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5 February 09
BÒRD NA GÀIDHLIG LAUNCHES MYGAELIC.COM
The Gaelic development agency Bòrd na Gàidhlig, launched a major new information and networking site on 4th February 2009, www.mygaelic.com which aims to be the place to visit for everyone who wants to learn more about Gaelic - Gaelic language and culture, tourism, events relating to Gaelic and, how and where they can engage with the language. mygaelic.com is aimed at Gaelic speakers and novices alike, offering something for everyone with an interest in wishing to learn more about the language or indeed learning to speak Gaelic. The website was launched in Glasgow by Minister for Gaelic Linda Fabiani, where representatives of various Gaelic organisations were invited to view the innovative new communication channel.
Dh'fhoillsich Bòrd na Gàidhlig, a' phrìomh bhuidheann poblach le uallach airson leasachadh na Gàidhlig, làrach-lìn ùr fiosrachaidh agus lìonraidheil - mygaelic.com - an-diugh (Diciadain 4 Gearran 2009). Tha mygaelic.com ag amas air a bhith na h-àite tadhail do neach sam bith a tha airson barrachd fiosrachaidh fhaotainn mun Ghàidhlig - an cànan agus an cultar, turasachd agus tachartasan co-cheangailte ri Gàidhlig, agus dòighean agus làraich eile far an urrainn dhaibh a dhol an sàs anns a' chànan. Tha mygaelic.com airson an dà chuid luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig, agus an fheadhainn a tha ùr dhan chànan. Bidh an làrach inntinneach do gach neach aig a bheil ùidh ann an Gàidhlig no a tha airson barrachd fiosrachaidh fhaotainn mun chànan, no a' Ghàidhlig ionnsachadh.

1 February 09
A' BROSNACHADH CLEACHDADH NA GÀIDHLIG SA BHEATHA PHOBLACH
Tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba air a' chiad Dreachd Phlana Gàidhlig a chur a-mach gu co-chomhairleachadh poblach. Tha am Plana a' moladh cheuman gus luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh gu bhith a' cleachdadh na Gàidhlig an uair a tha iad a' dèiligeadh ris an Riaghaltas.

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
The Scottish Government has published its Draft Gaelic Language Plan for consultation. The Plan proposes measures to encourage Gaelic speakers to use the language when contacting the Government.

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
Council publishes Gaelic Carol Book in time for Christmas
A Christmas Gaelic song and carol book titled "Duan Nollaig" has been published this week by The Highland Council's Mairi Mhor Gaelic Song Fellowship.

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);
- translations of well known carols such as 'Ciain an Oidhche' (Silent Night) and Fada Cian ann an Staball (Away in a Manger); and
- songs suitable for young children such as 'Rinn sinn bodach sneachd an diugh' (We made a snowman today).

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
or telephone: 01349 863441.

October 2008
Royal National MOD - Falkirk 2008

November 2008
Blas Festival 2008     Click Here For Blas Festival 2009 4 - 12 Sep 2009

September 2008
BBC Alba Launch Night - The New Gaelic TV Station
Reworking of Runrig's "Alba", first tune on the opening night on Scotland's new TV channel, BBC Alba.

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".

Gheibhear leth-bhreac dhen cheisteachain aig www.heclaconsulting.co.uk

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."

A copy of the questionnaire is available at: www.heclaconsulting.co.uk

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
Royal National MOD - 2007 Fort William
2006
2004 - 2005

Highland Council Gaelic Toolkit

Blas Festival 2009
4 - 12 September 2009
Gaelic Site

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

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Mar a Chuannic Mise: Nancy Dorian agus a Ghàidhlig
This documentary looks at the work of American linguist Professor Nancy C Dorian amongst the last speakers of East Sutherland Gaelic.  Almost 30 minutes

Speaking Our Language - Episode One  Part One

Speaking Our Language - Episode One Part Two

Speaking Our Language - Episode One Part Three

LEGA Gaelic Home PageSabhal Mor Ostaig - The Gaelic College Skye
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig  Colaiste Ghàidhlig na h-Alba

National Centre For Migration Studies

Gaelic Items Archive 2006
Earlier Gaelic News Items on Caithness.org Archive 2003 - 2005

©2001 Google