Category: Uncategorized

18.03.2021 

Bòrd na Gàidhlig today agreed to take forward projects which will strengthen Gaelic usage, with a strong focus on island and rural communities.  In recognition of the challenges caused by COVID-19 to school pupils in Gaelic medium education (GME), £212k of funding has been awarded to Comann na Gàidhlig, Comunn nam Pàrant and Fèisean nan Gàidheal to deliver additional activities in Gaelic for young people.  The Board also agreed the funding of a pilot scheme worth £154,000 which will be taken forward in collaboration with Community Land Scotland.

Press release here.

The next meeting of the Cross Party Group on Gaelic will be on Monday 15 February, 19.00-20.15, and will cover the topic of the Scottish Parliament Election 2021.

Register here

Bòrd na Gàidhlig (BnG) is the secretariat of The Cross-Party Group on Gaelic . The group meets at least twice a year, and is hosted by Chair Alasdair Allan (MSP).

We’ve invited each political party to the meeting and each representative will have the opportunity to talk about what they think the priorities are for Gaelic during the next parliamentary term of 2021 to 2026 and answer questions.

Agenda 15.02.2021

If you have a question for the political party representatives then please send this to fios@gaidhlig.scot.

Following on from various conversations with Gaelic organisations who expressed the view that more direct support for encouraging and supporting the use of Gaelic was required in the traditional communities, Bòrd na Gàidhlig now wants to establish a pilot project to increase the impact of the work of the Gaelic officers and provide them with increased support and development.

There is a growing number of third sector organisations which employ Gaelic officers working with various communities in Scotland. Many of these roles are funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig along with other public bodies, and many of the officers are the sole Gaelic officer within a wider organisation.

Should any organisations wish to submit an application to tender for the delivery of this pilot, they must register with Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) and then email oifis@gaidhlig.scot to let us know that this has been done. The tender closes at 12pm, 2 February 2021.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig achieved a year of successes, the organisation’s 2019-20 report has revealed. Bòrd na Gàidhlig (BnG) has also come in for praise from their external auditors.

The non-departmental public body has continued its work with delivery partners to increase the use, learning and promotion of Gaelic throughout Scotland, in urban areas and in the traditional communities. An increase of £0.04m of funding to £1.8m has enabled further work in 2019/20.

During the year, one of the exciting new projects established was #Cleachdi, which attracted interest from people of all ages. It is a campaign to encourage more people to use Gaelic more often in more situations, and reflects the overall aim of the current National Gaelic Language Plan. The impressive total of 13.8k promotional items were requested and distributed within the first 4 months of the initiative.

The original scheme then expanded into #Cleachdiaigantaigh / #Useitathome to encourage everyone to use Gaelic at home and, in particular, to support young people during lockdown. This has been valuable in homes where little Gaelic was spoken and this work continues, adding value to language learning.

Mary MacInnes, chair of BnG, said: “We have had an extremely productive year as is evident in the report. The organisation delivered many significant outputs and benefits for Gaelic during that year and made considerable improvements internally. This stood us in good stead at the time of lockdown and as a strong and confident team we faced the challenges of COVID.”

Highlights from 2019-20 report include:

• A significant increase in the number of public authorities developing and implementing Gaelic Language Plans – with a jump from 57 to 68 public authorities
• The stakeholders survey demonstrated that 83% agreed with the view that BnG fulfils its duties effectively and provides support.
• Internal systems were, and are continuing to be, improved with the result that 80% of staff reported that their work was satisfying and made a difference.
• 7 of the 9 KPIs in our Corporate Plan were achieved.
• 73 out of the 85 actions in our Operational Plan were achieved, 8 were partially completed in-year, and the 4 remaining completed post-year end
• An increased range of Gaelic officers in island and rural areas were funded
• An increase in funding to Gaelic hubs in cities to support increased demand for Gaelic.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig has also found praise following substantial improvements to leadership and governance, according to its latest annual report.

The organisation’s 2019-20 report highlighted that external auditors have credited the body for the strides it has taken following the implementation of a stringent improvement plan over the past 12 months.

