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21 February 10 21 February 10 21 February 10 17 November 09 Since its launch just over a year ago BBC Alba is currently only available via satellite transmission, or the BBC’s ‘iPlayer’ internet access. Despite this restricted availability, the channel’s programming has maintained a core audience of some 220,000 viewers since its launch. Now the BBC Trust, who is responsible for changes of this nature, has launched a public consultation on proposals by the BBC ‘Executive’ (the corporation’s management) to make BBC Alba available on freeview. Submissions to the consultation must be lodged before 18 January 2010. Currently there is insufficient bandwidth or capacity on the freeview channels to allow BBC Alba to be simply added on without removing other output. The proposals by the BBC management are to make space for BBC Alba by removing 13 radio channels (including Radios 1 – 7, Radio nan Gàidheal, and the World Service) from this platform, in Scotland only, and only during the hours at which BBC Alba is transmitted. This is currently 5pm – 11.30pm each weekday, and after 4pm at weekends. All of these radio stations would continue to be fully available by AM/FM transmission or through DAB radio sets. Their withdrawal during those times would only affect those who access the broadcasts via freeview boxes or digital televisions. It is estimated that this could affect some 60,000–90,000 people/130,000 listening hours – representing approximately 1% of all radio listening. By contrast it is estimated that making BBC Alba output available on freeview would help the channel reach an additional 150,000–180,000 people, generating an additional 250,000 viewing hours. Radio listeners on the affected channels have widely-available alternative means of accessing those channels; no such alternatives exist for BBC Alba. Convener of The Highland Council Councillor Sandy Park and Chairman of the Council’s Gaelic Committee, Councillor Hamish Fraser are writing to the BBC Trust to urge the BBC Trust to accept the proposal to make BBC Alba available on freeview. Councillor Park said: “The Council’s stance on this issue is quite clear – indeed we have written twice previously to the BBC Trust urging them to make the channel more widely available. So we welcome this review and the formal opportunity to make a submission. However it is perhaps just as important that members of the public and other organisations add their voice to this call and submit their support to this consultation, as I am sure that the number of positive responses received by the BBC Trust will no doubt have an influence on their decision.” Chairman of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee, Councillor Hamish Fraser said: “We’ve felt since the outset that restricting access to the BBC Alba programming, by only making it available via satellite, was a poor decision. At a time when we’re striving to raise the profile and status of the Gaelic language it’s almost a matter of equality that as many people as possible should be able to access the channel. While I understand that some might be inconvenienced by the removal of the affected radio stations, they have readily and easily available alternatives – for BBC Alba viewers there is no choice at the moment. I urge everyone interested to write to the BBC Trust to voice their support.” Information on the BBC Trust's consultation is available HERE 14 October 09 A' bruidhinn san Òban, thuirt Mgr Ruiseil: "Tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba a' gealltainn gnìomhachd èiginneach a chur air chois gus an dèidheadh ginealach ùr de luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig a chruthachadh. Is ann air sgàth sin a tha mi ag ainmeachadh £50,000 eile airson phròiseactan a bheirt taic do fhoghlaim agus leasachaidh na Gàidhlig. "Chan e a-mhàin gum bi ath-sheallaidh aig an Oifigear ùr Leasachaidh a' Mhòid seo air na thathas ag ullachadh airson Mòd na bliadhna ri thighinn ach bheir an neach taic do ionnsachadh agus leasachadh