Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 12 December 2000 For Use: Immediately

Comhairle Boosts Gaelic Development

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is adopting a stronger, more focused approach to Gaelic Development with the setting up of 'Sgioba Na Gaidhlig' (Gaelic Team) in the Chief Executive's Office.

Chief Executive Bill Howat said: "The Comhairle is extremely keen to boost our Gaelic Development role and this is the most obvious way of both strengthening that role and providing a more focussed approach. With the Mod coming to Stornoway in less than nine months it is essential that we have skilled and motivated individuals in the Comhairle who will be able to maximise the opportunities arising from that event and the economic bonus that the Western Isles will receive as a result. In the longer term we will promote development of the Gaelic language and culture in terms to maximise the economic development opportunities associated with the language."

The new unit will provide a team based approach for Gaelic Development whilst building on existing strengths within the Comhairle.

Convener Alex MacDonald said: "The Comhairle has always prided itself on our commitment to the Gaelic language. We are the local authority serving the heartland of the Gaelic culture and this strengthening of the Gaelic role is a logical extension of the Comhairle's commitment to the language and the development of the Gaelic culture. It is particularly fitting that this will be taking place in the same year that the Mod returns to Stornoway."

A new policy unit will be formed within the Chief Executive's Office, bringing the number of policy officers to three. The policy officers will operate within the three main areas to be developed under Community Planning - Sustainable Development, Learning and Culture, Social Justice and Health.

The aim is to have the new Policy Unit fully operational by April 2001.

Enhanced Gaelic Development within the Balivanich, Tarbert and Castelbay offices is also being explored.

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