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16 September 08
Council Supports Inverness Gaelic Choir
Inverness Common Good Fund and The Highland Council are helping
Inverness Gaelic Choir to fulfil their plans to be the first Scottish
Gaelic choir invited to participate in the prestigious Celtic Colours
festival in Cape Breton from 9 - 16 October 2008
The choir, which was booked to fly with Zoom Airlines,
lost all their money and tickets when the airline recently collapsed, but
after intense fundraising and publicity the choir have finally been able
to confirm their new flights have been purchased enabling them to fly to
Canada.
Yesterday, members of The Highland Council's Inverness
City Committee agreed to ý4,000 funding from the Inverness Common Good
Fund to help secure purchase of replacement flight tickets to Cape Breton.
Funding from The Highland Council will also be providing a coach to take
the choir from Inverness to Glasgow airport and return via Falkirk MOD at
a cost of £1,550.
Depute Provost of Inverness City Committee, Councillor
Alex Graham said: "As well as putting on many local performances the choir
are great ambassadors for Inverness and the Highlands. The City Committee
was very happy to make a donation from the Inverness Common Good Fund so
that they can get to Canada."
Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chairman of The Highland
Council's Gaelic Committee said: "We are delighted to be able to assist
the choir in their efforts to raise the necessary funds to enable them to
travel to Celtic Colours in Cape Breton. The Highland Council and the
Province of Nova Scotia have a Memorandum of Understanding that exists to
organise cultural and linguistic exchanges between the two regions and the
Inverness Gaelic Choir is representative of this initiative. Highland
Council wishes the Choir every success both in Cape Breton and also at the
Royal National Mod in Falkirk."
Barchester Healthcare which owns Highview House Care
Home in Inverness, has underwritten the purchase of new tickets which the
choir will fundraise to pay back.
Fiona Mackenzie, the campaign's co-ordinator, member of
the choir and Highland Council's Mairi Mhor Gaelic Song Fellow, explained:
"When we originally purchased the tickets they cost ý7,211 but now of
course, replacement tickets are much more expensive, in the region of ý18
to ý20,000. By speaking to as many people as possible and contacting local
and national businesses we have been able raise almost ý13,000 to date.
"The choir has been overwhelmed by people's generosity
and kindness and find it hard to believe the response the appeal has had.
Not only have we had monetary donations but also offers of venues to hold
fund raising events, cases of Drambuie, a beautiful banner from a Glasgow
company for the choir to use at events, companies holding raffles for us,
bands offering to play for us and even the Skye band the Peatbog Faeries
sold almost 100 CDs for us at the Blas concert in Eden Court Theatre at
the weekend.
"We also performed three concerts within Inverness on
Saturday ~ in the Town House, by kind permission of Highland Council as
part of their Open Doors scheme, as well as in Falcon Square and outside
Eden Court ~ and were absolutely delighted at people's response to our
singing.
"We will continue to fund raise to pay the ticket
purchase back and to this end are holding a ceilidh dance on the 27th
September in the beautiful venue of the Strathpeffer Spa Pavilion who has
donated the facility to us for the event. Two ceilidh bands, ~Meantime~
and the ~Cnoc Ciuil Ceilidh Band~ have also offered to play for us free of
charge which is a tremendous offer. The choir are delighted that we can at
last get back to rehearsing and planning for the trip rather than worrying
about the financial situation."
The Council's coach will take the choir back to
Inverness via the Royal National Mod in Falkirk. Choir President Ola
MacRae and General Manager of Highview Care Home, said: "It has been such
a hard couple of weeks that we really feel that the only way to round off
the trip will be to go and participate at the Mod in Falkirk. We will be
well sung in after a week of singing in Canada and although we will be
tired, we will probably be no more tired than the normal ~Mod~ tiredness!"
Mrs Janet Macgregor, Gaelic tutor to the choir said:
"The Council's support of the Choir in this way reinforces its commitment
to the Gaelic language and culture and the choir's performances in Cape
Breton will help to maintain already established links with the Highland
capital."
Further information please contact: Fiona Mackenzie tel:
(01349) 868256 e-mail:
Fiona.mackenzie@highland.gov.uk or view the Inverness Gaelic Choir
website at:
www.invernessgaelicchoir.org
12 September 08
BOOST FOR GAELIC IN THE COMMUNITY
Gaelic development body Býrd na Gýidhlig (BnG) is to use #150,000 of its
Scottish Government funding as a Challenge Fund to support projects
promoting the use of Gaelic in communities.
Culture Minister Linda Fabiani will make the
announcement today, while addressing the first national Gaelic in the
Community conference, held in Breasclete, Lewis.
The Challenge Fund supports the Scottish Government's
priorities for preservation and promotion of the language, set out in the
National Plan for Gaelic.
Ms Fabiani said: "This funding will enable BnG to take
forward new projects that are central to strengthening Gaelic in the
community. I am delighted at this focus on a community-based approach to
preserving and extending the language. "Gaelic is a national language. We
must recognise it on that basis and support it across all our communities,
from areas where it is well established, to others where it is growing -
such as parts of urban Scotland. "The Scottish Government is committed to
securing a sustainable and successful future for Gaelic in Scotland and
the release of this funding to Býrd na Gýidhlig is yet another step
towards achieving that goal."