na Gàidhlig ann an sgìre Ghallaibh agus mun cuairt air. Cleachdaidh Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal is Bhòid an tabhartas aca gus àrdachadh a thoirt air àireamh luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig san sgire sin le bhith a' tabhann chlasaichean ionnsachaidh inbheach tro mheadhan ùr Ulpan. Tha na tasgaidhean sin ag aithneachadh cho cudromach sa tha coimhearsnachdan ionadail a thaobh ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig agus ann a bhith a' togail àm ri teachd don Gàidhlig a bhios làidir is seasmhach. "Aig a' Mhòd an-diugh, tha e na thoileachas dhomh duais Riaghaltas na h-Alba airson Tosgaire Gàidhlig na Bliadhna seo a bhuileachadh air Anna Latharna NicIllIosa. Tha Anna air a bhith an sàs o chionn fhada ann an obair leasachaidh na Gàidhlig, agus tha i air cur ris an seo gu ìre mhòr. Tha an obair aice o chionn ghoirid air òrain is ceòl Hiort air a cumail aig toiseach obair-gnìomh is brosnachaidh na Gàidhlig, agus tha i air leth airidh air an duais seo fhaighinn. "Tha sinn airson gun ionnsaich daoine a' Ghàidhlig agus gun toir iad seachad i do chàch gus an glèidhear pàirt bheairteach de bheatha culturail na h-Alba agus coimhearsnachd cànain sònraichte ann an Alba. Tha an Riaghaltas seo ag obair gu h-èiginneach agus is urrainn don Mhòd is do bhuidhnean eile cuideachadh le seo. Le bhith a' dèanamh seo, gheibh sinn uile buannachd às." Thuirt Iain Macleòid, Ceann-suidhe a' Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich: ""Tha Anna Latharna NicIllIosa air-leth airidh air an duais sònraichte seo. Tha i air an t-uamhas a chur ri obair leasachaidh cànan is cultar na Gàidhlig tron chùrsa beatha inbheil aice ann an raointean foghlaim, na h-ealain, craoladh is foillseachadh, agus deagh iomhaigh ionadail, nàiseanta agus eadar-nàiseanta aice. Tha mi cinnteach gum bi i na deagh thosgaire don Ghàidhlig thairis air a' bhliadhna th'air thoiseach. Bheir maoineachadh Oifigear Leasachaidh a' Mhòid taic mhòr dhuinn anns na h-ullachaidhean a tha againn airson Mòd 2010 ann an Gallaibh agus togaidh seo air na tha sinn a' dèanamh mar bhuidheann. Is e fìor thaisbeanadh math airson ar cànan is cultar na Gàidhlig a th'anns a' Mhòd agus tha sinn toilichte taic is beannachd an Riaghaltais fhaighinn bhon tabhartas maoineachaidh seo." Thuirt Dick Walsh, Stiùiriche Comhairle Earraghaidheal is Bhòid: "Thèid na h-àireamhan de chùrsaichean rim faotainn ann an Earra-Ghàidheal 's Bòid airson luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig an-àirde gu mòr le taic-arigid bho Riaghaltas na h-Alba. 'S e aon de na prìomh amasan Plana Gàidhlig na Comhairle gum bi barrachd luchd labhairt agus luchd cleachdaidh na Gàidhlig anns an sgire. 'S e cothrom air leth a tha seo gus sin fhaighinn gu buil 's gus Gàidhlig a leasachadh ann an coimhearsnachdan Earra-Ghàidheal. " Thuirt Anna Latharna NicIllIosa: "Tha e na urram mhòr dhomh an duais seo fhaighinn anns a' bhaile dachaigh san Òban far an d'fhuair mi an cothrom nam nighean òg Gàidhlig ionnsachadh agus far na bhuannaich mi mo Bhonn Òr aig a' Mhòd. On uairsin that mi air mo dhìcheall a dhèanamh gus ar cànan 's ar cultar a bhrosnachadh anns a h-uile dòigh a b'urrainn dhomh. Tha mi'n dòchas gun toir an duais seo cothrom dhomh eadhon barrachd a dhèanamh gus an obair chudromach seo a thoirt air adhart, aig an taigh agus thall thairis." Is e seo an dàrna bliadhna den duais Tosgaire Gàidhlig na Bliadhna a thug an Riaghaltas seachad. Tha seo a' comharrachadh dhaoine fa-leth a tha air a bhith a' brosnachadh na Gàidhlig gu h-èifeachdach. Chaidh a' chiad duais mar seo a-riamh a bhuileachadh air Julie Fowlis, an seinneadair Gàidhlig, aig Mòd na bliadhna n-uiridh anns an Eaglais Bhreac. Chaidh an Comunn Gàidhealach a stèidheachadh ann an 1891 agus chaidh a' chiad Mòd a chumail anns an Òban ann an 1892. Bithear ga chumail ann an àite eadar-dhealaichte de dh'Alba san Dàmhair gach bliadhna. An-uiridh chaidh a chumail anns an Eaglais Bhreac agus an ath-bhliadhna thèid a chumail ann an Gallaibh. Is e tachartas farpaiseach de chultar na