Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Scottish Government consultation on Democracy Matters. Amongst points raised, we said:
“There is a need for participation, inclusion and acknowledgement of Gaelic needs and Gaelic matters in areas which have Gaelic communities.”
The full response can be accessed here.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Care Inspectorate consultation on the Quality Framework for Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Services. Amongst points raised, we said:
Bòrd na Gàidhlig recommends additional consideration of GME [Gaelic Medium Education] across the framework to ensure that the dual nature of Early Learning and Childcare in Scotland is appropriately represented.
The full response can be accessed here.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Scottish Parliament consultation on Your Views on Additional Support for Learning in Scotland. Amongst points raised, we said:
Specialist support staffing such as Educational Psychologists who are trained in issues relating to bilingual and immersion education, who are also Gaelic speakers, are needed.
The full response can be accessed here.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the North Lanarkshire Council consultation on the Reconfiguration of Early Learning, Childcare and Primary Education in the West Area of Cumbernauld. Amongst points raised, we said:
The numbers of children now in GME [Gaelic Medium Education] primary and Early Years clearly merit the establishment of a standalone GME Primary school with appropriate accommodation and a Head Teacher and staffing team leading GME in North Lanarkshire into the next phase of development.
The full response can be accessed here.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Scottish Government consultation on the Provisions of the Education Bill. Amongst points raised, we said:
Schools must be supported to provide a breadth of opportunities in GME [Gaelic Medium Education]. Those who have benefited from GME in Early Years and Primary Settings should not have to lose Gaelic as their main language of instruction to study another subject and participate in other learning experiences in Senior Phase.
The full response can be accessed here.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Glasgow City Council consultation on the Glasgow City Centre Strategy 2024 – 2030. Amongst points raised, we said:
“Increased use and visibility of Gaelic within Glasgow city centre would increase wellbeing for Gaelic users, learners, and supporters – who have great pride in the language and culture.”
The full response can be accessed here.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Historic Environment Scotland consultation on the Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park. Amongst points raised, we said:
“Inclusion of Gaelic within the Draft Outline Strategic Plan will reflect its status as a national language in the context of Holyrood Park as “a place of national and international value’.”
The full response can be accessed here.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has announced an expansion to its Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd (Community Grants) Scheme, offering extended funding opportunities to impactful Gaelic projects. In a move to support community initiatives across Scotland, the scheme will now provide grants for up to two years – doubling the previous one-year funding period.
Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd is Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s primary fund for supporting organisations in delivering projects to promote and increase the usage and learning of Gaelic at community level.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig will provide an annual budget of £100,000 to allow applicants to apply for support of up to £10,000 for their projects. The scheme’s application window will open on Tuesday, November 14th and close in January 2024.
Last year, Bòrd na Gàidhlig proudly supported 64 projects through Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd. These included awards of £5,000 to the Western Isles Community Society, to mark the centenary of the departure of 1,500 Hebrideans to Canada, from Lochboisdale and Stornoway, and also Àrd-sgoil Phort Rìgh for its continued support to Gaelic education.
Other organisations to benefit from funding included Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Artsplay Highland, Lingo Flamingo in Glasgow, and Alzheimer Scotland.
Mary MacInnes, Chair at Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said:
“Our organisation is dedicated to nurturing a culture of positive change and empowerment within our community. We believe that by extending the grant period to two years, we can be the catalyst for even more meaningful and lasting transformations. We invite all passionate individuals and community groups to take this opportunity and be a part of this journey with us.”
To learn more about the Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd grant scheme and its expanded funding opportunities, please visit the Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd information page or contact Bòrd na Gàidhlig at tabhartas@gaidhlig.scot.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Highland Council consultation on GME catchment areas for Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, Inverness Royal Academy, Dingwall Primary School, Dingwall Academy, Millbank Primary School and Nairn Academy. Amongst points raised, we said:
Bòrd na Gàidhlig recognises the complexity of provision in the listed [Associated School Groups] and commends the work officers have done to find solutions to a wide range of challenges. Bòrd na Gàidhlig recommends that whatever the outcome of decision-making regarding catchments, a publicity initiative is developed so that parents can easily understand where their GME service is located and how they might access transport support.
The full response can be accessed here.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Scottish Government consultation on the delivery of relationships, sexual health and parenthood (RSHP) education in Scottish schools. Amongst points raised, we said:
There is no reference to the Gaelic language in the updated draft guidance. To cater for Gaelic medium school children the guidance and related resources need to be made available in Gaelic and include up-to-date terminology.
The full response can be accessed here.