BnG Interim Chairman Arthur Cormack said: "Býrd na
Gýidhlig is happy to have partnered with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in
organising this conference and we hope that we will begin to get a steer
from the day as to the interventions necessary to ensure Gaelic's
continued and increased use in different kinds of communities across
Scotland.
"Although we still have 'traditional' Gaelic
communities, where a majority of people speak Gaelic, there are an
increasing number of smaller communities within urban areas where Gaelic
is used regularly. We need to look at ways of supporting all kinds of
Gaelic communities but perhaps look at special measures in the traditional
Gaelic-speaking communities.
"We welcome the start of this conversation, the
Minister's involvement in that and the continuing support of the Scottish
Government in assisting us to promote Gaelic and extend its reach and
influence.
"The release of funds from the Scottish Government is,
of course, very welcome and will enable us to deliver more of the measures
in the National Plan for Gaelic."
The Gaelic in the Community conference at Breasclete in
Lewis has been organised by BnG and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. The
conference's main aim is to discuss the key steps required to strengthen
Gaelic in communities where it has a high profile, and across Scotland as
a whole.
At the conference, Ms Fabiani will ask delegates for
their views on what works for Gaelic, and task BnG to consider these views
and build them into future strategies.
9 September 08
Consultation on Gaelic Medium Primary School provision
in Skye and in Lochaber
The Highland Council has launched public consultations on proposals to
develop two stand-alone Gaelic primary schools, one for Portree on the
Isle of Skye and another in Fort William, Lochaber.
Copies of the consultation papers are available from John
Ritchie, Area Education Manager, Education, Culture and Sport Officer at
Portree 01478 613697 or Fort William 01397 707350. Members of the public
who wish to submit written observations regarding the papers should do so
no later than Friday 10 October 2008.
Letters have been sent to parents in the catchment areas of the proposed
two schools enclosing a copy of the consultative paper relevant to their
local area.
The Council is also organising public meetings led by representatives of
the Education Authority. Parents of children and members of the community
who may now or in the future be affected by the implications of the
proposals are invited to attend these meetings which will be held on
Wednesday 24 September at Portree High School and Thursday 25 September at
Fort William RC Primary School. Both meetings will start at 7pm.
4 July 08
Minister Visits Gaelic Drama Summer School
 The Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, Linda Fabiani, this
week visited a new initiative aimed at offering young Gaelic speakers an
opportunity to learn professional theatre skills.
Ministear a' tadhal air Sgoil Shamhraidh Dhràma Gàidhlig
Thadhail am Ministear airson na Roinn Eòrpa, Cùisean Taobh a-Muigh agus
Cultar, Linda Fabiani air iomairt ùr a tha airson sgilean thèatar
proifeasanta ionnsachadh do Ghàidheil òg
2 July 08
Next Phase for Býrd na Gýidhlig
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 Býrd na Gýidhlig (BnG) to provide continuity
of leadership following Matthew MacIver's decision to step down as Chair.
After leading BnG 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 Býrd na Gýidhlig 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 Býrd na Gýidhlig and I am
confident he will provide strong direction and continuity for the body.
The Býrd will now begin the process of electing an interim Chair.
"As it moves into its next phase, I am
certain that Býrd na Gýidhlig 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
BnG 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.
31 May 08
Bòrd na Gàidhlig and The Highland Council launch first Gaelic Language
Plan
The Highland Council has become the first public body in Scotland to
have its
Gaelic Language Plan formally approved by Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
The Plan, intended to boost the status and use of the language, will be
implemented across the Highland Council area between now and 2011.
The Bòrd has the power to issue formal notice under
Section 3 of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 to public
authorities, requiring them to prepare and submit Gaelic Language Plans
within an agreed timeframe.
The Highland Council is the first public authority to
do so; with Plans currently in the approval process from Comhairle nan
Eilean Siar, Argyll and Bute Council and The Scottish Parliament. Further
Plans are in the pipeline from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The
Scottish Government.
The Highland Council’s Plan includes the following:
-
Playing a leading role in the development of
pre-school, primary and secondary Gaelic education.
-
Allowing greater public access to Council services in
Gaelic.
-
Raising the profile of the language by using it
alongside English on signage and literature.
-
Gaelic tuition opportunities for employees.
-
Assessing the impact on Gaelic of all new
developments within the Council’s sphere of influence.
Minister for Gaelic, Linda Fabiani said: “I welcome
this Gaelic Language Plan from The Highland Council which amongst other
initiatives ensures that Gaelic speakers can engage with a vital public
service in their own language.
“The Scottish Government has an ambitious programme to
raise the profile of Gaelic - ensuring it has a sustainable future and
creating opportunities for its use in a wide range of contexts from
education to culture to every day public services.
“This is the first in a series of public bodies to take
forward their Language Plan with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, I very much look
forward to the others to come and the real benefits these will bring to
the Gaelic community and to Scotland.”
Bòrd na Gàidhlig Chief Executive, Kenneth Murray said:
“We are pleased to announce the approval of the very first Gaelic Language
Plan and congratulate The Highland Council on a significant milestone.