Gàidhlig a tha sa Mhòd. Cumar farpaisean seinn, ciùil, aithris is eile tron t-seachdain. Tha prògram de thachartasan iomaill ann taobh a-muigh nam farpaisean. Is e siostam ionnsachaidh cànan a th'ann an Ulpan agus chaidh a chleachdadh airson cànanan eile. Thathas air atharrachadh airson Gàidhlig na h-Alba agus thathas a' tabhann clasaichean Ulpan air feadh na h-Alba. Thathas ga theagasg tro ghrunn mhodalan agus thathas a' cur cuideam air còmhradh. Caithness Mod Awarded £35,000 By Scottish Government The Minister awarded £35,000 for the Royal National Mòd to appoint a Gaelic development officer to take forward plans for the 2010 Mòd in Caithness and to support Gaelic learning in the area. He also announced that Argyll and Bute Council will receive £15,000 to increase the number of Gaelic courses in the local area and providing access to Ulpan classes. Speaking in Oban, Mr Russell said: "The Scottish Government is committed to taking urgent action to create a new generation of Gaelic speakers. That is why I am investing a further £50,000 in projects which will support Gaelic education and development. "The Mòd's new development officer will not only oversee preparations for next year's celebrations but support Gaelic learning and development in Caithness and the surrounding areas. Argyll and Bute Council will use its award to boost the number of Gaelic speakers in the area by offering adult learning classes using the innovative Ulpan method. These investments recognise the important role local communities play in Gaelic learning and in building a strong and sustainable future for Gaelic. "At the Mòd today, I am delighted to present this year's Scottish Government Gaelic Ambassador of the Year award to Anne Lorne Gillies. A long time Gaelic activist, Anne's contribution to Gaelic language and culture is immense. Her more recent work on the songs and music of St. Kilda has kept her at the forefront of current Gaelic activity and language promotion, and makes her a truly worthy recipient. "We want people to learn and pass on Gaelic in order to preserve a rich seam in the cultural life of Scotland and a distinct language community in Scotland. This Government is taking urgent action and the Mòd and others can play their part too. In doing so we will all benefit." John Macleod, President of An Comunn Gàidhealach, who organise the Royal National Mòd, said: "Anne Lorne Gillies is most worthy recipient of this prestigious award. She has made a huge contribution to the development of Gaelic language and culture throughout a distinguished career in the fields of education, the arts, broadcasting and publishing, with a local, national and international profile. I am certain that she will be a worthy ambassador for Gaelic over the coming year. The award of funding for a Mod Development Officer to support our preparations for the Mod 2010 in Caithness will greatly enhance our role over the coming year. The Mod is a great showcase for Gaelic language and culture and we are delighted to have the Scottish Government's endorsement of our work through this funding package." Argyll and Bute Council Leader Dick Walsh said: "I am delighted to hear of this further funding from the Scottish Government for Gaelic language classes. As a Council we take responsibility for the continuation of the Gaelic language very seriously. The preservation of Gaelic is vital not only for Argyll and Bute but for Scotland as a whole. Since Argyll and Bute Council adopted the Gaelic Language Plan in 2008 we have promoted, and continue to promote Gaelic and we are proud to be a part of this." Quote from Anne Lorne Gillies: "It is an enormous honour to receive this award in my home town of Oban, where I myself was given the opportunity to learn Gaelic as a little girl and where I won my Mòd Gold medal. Ever since I've tried to promote our language and culture in whatever ways I can. I hope this award will give me even greater opportunities to carry on this important work, both at home and abroad." The Scottish Government's Gaelic Ambassador of the Year