Gaelic Development
Gaelic is a living language and part of the diverse culture of Scotland. The language is a key part of the cultural identity of Scotland and especially of the people of the Highlands and Islands. The Executive is providing practical support for it
Bord na Gaidhlig - the development agency
The Report of the Ministerial Advisory Group, "A Fresh Start for Gaelic", was published in May 02 and Scottish Ministers announced that a Gaelic Development Agency would be established.
Bord na Gaidhlig ( Alba) was established in 2003.
The Bord has a crucial role in determining the priorities for Gaelic development in Scotland.
The Gaelic Languages Act 2005 will create Bord na Gaidhlig in statute with new functions and responsibilities.
Funding Programme
The Executive has a programme of £15 .3m a year for Gaelic
This comprises in 2005-06
• Gaelic-medium education £4.0m
• Bord na Gaidhlig £2.8m
• Gaelic Broadcasting £8.5m
Progress
• The Gaelic Language Act was given Royal Assent on 1 June 2005.
• There has been a growth in Gaelic-medium education since it started in 1986. A
provision in Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000 requires authorities to
consult on plans for Gaelic-medium education
• Discussions are being led by the Scotland Executive about the proposals for a dedicated
Gaelic channel on digital television
• Action groups have been set up to address issues of teacher recruitment and
development of the secondary curriculum.
• The Executive supports the Gaelic college, Sabhal Mor Ostaig
• There is an increase in Gaelic arts activities
• There is bilingual signage at the Parliament
• The annual National Mod continues to be successful