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Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Scottish Government‘s public consultation on the Draft Guidance and General Determination for Teacher Qualification in Further Education.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 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.
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.