award is now in its second year. It acknowledges individuals who have effectively promoted Gaelic. Gaelic singer songwriter Julie Fowlis received the first ever ambassador award at last year's Mòd in Falkirk. The Royal National Mòd was founded in 1891 and the first Mòd held in Oban in 1892. It is held in a different area of Scotland in October of every year. Last year it was in Falkirk and next year Caithness. The Mòd is a competitive celebration of Gaelic culture. Competitions will be held throughout the week in song, music, recitation and more. There is also a programme of fringe events around the competitions Ulpan is a system of language learning that has been used for other languages. It has now been adapted for Scottish Gaelic and Ulpan classes are currently being offered throughout Scotland. It is taught in a series of modules with the main emphasis on speaking. 1 May 09 Nochd preasantair BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, Janice Ann NicAoidh, mar aoigh shònraichte air an àrd-ùrlar is bhruidhinn i ris na buannaichean airson a’ phrògraim òigridh mhòr-chòrdte, Aileag. Thug MG ALBA duais seachad do na sgoilearan airson an fhilm-ghoirid aca, ‘An Dùsgadh’, a choisinn an duais Film as Fheàrr sa bhuidhinn Daoine Òga anns a’ chiad cho-fharpais. Ri linn fìor dhroch shìde cha do dhearg sgoilearan Bhagh a’ Chaisteil air tighinn a dh’Inbhir Nis sa Ghearran airson cuirm dhuaisean FilmG. Na àite, chaidh an soirbheachadh a chomharrachadh ann an cuirm àraidh san sgoil an-raoir. Thuirt Alasdair Moireasdan, Cathraiche MG ALBA: “Tha mi air mo dhòigh an duais Film as Fheàrr a thoirt seachad do sgoilearan Àrd-sgoil Bhagh a’ Chaisteil. Bha e fìor dhuilich nach robh e comasach dhaibh tighinn chun na prìomh oidhche dhuaisean ach ’s e adhbhar toileachais a th’ ann dhomhsa gun urrainn dhaibh ar cuideachadh gus FilmG 2009 a chur air chois, is e a-nis fosgailte airson inntrigidhean. Tha a’ cho-fharpais FilmG ag amas air tàlant cruthachail ùr fhoillseachadh airson BBC ALBA. Bha mi dhà-rìribh air mo mhisneachadh le inbhe nam farpaiseach an-uiridh agus bha a h-uile duine a tha an sàs san t-sianal ro thoilichte mu na bh’ ann de thàlant cruthachail ann an coimhearsnachd nan Gàidheal. ’S e cuspair FilmG 2009 ‘Gaisgeach’, abair cuspair freagarrach airson ar linne agus ’s cinnteach gun tig curaidhean na Gàidhlig agus seòid nam meadhanan Gàidhlig airson an ama ri teachd gu bàrr ann an co-fharpais na bliadhna-sa.” Arsa Iain MacIllEathain, Riochdaiche Whisky Galore Film Eta, a tha air dreach ùr de Whisky Galore a chur air dòigh: “Tha e mìorbhaileach an uiread seo de thàlant cruthachail fhaicinn a’ toirt spionnadh do fhilmeadaireachd sna h-Eileanan Siar is an coimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig air feadh Alba. Tha mi làn chinnteach gum bi inntrigidhean na bliadhna an-uiridh nam brosnachadh do na filmeadairean falaichte no aithnichte mar-thà a chì sinn ann am FilmG 2009.” Tha làrach-lìn FilmG a-nis beò, le fiosrachadh slàn mu cho-fharpais na bliadhna-sa agus mar a chuireas tu a-steach thuice. ’S e an ceann-là airson inntrigidhean 20 Samhain 2009. Bidh a’ cho-fharpais a’ tabhann cobhair trèanaidh is leasachaidh ann an cruth teagaisg air-loidhne agus bhuidhnean-obrach san Eilean. Thèid cunntas air an seo a chur air an làraich-lìn tràth sa Chèitean. B’ e FilmG 2008 a’ chiad cho-fharpais fhilmichean goirid Gàidhlig air-loidhne aig MG ALBA. Shoirbhich leis a’ cho-fharpais gu mòr, a’ tàladh còrr is 50 inntrigeadh agus a’ lorg tàlant air leth drùidhteach is filmichean a’ tighinn bho àiteachan cho fada air falbh ri Canada is Alasga. Ach bha a’ Ghaidhealtachd is na h-Eileanan gu sònraichte làidir a thaobh inntrigidhean. Am measg bhuannaichean anns a’ bhuihdinn Daoine Òga bha Àrd-sgoil Phort Rìgh airson ‘Suirighe air aste = Disaster!’, agus choisinn sgoilear à Àrd-sgoil Mhalaig, Megan NicIllFhaolain, Cluich as Fheàrr airson ‘An Rathad Dachaigh’. Chaidh Film as Fheàrr sa ghnè Inntrigeach Ùr gu stiùiriche stèidhte an Inbhir Nis, Seònaid NicDhòmhnaill, airson ‘Oidhche Shathairne’ agus fhuair stiùiriche