Written Question · S5W-30414 · Session 5
What its response is to the recently-published study, The Gaelic crisis in the vernacular community, and which of its findings and recommen…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the recently-published study, The Gaelic crisis in the vernacular community, and which of its findings and recommendations it plans to act upon.
The answer
The Scottish Government is committed to supporting all our indigenous languages, including Gaelic. We recognise the benefits that they bring to the whole of Scotland and wish to afford those that are interested in learning them or learning through them the opportunities to do so.
The Scottish Government welcomes views from a range of points of view and policy officials are currently looking at this research and considering what we can learn from it. The Scottish Government is always open to new ideas and opportunities that may exist in improving the situation for Gaelic. Once detailed consideration has been given to the issues raised in the Report I will set out further comments in response.
The promotion of Gaelic in Island communities is an important priority and a number of organisations are working with the Scottish Government in developing and promoting Gaelic and whose work is already making a significant impact in Gaelic communities. There are many interventions and initiatives in place. For example, CnES has adopted a Gaelic first policy with GME default P1 entry, Gaelic is being actively promoted in Community Estates, Arts Centres and History Societies. There are Gaelic community development officers throughout the islands and strong Gaelic activity at Ceòlas, MG ALBA, Storlann, Fèisean nan Gidheal, e-Sgoil and with other bodies. As a result of this Gaelic is in schools, on television, Gaelic jobs for young people and Gaelic in important arts venues, festivals and in communities. It is thanks to this collaborative and innovative working that we are witnessing the increased growth of interest in the language.
Public Bodies also have an important role in supporting Gaelic. Many have national remits that can help in supporting the language and that is why I initiated the Faster Rate of Progress initiative in 2018. This brings 24 Public Bodies from across Scotland who are working to develop programmes that will support and grow Gaelic. I am committed to ensuring that work has a beneficial impact on supporting the Gaelic language.
The Scottish Government welcomes views from a range of points of view and policy officials are currently looking at this research and considering what we can learn from it. The Scottish Government is always open to new ideas and opportunities that may exist in improving the situation for Gaelic. Once detailed consideration has been given to the issues raised in the Report I will set out further comments in response.
The promotion of Gaelic in Island communities is an important priority and a number of organisations are working with the Scottish Government in developing and promoting Gaelic and whose work is already making a significant impact in Gaelic communities. There are many interventions and initiatives in place. For example, CnES has adopted a Gaelic first policy with GME default P1 entry, Gaelic is being actively promoted in Community Estates, Arts Centres and History Societies. There are Gaelic community development officers throughout the islands and strong Gaelic activity at Ceòlas, MG ALBA, Storlann, Fèisean nan Gidheal, e-Sgoil and with other bodies. As a result of this Gaelic is in schools, on television, Gaelic jobs for young people and Gaelic in important arts venues, festivals and in communities. It is thanks to this collaborative and innovative working that we are witnessing the increased growth of interest in the language.
Public Bodies also have an important role in supporting Gaelic. Many have national remits that can help in supporting the language and that is why I initiated the Faster Rate of Progress initiative in 2018. This brings 24 Public Bodies from across Scotland who are working to develop programmes that will support and grow Gaelic. I am committed to ensuring that work has a beneficial impact on supporting the Gaelic language.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-30414 by reference.