“Gaelic Language Plans reflect the aspirations of the
National Plan for Gaelic and will mean that Gaelic speakers and learners
can access some public services in the language more often and help to
ensure that Gaelic is more visible in the authority’s operations. The
Highland Council has produced a Plan that will work to achieve this goal.
“It is important to remember that Gaelic Language Plans
are not about imposing Gaelic on organisations or people, they are about
facilitation not coercion. The Bòrd, and the organisations we work in
partnership with, are keen to create more opportunities for Gaelic
speakers and those interested in Gaelic to use the language in as many
everyday situations as possible.”
The Highland Council Convener Sandy Park said: “I am
delighted that the Council is the first in Scotland to have its Gaelic
Plan approved by Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
“We have devoted a great deal of time and effort
towards developing the Plan and this underlines our commitment to
promoting the Gaelic language and culture. It is based on the principle of
equal respect for Gaelic and English and recognises that the Gaelic
language is an integral part of Highland life.”
Gaelic Committee Chairman Councillor Hamish Fraser
said: “This Plan sets out a four-year development programme and proposals
for a support structure to sustain these developments. Supported by a
Gaelic Development Team and the Gaelic Committee the Plan will focus the
Council's commitment to Gaelic and oversee policy and planning for Gaelic
throughout all Council services. Our aim is to enable members of the
public to access Council services through Gaelic, in line with relevant
Council policies.
“This will involve raising awareness of Gaelic to
create a positive climate of opinion for Gaelic development. We want to
provide a range of opportunities for young people to acquire Gaelic in
schools and in learning centres by playing a leading role in the
development of Gaelic medium pre-school education and child care;
responding positively to parental demand for Gaelic medium primary
education and expanding Gaelic medium provision in secondary schools. We
want to encourage Gaelic to be spoken in the home and in the wider
community. We want to provide a comprehensive and co-ordinated system of
adult tuition in Gaelic, which will enable adult learners to develop their
Gaelic throughout and beyond the lifetime of this plan.”
The first six bodies to be formally notified to prepare
language plans were: the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands
Enterprise, The Highland Council, Argyll and Bute Council, Comhairle nan
Eilean Siar and the Scottish Parliament.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig is the statutory Gaelic Development
Agency, established under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 to
promote Gaelic both in Scotland and abroad. The Act, which was commenced
in February this year, requires the Bòrd to prepare a National Plan for
Gaelic to establish a strategic approach to the development of the
language and its culture.
10 May 08
Driving Forward the Gaelic Language Plan
The Highland Council has
appointed a new Gaelic Development Manager to spearhead its promotion of
the Gaelic language and culture. He is Donald MacNeill, a native Gaelic
speaker who has wide experience in the public sector and in the media.
Brought up in Inverness within a Gaelic-speaking household. Donald was
educated at Crown Primary School and Millburn Academy before going to
Glasgow University.
He had a
ten year career in broadcast journalism (1988-1998) ~ in both radio and
television ~ the bulk of which was in Gaelic. This included working with
BBC Radio nan Gaidheal (Inverness), Grampian Television (Aberdeen &
Inverness) and Scottish Television (Glasgow).
Since
then, Donald has gained experience of development working in the public
sector within Highlands and Islands Enterprise, initially in press and
public relations, but latterly promoting the case for investment in the
area's transport networks.
Donald
said: "I am very much looking forward to getting to grips with this new
role. There is no doubt that Gaelic is a fundamental part of what makes
the Highlands different and special. It's an integral part of the area's
heritage, but it's also making a real contribution to the area's economy
and vibrancy in the 21st century. The Council~s Gaelic Language Plan has
real potential to enhance the language's status within the next three or
four years."
The need
for statutory Gaelic Development plans flows from the Gaelic Language
(Scotland) Act of 2005 and The Highland Council was one of the first
public bodies in the country to be charged with the requirement to produce
a Plan. It is hoped this will be formally approved shortly allowing the
development work to get underway. The Plan is far-reaching and is intended
to cement and improve the role and use of Gaelic across all the Council~s
services from education to road signs, or from promoting its use in the
home and community to working to enhance its contribution to cultural
activity and the arts.
Independent Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chairman of the Gaelic Committee,
welcomed the appointment.
He said:
"Mr MacNeill's background and experience in both the media and public
sectors makes him well qualified to take the plan forward on behalf of the
Council, and he will be fully supported by the Gaelic Committee and
council officers in implementing what is acknowledged to be a well
balanced and achievable Plan. Mr MacNeill's appointment further
consolidates the Council's commitment to supporting and promoting the
language and culture of the Highlands with particular emphasis on the
education system, our young people and our communities."
25 March 08
Highland Council Launches Gaelic Toolkit
The
Highland Council supports and encourages people to develop their Gaelic.
the new web pages contain basic information about Gaelic to help anyone
getting started in learning the language.
15 March 08
Training Of Gaelic Tutors
This week The Highland
Council has been running a special six day immersion training course for
Gaelic language tutors in Portree, with 12 students signed up for the
introductory course.
Skye and
Lochalsh Community Learning and Development Officer (Gaelic), Shona
Paterson has organised the Ulpan training course which is being held in
Tigh na Sgire. She said: "Ulpan is a fast and effective way to learn a
language. It has been used to great effect in Israel, where it originated,
and in Wales.
