Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Scottish Government‘s public consultation on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. Amongst the points raised, we said:
“Although there is a range of general information, there is insufficient detail around how the UNCRC will impact positively on the rights of Gaelic-speaking children and young people and their families.”
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Scottish Government‘s public consultation on the Draft Guidance and General Determination for Teacher Qualification in Further Education. Amongst the points raised, we said:
“A range of Further Education courses either through the medium of Gaelic or with content relating to Gaelic are currently provided by UHI and Kelvin College, for example. As GME expands across the country and new programmes are created, it will be important to ensure that the Guidance is sufficiently inclusive of both Gaelic and English delivery to be applicable across the entire TQFE course spectrum.”
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to Transport Scotland‘s public consultation on the Islands Connectivity Plan – Strategic Approach and Vessels and Ports Plan. Amongst the points raised, we said:
“Young people are the future of Gaelic. Good transport links allow them to meet up/interact with Gaelic speakers elsewhere and experience cultural activities, sports, debating competitions, etc. This offers more opportunities for young people to use Gaelic outside school and in different settings.”
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill. Amongst the points raised, we said:
“It is crucial that all proposals relating to education are fully consistent with the provision of education in Scotland being delivered in two languages, either through the medium of Gaelic or through the medium of English. In relation to additional support needs and the specific needs of neurodivergent children and young people there are a range of specific issues relating to immersion education and bilingualism which should always be referenced across all proposals. Bòrd na Gàidhlig and other organisations such as Stòrlann and Education Scotland can provide input to support inclusion of both Gaelic Medium and English Medium (EME) provision.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig firmly supports the visionary nature of the Consultation Document and the statement on p23: “everyone providing support or services, such as healthcare, education and care, … are clear about their duties under the Bill and who this applies to”.”
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to Edinburgh World Heritage‘s consultation, in partnership with Edinburgh’s historic city managers, Historic Environment Scotland, and the City of Edinburgh Council, on Managing the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Amongst the points raised, we said:
“There is no reference to Gaelic in the two documents although there are some references to language and intangible cultural heritage.
“As Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh should look to support the growth of the unique Gaelic language and culture which is part of our national identity.”
The full response can be accessed here.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Scottish Parliament consultation on the Scottish Languages Bill. Amongst the points raised, we said:
Focus on strengthening development and policy cohesion in communities is a priority of Bòrd na Gàidhlig. Our key delivery bodies are integral to the on-the-ground work, and delivery of the national priorities agreed in the National Gaelic Language Plan.
The full response can be accessed here.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the UK Government consultation on the 2003 UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Amongst the points raised, we said:
The UK is a party to treaties such as the Council of Europe’s European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and its Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, which create obligations for the UK (and not just the devolved administrations) in relation to the UK’s autochthonous minority languages.
The full response can be accessed here.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to Transport Scotland’s consultation, Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Services Contract. Amongst the points raised, we said:
Modern, sustainable, reliable ferry services with sufficient capacity and affordable fares are of utmost importance in sustaining the island communities of Gaelic speakers, and thus in sustaining and growing the Gaelic language.
The full response can be accessed here.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill. Amongst the points raised, we said:
“Language and culture create self-esteem, nurture self-confidence, define identity and improve quality of life. It is an extremely important principle for Gaelic speakers that the right to use the language is a human right with a linguistic basis rather than simply a cultural one.”
The full response can be accessed here.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Scottish Parliament’s consultation, Financial Memorandum of the Scottish Languages Bill. Amongst the points raised, we said:
“The Financial Memorandum outlines, at paragraph 6, that “This is a Bill to ensure that there is a structure in place across government and the wider Scottish Administration to meet the needs of Gaelic and Scots communities and languages for the future.” Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcome this aspiration, however, we have concerns that this is achievable under the current financial model”
The full response can be accessed here.
