The Scottish Parliament has renewed its commitment to Gaelic with the publication of its new Gaelic Language plan. The plan, published yesterday, sets out how the Scottish Parliament will promote and support the language over the next five years.
The Parliament’s Presiding Officer, Ken Macintosh MSP, said the plan demonstrates the value and respect Holyrood has for the Gaelic language.
Mr Macintosh said: “For more than a decade, Scots law has recognised the cultural and historic significance of Gaelic, and the vital part it plays in our nation’s age-old story and identity.
“As someone born in the Highlands and the son of a native Gaelic speaker, I was proud to be one of those who voted to pass the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.
“Over the past 10 years, our plans have ensured that people see and hear Gaelic being used in our Parliament. Despite the prominence of the language at Holyrood, Gaelic remains vulnerable and we cannot afford to be complacent.
“In this our third language plan, our focus is on public services and activities in Gaelic that provide a clear offer to the public, staff and MSPs alike. When it comes to Gaelic at the Parliament, we want people to see it, hear it, and use it.”
The Presiding Officer added: “We hope our continued value and respect for Gaelic is reflected in our priorities for the years ahead.”
Welcoming the publication of the Gaelic Plan Daibhidh Boag, Director of Language Planning and Community Developments with Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig is delighted to see the publication of the Scottish Parliament’s Gaelic Plan for 2018 to 2023.
“Parliament’s support for Gaelic is crucial to the future of the language and we welcome the continuing commitment to ensuring that the language is prominent throughout the Parliament building and in the work of the Parliament. The National Gaelic Language Plan 2018-2023 has increased usage of Gaelic; increased learning of the language and the promotion of a positive image for Gaelic as its core aims and it is essential that high-profile national bodies such as the Scottish Parliament should reflect those aims and objectives”
To accompany publication of the new plan, Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh appears in a 30 second social media video entitled “Gaelic at the Scottish Parliament: See it, Hear it, Use it” in which he and Parliament staff encourage viewers to learn and use words of Gaelic they might encounter in Parliament.
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