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Consultation Response: Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill

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Bòrd na gàidhlig have submitted a response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill. Amongst the points raised, we said:

“In Gaelic medium Education (GME), practical experiences to use the language are essential. Access to a range of outdoor experiences can enable children and young people to use their Gaelic language skills in social settings by taking the language out of the classroom. The sooner these opportunities are provided the better to help develop confidence and language skills.”

The full response can be read here.

Research on Gaelic Early Years Provision (0-3)

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Today Bòrd na Gàidhlig published a report on the research we commissioned looking at Gaelic early years provision (0-3) in Scotland.

The research was conducted by Professor Wilson McLeod and identifies a wide range of issues that effect early years (EY) provision. Professor McLeod also makes a number of suggestions for possible improvements in the EY sector in the report, including the prospects for addressing issues around Gaelic EY provision through the Scottish languages Bill.

Jennifer McHarrie, Director of Education, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said:

“Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcomes this research which was commissioned to assess the current levels of Gaelic early years provision across Scotland. This report contains recommendations for changes that can be made by a number of organisations who are active in this sector to create more complete and effective provision.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to support growth in Gaelic, particularly at the early years level. The earlier a child hears and engages with the language, the more likely they are to develop a lifelong interest and become more proficient.

The full report is available to read here.

Survey on Gaelic Usage 2024

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Every year we run a short questionnaire looking at the use of Gaelic and how Gaelic usage might have changed over the last year.

We’re looking for anyone with a little bit or a lot of Gaelic to fill in the questionnaire and it will take less than 5 minutes to complete.

The questionnaire is only open for 24hrs and will close at 1pm tomorrow, Wednesday 26.06.24!

Complete the questionnaire here.

Stakeholder Survey 2023

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Have you had dealings with Bòrd na Gàidhlig in the past year?

The Stakeholder Survey 2023 is now open and we look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions.

It would be much appreciated if you could complete this form by 5pm on Monday 23rd October 2023.

New Ceannard of Bòrd na Gàidhlig Appointed

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig today announced the appointment of Ealasaid MacDonald as its new Ceannard (CEO) who will take up the post in September 2023.

Ealasaid, hailing from the Western Isles and with her home in Stornoway has extensive experience of working in both mainland and island settings.  In her current role as Director of Strategy and External Affairs with MG ALBA she leads on corporate and stakeholder communications. With experience of working in the public sector and as a freelance policy and public affairs consultant, Ealasaid has been at the forefront of many initiatives and developments to promote the needs of Gaelic speakers throughout her career.

Based in Stornoway, Ealasaid will lead Bòrd na Gàidhlig through forthcoming developments, working closely with Board members and the senior management team, and also with Scottish Government, public bodies and Gaelic communities.

Màiri MacInnes, Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ealasaid to this important role, at an exciting time for the progress of the Gaelic language with a new National Gaelic Language Plan and a new Scottish Languages Bill. She has a background working with key public bodies and with a particular focus on corporate policy initiatives. With her experience of working in this sector, Bòrd na Gàidhlig will benefit from the skills she has acquired in management and development issues related to the Gaelic language and culture.”

Ealasaid said, “I am very pleased to be taking on this important role at a crucial time for Gaelic. I look forward to working with our communities, Gaelic organisations and wider partners to develop the Gaelic language across Scotland and beyond. Working in partnership is a reason for success as we look towards the new National Plan for Gaelic, it is more important than ever.”

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I would like to welcome the appointment of Ealasaid MacDonald as the next CEO at Bòrd na Gàidhlig and congratulate her on a successful application for this important ministerial appointment.”

“The Scottish Government is looking forward to working closely with Ealasaid and the team at Bòrd na Gàidhlig in supporting and promoting Gaelic across Scotland as we prepare to take forward our Scottish Languages Bill.”

Statement on Gaelic Event at the Scottish Parliament (27.06.2023)

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Mary McInnes, Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig said about the event:

“We welcome today’s event about Gaelic in the Scottish Parliament. Bòrd na Gàidhlig continues to work with communities and organisations in the Western Isles and elsewhere to increase the use of Gaelic as a community language.

“This follows the recognition in the third National Gaelic Language Plan that the traditional Gaelic communities face challenges in retaining economically active populations and that innovative solutions are critical in relation to employment, housing, transport, childcare and health care.

“It is vital that our Gaelic communities are at the forefront of consideration at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands and Regional Economic Partnership, and that their voice is represented in consultations on issues such as HPMAs, ferry services, housing and land reform.

“Bòrd na Gàidhlig received additional funding from the Scottish Government in 2021 and 2022 to support a network of Gaelic officers, who work with 20 community organisations in the islands, to strengthen both the use of Gaelic and its development. This scheme has awarded almost £1million since its inception two years ago.”

You can listen to the BBC’s report on the event on Aithris na Maidne here. The piece runs from 0:13:05 to 0:20:50.

Short Life Working Group on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic: Report to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy

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In March 2022, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy convened a Short Life Working Group (the Group) with an aim to strengthen Gaelic by means of a focus on economic opportunities and to strengthen the economy by making the most of Gaelic opportunities. The Group has published a report this morning explaining the context in which the group worked, some of the challenges facing Gaelic and also the good opportunities the languages has for positive social, economic, cultural, and educational outcomes.

The report is available on the Scottish Government’s website in both Gaelic and English and can be read here.