bho Ghlaschu is Uibhist a Tuath, Ùisdean Moireach, an duais am measg Phrofeiseantach airson ‘Siùbhlachan’. Bha a’ cho-fharpais fosgailte do na h-uile os cionn 12 bliadhna a dh’aois gus filmichean goirid eadar trì is còig mionaidean a dhèanamh sa Ghàidhlig. Chaidh daoine aig nach robh a’ Ghàidhlig no a bha ga h-ionnsachadh a bhrosnachadh gu mòr gus pàirt a ghabhail agus an cànan a chleachdadh ann am pròiseact cruthachail. Fhuair an iomairt taic agus cuideachadh bho phroifeiseantaich às a’ ghnìomhachas fhilmichean nam measg stiùirichean a choisinn BAFTA, Don Coutts agus Annie Griffin, agus rionnag Still Game agus Eilbheas, Greg Hemphill. Gabhaidh na filmichean a bhuannaich agus inntrigidhean
fharpaiseach gu lèir ann am FilmG 2008 fhaicinn aig
www.filmg.co.uk BBC Radio nan Gaidheal presenter Janice Ann MacKay made a special guest appearance on stage and also interviewed the winners for popular young people’s programme, Aileag. MG ALBA awarded the pupils their trophy for their short, ‘An Dusgadh’ (The Awakening) which won the Best Film award in the Young People’s category in the inaugural competition. Due to adverse weather conditions the Castlebay pupils had been unable to travel to Inverness in February for the FilmG awards ceremony. Their win was celebrated instead at a special school ceremony last night. Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of MG ALBA said: “I am delighted to be presenting the pupils from Castlebay High School with their Best Film award. It was a shame the pupils could not be at the awards ceremony but I am pleased they have been able to help us launch FilmG 2009, which is now open for entries. “The FilmG competition is aimed at uncovering creative talent for BBC ALBA. I was hugely encouraged by last year’s standards and everyone involved with the channel was delighted at the extent of the creative talent in the Gaelic community. The theme for FilmG 2009 is Gaisgeach, or Hero, a fitting theme for our times and I am sure this year’s competition will uncover future champions for Gaelic and more real gems for Gaelic media.” Iain Maclean, Producer at Whisky Galore Film Ltd, who initiated the remake of Whisky Galore said: “It is wonderful to see such impressive creative talent bring electricity to filming in the Western Isles as well as the Gaelic community throughout Scotland. I am sure all of last year’s entries will act as a catalyst for all the hidden and currently gifted film makers we will see in FilmG in 2009.” The FilmG 2009 website has now gone live with full details of this year’s competition and how to enter. The deadline for entries is 20 November 2009. The competition will also be offering training and development support in the form of online video tutorials and on-site workshops. Details will be posted on the website in early May. FilmG 2008 was MG ALBA’s first Gaelic online short film competition. The competition was a huge success attracting over 50 entries and uncovering some really impressive new talent, with entries being received from as far afield as Canada and Alaska. The Highlands and Islands were particularly well represented. Winners in the Young People’s category included Portree High School for ‘Suirighe air astar - Disaster!’, with Mallaig High School student Megan MacLellan taking Best Performance for ‘An Rathad Dachaidh’. Best Film in the New Entrant Category went to Inverness based director, Seonaid MacDonald for ‘Oidhche Shathairne’ and Glasgow and North Uist based director, Uisdean Murray took the Professional award for ‘Suibhleachan’. The competition was open to all over the age of 12 to make three to five minute short films in Gaelic. Non Gaelic speakers and learners were particularly encouraged to get involved and have fun with the language through a creative project. The project was generously supported and endorsed by film industry professionals including BAFTA winning directors Don Coutts and Annie Griffin, as well as Still Game and Eilbhis star Greg Hemphill. All winning films and finalist entries from FilmG 2008 are available to watch at www.filmg.co.uk 17 March 09 5 February 09 5 February 09
