Comhairle Welcomes Bord na Gaidhlig Comments on Gaelic Plan

The Comhairle welcomes the comments from Bòrd na Gàidhlig on the Gaelic Language Plan.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig said, “The work that has been carried out regarding the use of social media to promote Gaelic has been welcomed.  The Bòrd is pleased to see that members of staff have been give the opportunity to attend Gaelic classes. It is also encouraging to see that the council have offered fluent members of staff the opportunity to undertake grammar classes.”

“The Bòrd is pleased to see that the progress of this plan complements the priorities in the National Plan. The progress that has been made throughout the area regarding the promotion of the learning and usage of Gaelic. The Council has carried out praiseworthy work in in the area to create usage opportunities for both children and adults. The Bòrd praises the Council for the creation of the Dìleab project. The Project has created important opportunities for people in the Western Isles to use Gaelic with other generations.”

Bòrd na Gàidhlig also highlighted the Comhairle’s new Gaelic Medium Education policy saying, “The Bòrd welcomes the changes within the Council's education policy that has resulted in all children, who are starting primary one, being enrolled in Gaelic medium education in the first instance, with the opportunity for parents to opt for English medium should they wish. This progress will contribute to growth in the usage and learning of Gaelic within the Western Isles. Following on from this, the Bòrd praises the Council for organising an information session about the benefits of Gaelic medium education, that was made available for attendance in Stornoway and online.

Cllr John A Maciver, Chair of the Gaelic Committee, said: “These are good comments from Bòrd na Gàidhlig on the work that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar does in relation to Gaelic.  The Comhairle is fully committed to the Gaelic Language and will continue to encourage the use of Gaelic throughout the Western Isles.”