As part of the process, Bòrd na Gàidhlig me twith the Group on two occasions before submitting a paper to the Group, reporting and commenting on childcare, health and social care, tourism, education and teacher recruitment, housing, and a range of other issues impacting Gaelic in Scotland today. Bòrd na Gaelic have also made this paper available to read here.

On publication of the report, Mairi MacInnes, Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said:

“We welcome the Short Life Working Group’s Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic report to Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy.  It clearly demonstrates the links between economic opportunities the language creates and the changes required to safeguard and grow Gaelic. Bòrd na Gàidhlig also welcome the group’s acknowledgment that additional funding is required to take forward new initiatives and Gaelic policy development and that it is an important aspect of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.  We were pleased to provide evidence to the Group across a range of policy areas.

“This report highlights the need for traditional communities of Gaelic speakers to be maintained and increased. This echoes the National Gaelic Language Plan which emphasises the demographic challenges island and rural communities face.  These include lack of housing, the working-age population, poor transport links and social challenges and provides a range of solutions.  It also recognises the role and importance of the urban communities in increasing the number of Gaelic speakers and use of the language.

“Bòrd na Gàidhlig is committed to working collaboratively to help implement these recommendations and drive positive change.”

Bòrd na Gàidhlig commissions new research into links between wellbeing and Gaelic

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As understanding and increasing wellbeing become more important in all our lives, Bòrd na Gàidhlig has awarded a commission to DC Research to carry out a study into how Gaelic enhances the wellbeing of individuals, communities and the nation as a whole.

Wellbeing is increasingly recognised as a factor in a wide range of fields across the economy and society. Online meetings in Gaelic during the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated that wellbeing, inclusion and networking were important and could be enhanced, and also demonstrated the role of Gaelic in increasing wellbeing generally.

The recent Scottish Social Attitudes Survey (2021) revealed that 70% of those learning Gaelic believed that this contributed to their wellbeing.  As the numbers of people learning the language grows, this aspect of engaging with Gaelic could be increasingly important.

When it commences this month, the research will evaluate and describe how Gaelic contributes more widely to society as more than just a language but as a culture and provide an understanding of how facets of wellbeing can be used to assist and encourage Gaelic users, as speakers and learners and as a language community. It will also set out, in a political context, how Gaelic contributes to the National Performance Framework (NPF), as well as seeking to evaluate and describe the contribution of Gaelic so that this is recognised while also considering research in other minority languages.

Shona MacLennan, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “We recognise that wellbeing is increasingly important, both for individuals and for society.  The evidence from this research will help us to make stronger arguments for ensuring that Gaelic, and its contribution to wellbeing, is recognised and supported in national and regional policies so as to provide greater support for Gaelic communities.”

Dr Stephen Connolly, Director at DC Research and project manager for the research, who will be working alongside Professor Mike Danson, Dr Douglas Chalmers and Eilidh Danson on the study, said: “We are looking forward to exploring these issues around Gaelic and wellbeing in consultations with a range of experts, speakers and influencers from Scotland and internationally over the summer months”.

Rural and Islands College Merger proposal: consultation

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the consultation: Rural and Islands College Merger proposal. Among the points raised:

We would recommend that part of the merger proposals could include plans to build capacity to deliver such a range of subjects in the medium of Gaelic, in particular to support schools. This could include using college staff to deliver Senior Phase courses in either face-to-face or online settings.

We would expect that an Islands Communities Impact Assessment would be undertaken as part of the merger process. Reflecting Scottish Government guidance, this needs to include the impacts on the Gaelic language.

The full response can be accessed here.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig Seeks New Ceannard

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig is the public body responsible for planning and leading the campaign to promote the Gaelic language and its culture in Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. Our aim is that the Gaelic language will be seen and heard on a daily basis throughout Scotland, to the extent that it will be recognized as a fundamental part of the lives of the people of Scotland and as a precious language that contributes to the culture and economy of the country.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig is looking for a bold and dynamic individual with a passion for Scotland’s Gaelic language and culture and someone who can drive forward this national asset. You may come from another public sector or third sector environment with a national focus.

As Ceannard, you will ensure that decisions and policies are implemented effectively and efficiently through leading the senior management team, managing the staff and through promoting BnG’s work with others.  In that role, building relationships with other organisations, public and community, as well as other government departments is key.

Responsibilities include:

  • Accountable to the Board, you will lead the work of the organisation, ensuring that the strategic aims and objectives of the organisation are achieved
  • Accountable to the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Ministers as the Accountable Officer for Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
  • Ensuring the organisation develops the National Gaelic Language Plan and monitors its implementation.
  • Partnership working, initiating and establishing innovative approaches to partnerships, and modelling excellent consultation and collaboration with key stakeholders
  • Leading and representing Bòrd na Gàidhlig to promote the work of the organisation, both internally and externally, working for the long-term aims of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and growing the reputation of the organisation
  • Guiding the development, monitoring and reviewing of strategies and plans, through the effective management of Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s activities and resources
  • Accountable for corporate governance and ensuring the organisation meets all regulatory and public sector responsibilities and duties

You will have the initiative and resilience to lead an organisation of this size in a complex environment. An outstanding communicator with integrity and enthusiasm to develop high performing teams and drive a culture of excellence. A commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity is essential to create an environment where everyone can meet their full potential.

Candidates need not necessarily have operated at CEO level before but will bring a breadth of leadership experience to this role.

If you share Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s ambitious vision and would relish driving this forward, we would very much welcome your application.

Further information:

Bòrd na Gàidhlig

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