1 February 09 Dh'ainmich Linda Fabiani foillseachadh a' Phlana aig deasbad sa Phàrlamaid mun Ghàidhlig feasgar an-diugh. Tha na ceuman a' gabhail a-steach a bhith a' gluasad gu cleachdadh ìomhaigh corporra dà-chànanach, fastadh tuilleadh oifigearan Gàidhlig gus sùil a chumail air adhartas a' Phlana agus a chur an gnìomh; a bhith a' cur air dòigh chothroman ionnsachaidh cànain don luchd-obrach, a bhith a' gabhail ri agus a' cur fàilte air foirmean a bhith air an lìonadh a-steach sa Ghàidhlig; a bhith a' dèanamh ullachaidh airson choinneamhan poblach a bhith air an cumail sa Ghàidhlig an uair a thathar mothachail air iarrtas air a shon; a bhith a' togail an àirde comas airson seirbheisean eadar-theangachaidh; agus a' brosnachadh co-sgrìobhadh ris an Riaghaltas sa Ghàidhlig. Thuirt Ministear na h-Eòrpa, Cùisean air an Taobh a-muigh agus Cultar Linda Fabiani: "Buinidh a' Ghàidhlig do dh'Alba. Cho math ri bhith na pàirt air leth is riatanach de ar beatha chultarail bheairteach, 's e cànan nàiseanta a tha innte is feumaidh sinn an aithne sin a thoirt dhi." "Tha Ministearan na h-Alba air ar seasamh a thaobh na Gàidhlig a dhèanamh glè shoilleir. Tha sinn dealasach ann a bhith a' sireadh àm ri teachd a bhios seasgair is seasmhach don chànan, agus tha foillseachadh ar Dreachd Phlana Gàidhlig na thuilleadh fianais air ar dìcheall a thaobh a bhith a' meudachadh cleachdadh na Gàidhlig sa bheatha phoblach." "Tha soirbheas BBC Alba na chomharra soilleir air cho dìoghrasach 's a thathar a thaobh na Gàidhlig. 'S e an dùbhlan a tha romhainn a thaobh na Gàidhlig san àm ri teachd an dìoghras sin a stiùireadh gus am bi daoine a' dèanamh barrachd cleachdadh den Gàidhlig agus gus meudachadh fhaicinn ann an àireamh luchd-labhairt na Gaidhlig. 'S ann a mhàin tro bhith a' brosnachadh tuisgse mun chànan agus a bhith ga cleachdadh is urrainn dhuinn àm ri teachd a tha dha-rìribh seasmhach a chruthachadh dhan Ghaidhlig. Tha Dreachd Phlana Gàidhlig Riaghaltas na h-Alba ag amas dìreach air sin - a bhith a' misneachadh tuilleadh cleachdadh den chànan tro bhith a' cruthachadh chothroman prataigeach airson a bhith ga cleachdadh." Tha Art MacCarmaig, Cathraiche Eadar-amail Bhòrd na Gàidhlig air fàilte a chur air Dreachd Phlana Gàidhlig Riaghaltas na h-Alba mar "dheagh chomharra soilleir air dealas leantainneach an Riaghaltais a thaobh a' chànain". Thuirt Mgr MacCarmaig: "Le bhith a' gabhail a' cheum chudromaich seo, tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba air fios a chur a-mach gu bheil fìor bhuannachd ann a bhith a' toirt taic agus comas leasachaidh dhan Ghaidhlig. Tha plana susbainteach an seo a tha iomchaidh airson a chuid ghnìomhan fhèin, ach tha e cuideachd a' toirt stiùir do bhuidhnean eile agus a' cur a-mach fios gu bheil Riaghaltas na h-Alba airson àm ri teachd seasmhach fhaicinn dhan Ghaidhlig, a dh'fhaodadh a bhith air a chleachdadh mar mhac-samhail aig iomadh ìre le buidhnean poblach, prìobhaideach agus saor-thoileach cho math ri daoine fa-leth. "Tha mi a' cur fàilte air dealas agus rùintean a' Mhinisteir ann a bhith a' foillseachadh an sgrìobhainn seo agus bu mhath leam ìmpidh a chur air gach neach aig a bheil ùidh sa Ghàidhlig, thairis air a h-uile raon anns a bheil sinn an sàs, eadar an dachaigh, foghlam is craoladh ann an Gàidhlig, am beachdan a dhèanamh follaiseach rè àm a' cho-chomhairleachaidh. Tha sin a' gabhail a-steach a bhith a' measadh an sgrìobhainn a tha far comhair agus cuideachd a bhith a' moladh leasachaidhean a dh'fhaoidte a dhèanamh air." Faodar freagairtean dhan cho-chomhairleachadh air Dreachd Phlana Gàidhlig Riaghaltas na h-Alba a chur gu làrach-lìn Riaghaltas na h-Alba. Faodar fiosan a chur cuideachd gu gaeliclanguageplan@scotland.gsi.gov.uk no gu planagaidhlig@scotland.gsi.gov.uk. Bidh an co-chomhairleachadh a' dol gu Giblean 29, 2009. Mar a tha mìnichte ann an Achd na Gaidhlig (Alba) 2005, faodaidh Bòrd na Gàidhlig iarraidh air buidhnean poblach am Planaichean Gàidhlig fhèin ullachadh. Tha na leanas air am planaichean fhoillseachadh