SNH launches consultation on second Gaelic Language Plan

The plan sets out how the organisation will build on achievements in order to strengthen its commitments to Gaelic promotion and development.

Consultation will run for six weeks and SNH is keen to attract as many respondents as possible to have their say on the language plan.

And the organisation will invite key stakeholders, including Scotland’s Environment and Rural Services (SEARS) partners and Gaelic development bodies to submit their views.

The plan has been prepared within the framework of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and highlights how SNH will use, and encourage the use of, Gaelic.

Ian Ross, the SNH chairman, said: “The Gaelic language is an integral part of our culture, as we can so readily see in place-names and the link between people and nature.

“We can see this clearly in names like ‘Leachkin’ where we are based in Inverness, which means, ‘broad hillside.’ However, the use of Gaelic is not restricted to the north.

“In North Lanarkshire, Cumbernauld, or Comar nan Allt, means ‘the meeting of the streams’ and in Glasgow Shettleston, or Baile Nighean Sheadna, is ‘the town of the daughter of Seadna’ in Gaelic. So there is a rich tradition and heritage to look up to, and we are keen to play our part in revitalising and strengthening the language.

“We are committed to enhancing the status of Gaelic and creating opportunities for its use, and I would commend this second iteration of our plan.”

Proposals in the plan include increasing Gaelic on signage and in publications; a renewed pledge to boost visibility of the language within heritage interpretation materials, and a commitment to research projects bolstering nature terminology in Gaelic.

Among the organisation’s standout achievements over the past five years has been the ‘Gaelic in the Landscape’ series of place-names booklets and partnership events with Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail at several National Nature Reserves.

These steps will build on the successes of SNH’s first Gaelic Language Plan.

People have until 5pm on the 14th September 2015 to submit their views on the plan, copies of which are available online at http://www.snh.gov.uk/about-snh/info-services/gaelic/gaelic-language-consultation/.

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Nancy Fraser, SNH media & public relations officer on 0141 951 0809 / 0141 951 4488 or nancy.fraser@snh.gov.uk