"As
Ulpan is a new way of teaching, tutors need to be trained and accredited
in the system. Cli Gaidhlig has joined forces with Deiseal Earranta Ltd to
provide this. Deiseal is a company set up by Daibhidh Grannd and Guto Rhys,
both language tutors and linguists, to adapt the Welsh system to Gaelic."
The
introductory course is familiarising trainee-tutors with the Ulpan
methodology and ethos, key skills and their contractual obligations with
Deiseal Earranta.
Over the
six days trainee tutors circulate between teaching students and taking
part in workshops where instruction in basic grammar, Gaelic dialects,
teaching pronunciation and group management is being delivered. These
sessions also provide opportunities for peer review learning.
Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chairman of The Highland Council's Gaelic
Committee said: "One of the many aims of the Council's Draft Gaelic
Language Plan is to provide opportunities to Council staff and members of
the Community to learn Gaelic and Ulpan is one of the methods which can
provide this.
"Ulpan
is ideal for people who wish to learn to speak Gaelic with real
confidence, such as people who need Gaelic for their work, parents with
children in Gaelic-medium education people who have moved to a
Gaelic-speaking community and employers wishing to provide in-house
language tuition, Learning should be fun and I believe that Ulpan classes
are fun and rewarding for learners and tutors alike, as everyone can see a
steady growth in ability and confidence, week on week."
Daibhidh
Grant, Director of Deiseal Ltd, the developers of Ulpan said: "This is a
great course for complete beginners but it's also very useful for people
with good reading and writing skills in Gaidhlig but who can't understand
or speak it, it acts like glue for all the bits."
10 March 08
Rannsachadh ùr air a' Ghàidhlig toiseachadh an t-seachdain seo
English Below
Thèid rannsachadh mòr a thòiseachadh an t-seachdain seo a bhios coimhead
air buaidh na Gàidhlig air fàs eaconomach, is e toirt sùil air àite is
inbhe na Gàidhlig, ann am margadh obrach air feadh na h-Alba.
Bidh an
rannsachadh a' coimhead air an àireamh de dh'eagrachaidhean air feadh na
h-Alba a tha fastadh luchd-obrach ann an dreuchdan far a bheil a'
Ghàidhlig na buannachd no iomchaidh; dè seòrsa dreuchdan a tha annta, agus,
mar a bhios na h-eagrachaidhean seo a' sùileachadh gun àrdaich am feum
airson sgilean Gàidhlig san àite-obrach.
Theid an
rannsachadh maoineachadh le Dreuchdan Alba, Bòrd na Gàidhlig agus Iomairt
na Gaidhealtachd s nan Eilean.
Thar na
beagan làithean a tha romhainn, gheibh còrr air 250 buidheann air feadh na
dùthcha ceisteachain a' coimhead air chuspairean mar cia mheud dreuchd a
tha ann an gach buidheann far a bheil a' Ghàidhlig na sgil cudromach, dè
ìre fileantais a tha a dhìth agus far a bheil na h-obraichean.
Mar
thoradh air Achd na Gàidhlig, le Seirbheis Dhidseatach Ghàidhlig air fàire
agus le ùidh ann an cànan, dualchas agus cultar nan Gàidheal a' fàs, tha
feum nas motha ann airson daoine le sgilean sa chànan a bhith san
àite-obrach. Tha seo a' toirt a-steach obair eadar-theangachaidh, teagaisg,
craobh-sgaoilidh agus sna gnìomhachasan cruthachail.
Bidh an
sgrùdadh seo a' cleachdadh dòigh-obrach fharsaing gus oidhirp a dhèanamh
inbhe na Gàidhlig san àite-obrach a mheasadh san fharsaingeachd.
Thuirt
Ian Carse, Dreuchdan Alba air a' Ghaidhealtachd is anns na h-Eileanan: "'S
e sgrùdadh gu math cudromach a tha seo agus, leis na leasachaidhean tha a'
tighinn air a' chànan, tha e an deagh àm. Cuidichidh an rannsachadh seo
sinn tomhas fhaighinn air an iarrtas a tha ann airson sgilean Gàidhlig ann
an àitean-obrach na h-Alba, agus gus modhan-obrach a chur air dòigh airson
na tha a' Ghàidhlig a' cur ri fàs seasmhach eaconomach na h-Alba a
leudachadh.
Lean Mgr
Carse air: "Tha sinn a' tòiseachadh gus buannachdan foghlam dà-chànanach
aithneachadh gu slàn a thaobh leasachadh cànanachais, foghlaim agus
sgilean. Cuideachd, bidh an sgrùdadh a' beachdachadh air cothroman dreuchd
nas fheàrr don fheadhainn aig a bheil a' Ghàidhlig an-dràsta, no do chlann
a tha san siostam fhoghlam dà-chànanach, no a tha gu bhith dol ann."
Thuirt
Rosemary Ward, Manaidsear Fhoghlaim aig Bòrd na Gàidhlig, "Tha Bòrd na
Gàidhlig, an com-pàirteachas le Comunn na Gàidhlig, gu mòr an sàs ann a
bhi toirt piseach air dreuchdan na Gàidhlig. Chuir Bòrd na Gàidhlig air
doigh bho chionn ghoirid Iomairt Trusaidh Tidsearan Gàidhlig a
dh'adhbhraich mòran cheistean mu thrèanadh thidsearan is fiosrachadh mu
dhreuchdan san fharsaingeachd".