cheana: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd, Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd 's nan Eilean, Earra-Ghàidheal is Bòid, agus Pàrlamaid na h-Alba. Tha Comhairle Baile Ghlaschu air a phlana ullachadh agus co-chomhairleachadh a dhèanamh air agus tha na buidhnean a leanas ag ullachadh phlanaichean aig an àm a tha an làthair: Comhairle Baile Dhùn Èideann, Luchd-sgrùdaidh na Banrigh air Foghlam, Ùghdarras Theisteanas na h-Alba, Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd 's nan Eilean, Ionnsachadh is Teagaisg Alba, agus Comhairle Maoineachaidh na h-Alba. O chionn ghoirid chaidh iarraidh air na buidhnean a leanas planaichean ullachadh: NHS na Gàidhealtachd, NHS nan Eilean Siar, Caledonian Mac a' Bhriuthainn, Maoin Mara Chaledonian Earranta, Ùghdarras nan Croitearan, Dualchas Nàdair na h-Alba, Coimisean na Coilltearachd agus Visit Scotland. ENGLISH VERSION Linda Fabiani announced publication of the Draft Plan during a parliamentary debate on Gaelic this afternoon. Measures proposed include a move to a bilingual corporate identity; the recruitment of further Gaelic officers to monitor and implement the Plan; making Gaelic language training available for staff; accepting and welcoming the completion of forms in Gaelic; making provision for holding public meetings in Gaelic where a demand is demonstrated; building capacity for translation services; and encouraging correspondence with the Government in Gaelic. Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture Linda Fabiani said: "Gaelic belongs to Scotland. As well as being a unique and essential part of our rich cultural life, it is a national language and we must recognise it as such. "Scottish Ministers have made our position on Gaelic very clear. We are committed to a secure and sustainable future for the language, and publication of our Draft Gaelic Language Plan is further evidence of our dedication to increasing the use of Gaelic in public life. "The success of BBC Alba is a clear indication of the enthusiasm for Gaelic. The challenge for the future of Gaelic is to convert such enthusiasm into increased use of the language and an increase in the number of Gaelic speakers. Only through encouraging appreciation and use of the language can we build a truly sustainable future for Gaelic. "The Scottish Government's Draft Gaelic Language Plan is aimed at exactly that - encouraging increased use of the language by creating practical opportunities for its use." Interim Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig Arthur Cormack has hailed the Scottish Government's Draft Gaelic Language Plan as a "welcome and positive indication of the Government's continuing commitment to the language". Mr Cormack said: "By taking this significant step, the Scottish Government has signalled that there is real benefit in sustaining and developing Gaelic. It is a meaningful plan that applies to its own operations, but also offers a lead to other organisations with a clear message that the Scottish Government wants to see a sustainable future for Gaelic, which can be followed through at all sorts of levels by public, private and voluntary bodies as well as individuals. "I welcome the Minister's commitment and intentions in launching the document and I would urge everyone with an interest in Gaelic, in all the range of areas we operate in, from the family home to education and broadcasting in Gaelic, to make their opinions known during the consultation period. That applies equally to assessing the document as it stands and taking a look at how it could be developed." Responses to the consultation on the Scottish Government's Draft Gaelic Language Plan can be made via the Scottish Government website. Contributions can also be made to gaeliclanguageplan@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or planagaidhlig@scotland.gsi.gov.uk. The consultation runs until April 29, 2009. As stated in the Gaelic Language Act (Scotland) 2005, Bòrd na Gàidhlig can ask public bodies to produce their own Gaelic Language Plans. The