Shona MacLennan, Ceannard (CEO) of BnG, said: “This was heartening and has given increased vigour to our continuous improvement processes. This year has seen a number of key successes for Bòrd na Gàidhlig. We have made significant strides in developing our organisation and this has ensured we have furthered the development of Gaelic in Scotland.”

The improvement plan identified development in four key areas – governance and transparency, training and development, communications, and value for money. Improvements have also focused upon the internal systems of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, in addition to the continued good work with stakeholders.

Mary MacInnes added: “While this concerning situation regarding COVID-19 continues to have considerable impact on Gaelic there are also fresh opportunities emerging. We aim to ensure progress and security for Gaelic in these unprecedented times through collaboration throughout the country. The many successes to date lay firm foundations for further development and this will require additional funding for Gaelic. By being bold and innovative, we can achieve many powerful and ambitious steps in building Gaelic’s place in a new and different Scotland, with Bòrd na Gàidhlig leading the way.”

Read Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s annual report 2019-20 here

Notes to Editors
• Bòrd na Gàidhlig received a total Grant-in-Aid allocation of just under £5.2 million in 19/20 – the financial allocation Bòrd na Gàidhlig is required to operate within by Scottish Ministers.
• £1.6 million covered core running costs, while £2.5 million went to Gaelic development funds – including community funding for people, projects and groups – and £1.1 million towards the Gaelic Language Plans Implementation Fund.

Today Bòrd na Gàidhlig launches an online questionnaire to collate ideas on what should be in the next National Gaelic Language Plan. The current National Gaelic language plan (NGLP) runs from 2018 to 2023, with the aim that the new plan will be published in 2023.

One of the key responsibilities of Bòrd na Gàidhlig under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is to prepare the National Gaelic language plan every 5 years, before submitting it to Scottish Ministers seeking approval.

The aim is to publish a draft of the next NGLP for a 3-month period of public consultation in Autumn 2021.

Daibhidh Boag, Director of Language Planning and Community Developments said, “At this point we are aiming to collect ideas from different people on their priorities for Gaelic development in the years to come.

“Important conversations are taking place just now about Gaelic development and this online questionnaire gives people from communities across the country the opportunity to take part.

“The results of this questionnaire will be used as a firm basis for the draft plan which will go out for public consultation for three months towards the end of next year, where the public will once more get the opportunity to give their views.”

Update: This questionnaire closed on Monday 25th of January 2021.

Monday 7th December 2020 marks the beginning of Colmcille 1500, a year-long commemoration of 1500 years since the birth of St. Columba and of his legacy. The year will begin and end on the 7th December, the traditional birthday of the saint.

Colmcille 1500 is being sponsored and facilitated by the partnership programme ‘Colmcille’ run by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Foras na Gaeilge linking Irish and Scottish Gaelic communities.

The monastic communities founded by Columba interacted over centuries with a wide range of peoples in Ireland in Scotland and northern England, and beyond, into continental Europe. The year will be celebrated in many different ways by diverse communities and organisations. Some will focus on the spiritual and religious legacy of the saint; some will be interested in the historical and archaeological angle; whilst others will celebrate the linguistic and cultural links between the Gaels across the globe.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Foras na Gaeilge will focus on the linguistic and cultural links between nations, with a range of events planned for launch week including:

• A series of video messages from individuals, groups and organisations celebrating Colmcille 1500 will be shared on the Colmcille Facebook page and on www.colmcille.net
• An online cèilidh will be held on the Colmcille Facebook page to celebrate and showcase both languages, music and culture.
• Bòrd na Gàidhlig will launch their Colmcille fund. This is an annual fund which is open to everyone and supports projects which look to strengthen ties between Gaelic speakers in Scotland and Ireland.

Shona MacLennan, Ceannard (CEO) of Bòrd na Gàidhlig said, “Saint Columba and his legacy have shaped the language, culture and history of Scotland and Ireland and as such, the year is an opportunity to strengthen the ties between the two countries. We look forward to more events throughout the year, with a key event being planned around the Feast of St Columba on the 9th of June 2021. I encourage everyone to take part in these and celebrate in any way they can.”