Is iad
Hecla Consulting a nì an rannsachadh, is gheibhear grèim orra air 01463
712600 no aig hecla@heclaconsulting.co.uk. Bu choir na ceisteachain a
thilleadh ro 31mh Màrt 2008. Thèid toraidhean an sgrùdaidh fhoillseachadh
nas fhaide am bliadhna fhathast.
10 March 08
New Gaelic research launched this week
A major study is launched
this week on the role of Gaelic in economic growth in Scotland, focusing
on its place in the Scottish labour market.
The
study will look at how many organisations across Scotland are currently
employing staff in posts where Gaelic is desirable essential skill. It
will research how these organisations envisage the demand for Gaelic
skills in the workplace is likely to increase.
The
study is funded by Careers Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Highlands and
Islands Enterprise HIE.
Over the
next few days, more than 250 organisations across Scotland will receive a
questionnaire requesting information such as how many posts there are in
each place of work where Gaelic is an important skill, the level of
fluency and where these posts are based.
The
Gaelic Language Act, the imminent launch of a Gaelic Digital Service and
an ever growing interest in Gaelic language, heritage and culture has led
to a growth in demand for individuals with skills in the language. Posts
include translators, teachers and in the broadcasting and creative
industries sector.
This
study will endeavour to take a wide-ranging approach to assess the broader
status of Gaelic in the Scottish labour market.
Ian
Carse, head of career related information and learning in Careers Scotland
in the Highlands and Islands, said: "As an all age agency this is a very
important study for Careers Scotland, and given the ongoing developments
in the language, it is quite timely. This study will begin to help us
quantify the increasing demand for Gaelic skills in the workplace across
Scotland and assist us in devising strategies for growing the contribution
of Gaelic to sustainable economic growth in Scotland.
"We are
beginning to fully recognise the benefits of bilingual education in terms
of linguistic, educational and skills development. This study will also
consider the enhanced career prospects for current Gaelic speakers and for
children currently in or entering the bilingual education system."
Rosemary
Ward, education manager at Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: "Bòrd na Gàidhlig, in
partnership with Comunn na Gàidhlig, is actively involved in the promotion
of Gaelic career opportunities. The Bòrd recently mounted a targeted
Gaelic Teacher Recruitment Campaign in the Highlands and Islands which
resulted in a number of positive enquiries for teacher training and
generic career information."
The
study will be conducted by Hecla Consulting who can be contacted at 01463
712600 or at hecla@heclaconsulting.co.uk. Questionnaires should be
returned by 31 March 2008. Results of the research will be published later
this year.
7 March 08
Council confirms commitment to Gaelic Plan
The Highland Council has confirmed its
Highland-wide policy on bi-lingual road signs.
At a
full Council meeting on Thursday 6th March 2008, the Council voted in
support of an amendment by Councillor Hamish Fraser Chairman of the
Council's Gaelic Committee, to support the Council policy as set out in
its Gaelic Language Plan.
In doing
so, the meeting rejected by 36 votes to 29 a notice of motion by 8
Caithness Councillors who wanted their area excluded from the policy
stating: "...the blanket roll out of bi-lingual signs in the Highlands
should only proceed where there exists significant local demand for such a
policy."
Councillor Hamish Fraser said: "I am pleased that the Council has
confirmed its Highland-wide support for our policy on bi-lingual signage."
Highland
Council's draft Gaelic Language Plan was adopted by the Council's Gaelic
Committee on November 8 2007 and was submitted to Bord na Gaidhlig on
October 1 2007, as required by the Gaelic Language Act 2005.
The plan
states that for road signage: "town, city and village welcome signs and
Council road signs will be bilingual. Signs will incorporate historic
village, town and city crests where appropriate. Gaelic will be placed
above the English on these signs. Gaelic will be green and English in
black. The size of the letters will be the same in each language. When
existing signs require to be replaced due to age or damage, bilingual
signs will be erected. Historic and visitor signs commissioned by the
Council to direct people to historic and visitor events and venues should
be bilingual unless this conflicts with Scottish Government regulations.
The spelling of place names will be determined through consultation with
Ainmean Aite na h-Alba."
For
street name signs the plan states that: "...the adoption of Gaelic names
will be encouraged on new streets and developments, using local historic
and cultural connections wherever this information is available. Public
opinion will be sought through the local Community Councils and the views
of the local elected Members will be taken into account. In the event of a
disagreement, the matter will be referred to the Planning, Environment and
Development Committee. When existing street name signs require to be
replaced due to age or damage, the new signs will be bilingual. Gaelic
will be placed above English on these signs. The size of the letters will
be the same in each language. Contractors erecting temporary signs will
use bilingual signage. This will be required as an integral part of the
contracting process."
Copies
of The Highland Council's Gaelic Plan can be found on the Council's
website at: www.highland.gov.uk
17 February 08
GAELIC MUSICIANS TARGET MAINSTREAM BREAKTHROUGH
Gaelic music continues its
breakthrough into mainstream music with stirring harmonies from one of
Gaeldom's newest bands, thanks to Scottish Music Futures, a development
fund to help cultivate the music industry in Scotland.