following have already published their own plans: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Parliament. Glasgow City Council has prepared and consulted on its plan and the following are currently preparing plans: Edinburgh City Council, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education, the Scottish Qualifications Authority, the University of the Highlands and Islands, Learning and Teaching Scotland, and the Scottish Funding Council. The following bodies have recently been asked to produce plans: NHS Highland, NHS Western Isles, Caledonian MacBrayne, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, the Crofters Commission, Scottish National Heritage, the Forestry Commission and Visit Scotland. 7 December 08 The book follows the successful production of 'Duan Nollaig' in 2007 - the only double CD of Gaelic Christmas songs and carols for all ages. The Duan Nolliag CD proved to be a great success, remaining at the top of the Christmas best seller lists in Scotland for several weeks over the 2007 festive season and has continued to sell well all year round. Both the Duan Nollaig book and CD were created through the Council's Mairi Mhor Gaelic Song Fellowship in response to requests from all over the world for recorded and published Gaelic Christmas songs and carols. Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chairman of The Highland Council Gaelic Committee said: "The publication of Duan Nollaig is not only in time for Christmas but it is very appropriate as we look towards the Year of Homecoming 2009. In addition to providing an excellent teaching resource for all Gaelic Medium teachers throughout Scotland, the book will also strike a chord with Gaelic speakers and learners at home and abroad." Fiona Mackenzie Highland Council's Mairi Mhor Gaelic Song Fellowship Officer said: "Following the initial success of the CD, I received many emails and calls from all over the world, particularly from teachers and solo singers, for a published version of the songs. There is no other Gaelic carol book in publication at present, and certainly no book which contains actual arrangements of Gaelic Christmas songs." Irvin Duguid, who produced the CD, has arranged sixteen of the songs taken from the CD, for voice, piano and guitar and they include traditional Gaelic Christmas hymns such as: "Laoidh Mhoire Mhaighdeann" (the Virgin Mary's Hymn); Other well known Christmas songs such as 'Air a Chiad latha' (The 12 Days of Christmas) and 'Nollaig Chridheil' (We wish you a Merry Christmas) are also included. Fiona added: "We hope that the book will prove very useful to teachers particularly in Highland schools who struggle every year, to find suitable and attractive material for the numerous concerts and Nativity plays at Christmas." The 'Duan Nollaig Book' will be available priced around ý10 from Highland Council's Education Centre in Dingwall; Highlander Music in Muir of Ord; The Music Shop, Inverness; other retailers and online from www.musicscotland.com and www.footstompin.com. For more information, e-mail: fiona.mackenzie@highland.gov.uk October 2008 November 2008
September 2008 16 September 08 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 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 4 July 08 2 July 08 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 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:
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
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Highland Council Gaelic Toolkit
Blas Festival 2009
Story Of Gaelic
Speaking People Mairead McDonald sings about life on Eriskay Tional - A Gaelic Language Gathering Spring 2008
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Thurso Gaelic Playgroup
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis
Comann nam Pàrant Scottish Parliament Gaelic Web Site
Free Gaelic Lessons
Am Baile - The Gaelic Village
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Mar a Chuannic Mise: Nancy Dorian agus a
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