

“We have worked closely with Bòrd na Gàidhlig in doing this and believe the National Plan for Gaelic will help both ourselves and other private sector companies understand and support Gaelic and Gaelic speaking communities in the future.”

Cllr. Hamish Fraser, Chairman of Highland Council’s Gaelic Select Committee said:

“I am extremely excited about the launch of the National Plan for Gaelic- it is an important day for the whole Gaelic community as this is the first time in the history of Gaelic that there has been a National Plan for the language.
 
“The Highland Council is proud to have been part of the consultation process, and will continue to work hard to develop Gaelic education in its Schools, with the setting up of a new Gaelic School in Inverness the Capital City of the Highlands and promoting and encouraging Gaelic medium education in all corners of the region.
 
“I also believe the Plan will give a strategic, focussed and holistic dimension to the development of Gaelic. Gaelic crosses all genres beyond education, for example; all departments within a local authority, the tourist industry, business development, the Heath Service, music, media and sport all of which are highlighted in the Plan. The language is now recognised as a genuine career option for our young people and we in the Highlands should be proud of that recognition.

“This important document has created a pathway to guide Gaelic community groups, local authorities and national agencies to include Gaelic within their day to day operations, and especially within the national Community Planning agenda.
 
In addition to this, councillor Fraser said, the National Plan will ensure that Gaelic development is an integral part of contemporary Scottish life:

“A Plan alone will not safeguard a language, communities, local authorities, public and private agencies and the business sector. Politicians must use the Plan as a guide for implementation and action for now and the future. The future of Gaelic is now in our hands and we must continue to support Am Bòrd in ensuring the survival and use of our language.”

Alasdair MacLeòid, Highlands and Islands Enterprise Gaelic policy manager, said:

“HIE welcomes today's launch of the National Plan for Gaelic. Gaelic is a tremendously valuable asset to Scotland and helps shape the distinctive culture we enjoy in the Highlands and Islands.

“We look forward to working alongside staff at the Bòrd and with colleagues at HIE and throughout the local enterprise companies in helping implement a bold and innovative language plan that will make a genuine contribution to the future of Gaelic and ensure that it continues to flourish and grow as a spoken community language and as a driver for the further development of our region.”

Domhnall Caimbeul, Chief Executive of Gaelic Media Services, said:

“’S e adhbhar gairdeachais a th’ann gu bheil lèirsinn ùr ann airson na Gàidhlig aig ìre nàiseanta, agus tha sinn a’ cur ar làn thaic ris na h-iomairtean a tha riatanach airson piseach a thoirt do chleachdadh ar cànain.”

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

“Comhairle nan Eilean Siar welcomes the launch of the National Plan for Gaelic as a symbolic milestone in the revitalisation of Gaelic in Scotland.  The Scottish Executive is to be congratulated on delivering the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and establishing Bòrd na Gàidhlig. 

“The key aspirations of the Gaelic community have been delivered and it is now up to individuals, organisations and national bodies who wish to see Gaelic thrive in the 21st century and beyond to work with Bòrd na Gàidhlig to translate this strategic vision for Gaelic into tangible, sustainable outcomes.  The National Plan for Gaelic emerged after much discussion and consultation and is a document that truly reflects the needs and wishes of those who support, promote, sustain and speak the language.

“Since Comhairle nan Eilean Siar was established in 1976 it has championed the promotion and development of Gaelic on many fronts.  Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will continue to support Bòrd na Gàidhlig on the challenging and exciting times ahead to ensure that the nation’s oldest living language continues to play a fundamental part in Scottish life.”

Scottish musician and Gaelic speaker, Julie Fowlis said:

“Gaelic is an essential part of my life and work and I would love to see more people in Scotland learning the language and embracing its rich and vibrant culture. 

“I hope that the Plan will encourage wide-spread support for the language, at every level, and that it will inspire musicians and artists to succeed through Gaelic - a language that continues to thrive and grow in Scotland, and deservedly so.”