Broadcaster-musician Mary Ann Kennedy, who is herself at the heart of
Scotland's traditional music scene, has unleashed her latest venture - a
'gathering of Gaeldom's young lions' - with the launch of her new seven
man supergroup, Mary Ann Kennedy & Na Seòid.
Na Seòid
translates as 'the heroes', and the seven young band members have
each won their fair share of traditional music's highest accolades. Mary
Ann is one of just a handful of singers to win both Gold Medals at the
Royal National Mod, along with a prestigious Saltire award at the Scots
Traditional Music Awards.
Mary Ann
Kennedy said: "What's special about this group is that Gaelic is part of
every day life, for every single one of them, and not just a language for
the stage. I think that's a powerful element, which in turn has a
fundamental impact on the way they perform the music".
Ian
Hamilton, HIE creative industries senior development manager said: "This
is a great example of the Scottish Music Futures fund helping small
Highland businesses collaborate to create something new and different. It
is also shows what can be achieved from helping young musicians and those
with technical skills, to achieve their full potential without leaving the
country."
Mary Ann
and husband Nick Turner recently benefited from the fund, when they
received help to market their new top of the range recording and
multi-media studio in the tiny loch side village of Ardgour, near Fort
William.
Mary Ann
Kennedy and Na Seòid recorded their debut album, under the Lochaber-based
record label 'Watercolour Music', and launched it at the final night of
Glasgow's Celtic Connections festival in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Another
business link in the band's success story is their agent, Davy Gardner,
from Shetland. He said: "2007 was the year that Gaelic music finally and
deservedly reached a wider audience, largely due to the success of a new
wave of young Gaelic musicians such as Julie Fowlis. Mary Ann Kennedy and
Na Seòid look set to blow another fresh breeze through Scotland and
further afield."
The
creative industries employs the equivalent of 100,000 full-time jobs in
Scotland and the Scottish Music Futures fund is designed to help those
working in the music business to achieve their full economic potential.
The
Scottish Music Futures fund is administered by Highlands and Islands
Enterprise (HIE) for the whole of Scotland, in partnership with Scottish
Enterprise and the Scottish Arts Council.
16 February 08
BUIDHEANN DRÀMA AIR CHUAIRT MHÒR SNA SGOILTEAN GHÀIDHLIG
English Version Below
Dealbh-chluich ùr - Fògarraich na Grèine – gu bhith air fhaicinn le
sgoilearan Gàidhlig
Tha Meanbh-chuileag, a'
bhuidheann-dràma aig Fèisean nan Gàidheal, air an rathad an-dràsta le
dealbh-chluich ùr beòthail a bhios a’ tadhal air cha mhòr gach sgoil
Ghàidhlig air feadh na dùthcha thairis air na seachdainean a tha romhainn.
Tha an dealbh-chluiche
ag amas air clasaichean 4 gu 7 sa bhun-sgoil Ghàidhlig, ach tha e
cuideachd freagarrach do chloinn nas òige.
Tha
Fògarraich na Grèine, a chaidh
a sgrìobhadh le Seònaid NicDhòmhnaill, a' togail chuspairean cudromach
agus inntinneach mu shlàinte na Cruinne. An e ar dòigh-beatha a tha ag
adhbhrachadh nan atharrachaidhean seo? No an e rud nàdarra a th' ann?
Ceistean duilich, ach le taic bho na prìomh charactaran, Daibhidh agus
Uilleam, cuiridh an luchd-èisteachd an t-Ollamh ceart!
Cluinnidh sinn cuideachd bho charactaran eile, leithid Winfred, Inuit òg à
Alasga, a dh'innseas dhuinn mu na h-atharrachaidhean a chunnaic e thàr nam
bliadhnaichean. Gheibh sinn a-mach mu dheidhinn cumhachd na grèine agus
cumhachd nan tonnan, mu ghasaichean greenhouse agus mu mhathain-gheala. Mu
dheireadh, 's ann an urra ris an luchd-èisteachd fhèin a tha e taghadh a
dhèanamh air dè bu chòir dèanamh airson stad a chur air èiridh nan tonnan...
A thuilleadh air an
dealbh-chluich fhèin, gheibh na sgoilearan bùth-obrach a bhios a' togail
air cuid de na puingean as cudromaiche.
Tha dithis chleasaiche
san dealbh-chluich: Darren Macilleathain (An t-Eilean Sgitheanach), agus
Daibhidh Byrne (Inbhir Nis). Chaidh an dealbh-chluich a stiùireadh le
Calum Rothach agus Dougie Beck, le taic bho Ruairidh MacNeacail (À Eden).
Eadar 4 Geàrran agus 20 Màrt, bidh na balaich a' tadhal air cha mhòr 60
bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig, anns gach ceàrnaidh de dh'Alba. Gheibhear clàr-ama
airson na cuairte aig deireadh a' bhratha seo.