Some of the events planned for the year of Colmcille 1500 include:
• Showcase Scotland will create a short promotional video about Gaelic in Scotland, with funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig. This will be aimed at promoters of festivals and cultural events from abroad. There will also be an online reception/presentation (akin to the live Gaelic Showcase in years gone by).
• Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Foras na Gaeilge will encourage Gaelic medium schools to connect through projects from both sides of the Irish Sea.
• Bòrd na Gàidhlig are in talks with delivery partners to create a new online resource for schools which will teach basic phrases in Scottish Gaelic and Irish so that children (and adults) can connect in the language.
• Throughout the year, CHARTS, the Argyll based Scottish culture & heritage organisation, will announce the winners of their monthly arts award scheme and online exhibition to profile and support Gaelic artists work, aligned to themes of Colmcille: https://www.chartsargyllandisles.org/ .

Seán Ó Coinn, Príomhfheidhmeannach Fhoras na Gaeilge said, “With so much emphasis globally on that which separates us, celebrating Colmcille’s legacy in 2021 presents us with a welcome opportunity to accentuate common linguistic and cultural linkages between Ireland and Scotland, and Ireland, north and south. The commemoration planned for 2021 will also allow us to follow in Colmcille’s footsteps and celebrate his linguistic and cultural legacy beyond these islands.

“I look forward to new partnerships between schools, to new contacts between all generations, to new discoveries about the legacy of Colmcille, and to using that legacy of to further revival of local communities.”

In addition to the annual schemes that foster connections between Irish and Scottish Gaelic, Foras na Gaeilge hopes, shortly to announce an additional community funding programme to heighten awareness of Colmcille and his contribution to the linguistic and cultural links between Ireland and Scotland.

Visit www.colmcille.net for details on events.

Join us on social media through the #Colmcille1500 and #Colmcille hashtags and connect with the diverse Colmcille community online. Follow us on Instagram @Colmcille and like @Colmcille1500 on Facebook to keep updated on all our latest news.

Scottish Ministers are seeking to appoint three skilled and committed individuals to the board of the principal public body for the Gaelic language, Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig (BnG) are looking for individuals who share the ambitions of the National Gaelic Language Plan (NGLP) 2018-23 and who will contribute to the organisation’s strategic direction and in setting challenging objectives. Individuals will also help shape the aims for the fourth edition of the NGLP, due for release in 2023.

BnG is particularly looking for people who have previous experience of Change Management; Corporate Governance and understanding of financial oversight; Corporate Communication skills; are Strategic Planners; able to work with others and who are able to create organisational value through constructive challenge.

Cathraiche (Chair) of BnG, Màiri MacInnes said: “New board members are joining at a challenging and exciting time with the opportunity to add to the new NGLP. I would encourage all those with the commitment, expertise and passion in securing the future of the Gaelic language in all communities, whether that be online, cities or rural areas to apply for one of these appointments.”

Bòrd members will be expected to spend on average three days per month on BnG business. The appointment of the board members will be for a four year term with the possibility of re-appointment for a second term. The appointments will take effect on 1 April 2021, and the closing date for applications is midnight on 18 December 2020.

Interviews will take place on 27, 28 and 29 January 2021.

How to apply
An application pack and full details on these posts and other public appointments can be found at the public appointments website www.appointed-for-scotland.org.

Gaelic organisations are asking young people across the country to stand up and be heard as Bòrd na Gàidhlig launch opportunities for their voices to be listened to.

BnG will be running online surveys for young people based on their opinions and ideas for Gaelic usage and how to increase this within their communities.

The two surveys, which will be distributed to schools and community groups, are for Primary 5-7, Secondary pupils S1-S6 and for school leavers. The surveys will run until the 15th of November as the Gaelic development body collates opinions critical to the future of the language and how young people can help contribute to this across Scotland.

As part of its #cleachdi initiative, these surveys will also contribute to three online focus groups run by Bòrd na Gàidhlig in partnership with groups such as Comunn na Gàidhlig, Fèisean nan Gàidheal and YoungScot. Those who complete the surveys will have the opportunity to become involved in the focus groups. We hope that this will also encourage schools, community groups and local authorities to run their own Gaelic usage groups and initiatives.