Mar a thuirt Dougie
Beck, Oifigear Pròiseict Meanbh-chuileag: "Tha sinn a' faireachdainn gu
bheil e air leth cudromach gum faigh sgoilearan òga ann am foghlam tro
mheadhan nan Gàidhlig cothrom dealbhan-cluiche a leithid seo fhaicinn sna
sgoiltean aca fhein; tha sinn a' dèiligeadh le cuspair anabarrach
cudromach an seo – cuspair a tha a' bualadh oirnn uile."
Thuirt Ceannard Fèisean
nan Gàidheal, Art MacCarmaig; “Tha Fèisean nan Gàidheal air a bhith an-sàs
barrachd is barrachd ann an leasachaidhean dràma na Gàidhlig, agus tha
sinn air leth toilichte gu bheil e air a bhith comasach dhuinn taic a
chumail dhan aon chompanaidh dràma Gàidhlig a tha ag obair ann am foghlam
thairis air na beagan bhliadhnaichean a dh’fhalbh. Tha cruaidh fheum air
an t-seòrsa obrach a tha seo far a bheil clann anns na sgoiltean Ghàidhlig
a’ cluinntinn na Gàidhlig ann an dòigh neo-fhoirmeil, spòrsail. Bu chòir
dhan t-seirbheis seo a bhith na pàirt gu math cudromach de dh’fhoghlam tro
mheadhan na Gàidhlig agus bu chòir barrachd den leithid a bhith a’
tachairt a-measg leasachaidhean eile air a bheil feum ann an saoghal dràma
na Gàidhlig aig ìre coimhearsnachd agus ìre proifeiseanta.”
Chaidh a' chuairt seo a
mhaoineachadh le Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean agus Comhairle
na Gàidhealtachd le taic-airgid bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig.
DRAMA GROUP ON MARATHON TOUR OF GAELIC SCHOOLS
A new
play - Fògarraich na Grèine (The Sun Refugees) - to be performed to Gaelic
pupils
Meanbh-chuileag,
Fèisean
nan Gàidheal's theatre-in-education group, is on the road just now with an
exciting new interactive play that will be visiting almost every
Gaelic-medium school in Scotland over the next few weeks in a marathon
tour funded by Highlands & Islands Enterprise and The Highland Council
with financial assistance from Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
The play is aimed at
years 4 to 7 in the primary school, although it is also suitable for
younger children.
Fògarraich na Grèine (The Sun
Refugees) was written by Seònaid MacDonald and focuses on important
aspects of the future of our planet. Is it our lifestyle that is bringing
about these changes? Or is it a natural occurrence? Difficult questions,
but with help from the main characters, Daibhidh and Uilleam, the audience
tell the Professor how it really is!
We also hear from other
characters, including Winfred, a young Inuit from Alaska who tells us
about the changes he has seen over the years. We find out about solar
power and wave power, about greenhouse gasses and polar bears. Finally,
it's up to the audience to choose how best to stop the waves from rising
...
In addition to the play
itself, pupils also receive a workshop which expands on some of the most
important themes of the play.
There are two actors
involved in the show: Darren MacLean (Skye); and Daibhidh Byrne
(Inverness). The play was directed by Malcolm Munro and Dougie Beck, with
assistance from Roddy Nicolson (Out of Eden). Between 4 February and 20
March, the team will be visiting almost 60 Gaelic-medium primary schools,
in every area of Scotland.
According to Dougie
Beck, Meanbh-chuileag Project Officer: "We feel that it is incredibly
important that young people in Gaelic-medium Education get the opportunity
to see and take part in plays like this in their own schools; we are
dealing with an extremely important subject here – a subject that touches
us all."
"Fèisean nan Gàidheal
has been involved more and more in the development of Gaelic drama," says
Fèisean nan Gàidheal Chief Executive, Arthur Cormack. "We are extremely
happy that it has been possible for us to support, over the last few
years, the only Gaelic drama company which is working in the formal
education sector. Projects like this, where children in Gaelic schools
hear Gaelic in an informal, fun way, are sorely needed. This service
should be an integral part of Gaelic-medium education, and more
opportunities like this tour should be happening among other much-needed
Gaelic drama developments at community and professional levels."
11 January 08
First Minister Opens Scotland's First Purpose Built Gaelic Medium School
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond today (Friday 11 January 2008)
formally opened Scotland's first purpose-built Gaelic Medium School at
Inverness.
The £4 million Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis is a focal point for Gaelic
learning in the Inverness area, being available for a wide range of
Gaelic-related events and performances.
There are 101 primary and 50 nursery pupils.
The school, which is located at Slackbuie, adjacent to Inverness Royal
Academy, features 7 classrooms and a resource area. The new building
includes an enhanced school hall, larger than the usual for a school of
this size, and this is equipped with specialist seating to create a mini
venue for Gaelic cultural events.
In addition there is a small recording studio, a parents' room for
meetings and classes and accommodation for the Community Learning Team.
The school also provides nursery and wrap around childcare for the Gaelic
Community in the city.
Before unveiling a plaque to open the school, the First Minister said:
"The opening of Scotland's first purpose built Gaelic school is a
significant moment ~ not just for Inverness but for the whole of Scotland.
Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland's identity and a vital part of the
community life and culture in the Highlands and Islands. Bun-sgoil
Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis ~ its pupils and teachers ~ has automatically become
part of the international picture to promote Scotland, retain our history
and realise the full economic potential of the Gaelic language.
'I have no doubt that together with our Gaelic schools in Glasgow and
Sleat , Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis will play a key role to increase
the status and use of Gaelic in Scotland.'
Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of the The Highland Council's Education
Culture and Sport Committee, said: "This is a very special day for me as
we meet to mark the opening of the first purpose built Gaelic Community
School not just in the Highlands but in Scotland. This project records our
commitment to securing the future of the Gaelic language."
Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chairman of the Council's Gaelic Committee,
added: "This school will not just be about providing for the Gaelic
Education needs of pre-school and primary age pupils, but will be a
resource for the whole Gaelic community in Inverness, in Highland and
across Scotland. A few years ago this would have been no more than a dream
but it symbolises the massive steps that have taken place in Highland and
across Scotland in Gaelic Medium education.
"It also reinforces this Council's commitment to making sure that our
children are given an opportunity to be bilingual at an early age and goes
some way to allow our children to catch up with their European peers who,
in many countries, speak at least three languages before leaving primary
school."
The First Minister was greeted at the school by piper Conall MacIllechiar,
a Secondary 1 pupil of Inverness Royal Academy. Primary 7 pupils at the
new school ~ Shona Crosbie and Donnie Forbes - met Mr Salmond and invited
him to sign the visitors~ book.
Mr Salmond was then given a tour of the new school by Head Teacher, Mrs
Janet MacLeod, before joining 200 guests at the opening ceremony in the
school hall.
Primary 1 pupils, Niamh Kerr and Dominic Ferrier, presented the First
Minister with the gift of a Gaelic calendar featuring the school.
Mrs MacLeod said: "This is of course a very important day, not only for
Gaelic Medium Education, but for The Highland Council with the opening of
Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis being testament to the vision of the
Council for the development of Gaelic. This school is also a tribute to
the dedication of parents and members of the Inverness Gaelic community,
some of whom were present today, some who were not, who worked so hard to
progress Gaelic education to this stage. I consider it a privilege and an
honour to be Head Teacher of the first purpose-built, dedicated Gaelic
school in Scotland."
The school has been built for The Highland Council by Morrison
Construction.
Earlier
2007
2006
2004 - 2005
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Highland Council Gaelic Toolkit
Story Of Gaelic
Speaking People
HIE's Policy For Gaelic
Mairead McDonald sings about life on Eriskay
Tional - A Gaelic
Language Gathering
Spring 2008
Learn Gaelic
Clì Gàidhlig
Learn Gaeilic Online
Lots of lessons, Listen to the sounds etc
Gàidhlig air an Lìon
Air Splaoid! - Discover Gaelic!
 Air
Splaoid! is an exciting new campaign to encourage everyone to learn
Gaelic. It will be available during Highland 2007, the year when Scotland
celebrates Highland culture.
Thurso Gaelic Playgroup
Mount Pleasant School
Castletown Road
Thurso
Caithness
KW14 8HL
Tel : 01847 896559
Inverness
Gaelic Forum
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis
 Inverness
Gaelic Primary School
The school, with seven classrooms and associated communal space has been
designed for a maximum roll of 150 pupils. the School opened in August
2007.
Comann nam Pàrant
Gaelic Medium Education In Scoland
Web site in Gaelic and English.
Scottish Parliament Gaelic Web Site
Melvich Gaelic Choir
Free Gaelic Lessons
Scottish Gaelic Learners Material Online - links
McBains Gaelic Dictionary
Gaelic On the Web Worldwide - Gaelic College Links
Page
A Few Places To Learn Gaelic
Am Baile - The Gaelic Village
This site is building into a huge resource in Gaelic and
English with section on culture, people, environment, religion, places,
society and economy. A big photograph collection with thousands more
to come. Definitely a web site to watch with many resources being
prepared for future inclusion.
Gaelic Psalm
Singing
An
Comunn Gàidhealach
Gaelic promotion organisation
Comunn na Gaidhlig
Wide ranging economic, education and social development
agency
Comunn an Luchd-Ionnsachaidh
Gaelic Learners Association
Comunn
Gaidhlig Inbhirnis
Gaelic Society of Inverness
Tobar an Dualchais
National Gaelic Archive
Comann nam Parant
Aimed at parents of children undertaking Gaelic-medium
education
Comunn Gaidhlig Lunnainn
Gaelic Society of London
An
Lochran
Glasgow centre for Gaelic and Highland community
Comunn Gaidhlig Astrailia
The Scottish Gaelic Association of Australia
Ossianic Society
Glasgow University Ossianic Society
Celtic Society
Aberdeen University Celtic Society
Fàs
Gaelic promotion body based in Edinburgh
Gaelic Media Service
Music
Fèis Rois
Fèisean Nan Gaidheal
teleg
Gaelic supporters' website
Gaelic Learners
Gaelic education links
Gaelic-English Dictionary
InvernessGaelic.org
Royal National Mod
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (Gaelic College)
Am Baile (Gaelic Village)
BBC Alba
Commun na Gàidhlig (CnaG)
Bòrd na Gàidhlig
The Scottish
Council Of Clans and Associations
Church Of Scotland Gaelic Pages
More Gaelic links
Gaelic Media Service
Go To The
Bigger Gaelic Links Page
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