Lucy Hannah, the Young Ambassador for Gaelic 2019-20 , said “The future prosperity of Gaelic rests on young Gaels taking ownership of choosing the way forward for themselves. Bòrd na Gàidhlig have presented a brilliant opportunity for young people to share their ideas and strengthen our language. It is therefore exceptionally important for young people to participate in this initiative.”

Shona MacLennan, Ceannard of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “The aim of the National Gaelic Plan is that Gaelic is used more often, by more people and in a wider range of situations and young people have a vital part to play to ensure that this happens now and in the future.”

“I’d like to encourage as many young people from across Scotland to take part in our online surveys. Young people can be very innovative and we see this as excellent opportunity to make a defining difference to Gaelic and potentially guide support for the language in a new direction. The information from the surveys and focus groups will ensure that we and our partners respond to the needs and wishes of young Gaelic speakers.

“This is a crucial juncture for Gaelic as a whole and it is very important that as we prepare the next National Gaelic Language Plan, we take the right steps to ensure that the use of Gaelic continues for generations to come.”

Update: These surveys closed at 5pm on Sunday, 15 November 2020.

A ground-breaking study into how Gaelic is perceived by secondary school pupils and how it develops their linguistic and cognitive skills found significant benefits of speaking the language alongside a global language such as English.

The immersion study, funded by Bord na Gàidhlig, was led by Dr Maria Garraffa and a team from Heriot-Watt University, together with Prof Bernadette O’Rourke from University of Glasgow and Prof Antonella Sorace from the University of Edinburgh.

They worked together with senior pupils from The Glasgow Gaelic School, the largest provider of Gaelic medium education in Scotland, to find out how our younger generation of Gaelic speakers view and use the language.
It examined for the first time particularly whether older teenagers, after 15 years of education in Gaelic, continued to speak Gaelic or what might lead them to stop.

The research revealed that speaking Gaelic does not affect the ability to speak well in English – and that being bilingual provides more opportunities for those fluent in both.

Dr. Maria Garraffa, Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University, explains: “We had clearly proven that the positive effects of bilingualism are not contingent upon the fact that a speaker is using a small heritage language like Gaelic or a global language like French or Spanish. Speaking does not affect competence in English, offers the same cognitive benefits of bilingual speakers and it is a resource for more opportunities”.

“Being competent in more than one language has been associated with success in global business. Yet studies conducted by researchers in Wales have shown that pupils in immersion programmes often regard their heritage language as a subject choice they can drop when they leave school. We’ll be working with pupils who will soon be leaving school for employment and we don’t want them to lose their Gaelic language skills.

“Children in Gaelic medium education are changing how people perceive the Gaelic language and they need to be supported to further demonstrate its applicability in a business context. Speaking Gaelic is not a local skill but could have global applications and benefits.”

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “I welcome this research by Heriot Watt University which shows the benefits of bilingualism for those children in Gaelic education. I hope that this will reassure the growing number of parents who have placed their young people in Gaelic medium education and encourage others to take that step.”
These results are vital for the next steps of the revitalisation policies aiming to save Gaelic. Not only do they show that being bilingual in a minority language does not harm either language abilities in the community language, and actually boost the development of cognitive skills, but that young adult speakers and especially new speakers view Gaelic in a favourable light and do not carry on the negative connotations held by the older generation.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Director of Education, Jim Whannel, said: “The Education Team at Bòrd na Gàidhlig, warmly welcomes this interesting research, which provides further concrete evidence of the advantages young people experience in becoming functional bilingual adults, as a consequence of Gaelic Medium Education. This will support further reflection, in the context of the OECD Review of the Secondary Curriculum, on how Scotland can extend further the opportunities Gaelic Medium Education delivers for young people, right across the country.”
This calls for the need to multiply and diversify the contexts in which Gaelic is spoken, to encourage its use in the social sphere and make it a language of choice.

The project’s results have been recently presented in the large context of the European Cost Action “The Newspeakers network” on policies and practices to support minority languages.

The paper will be available to view on Tuesday 20 October:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.570587/full.