Public Consultation Launches for National Gaelic Language Plan

The next National Gaelic Language Plan draft has been published today (27 April 2022), with responses invited as part of a 3-month public consultation period. The Plan can be viewed here.

The Scottish public will have the opportunity to offer their views, priorities and recommendations ahead of the final plan being presented to the Scottish Government later this year.

Seventeen events will be held around the country through May, June and July to present information about the plan in its draft form and gather further feedback.

The public is encouraged to respond via the survey portal: smartsurvey.co.uk/s/planagaidhlig, with the option also to submit opinions by email or written letter.

The Public Consultation period will be open until 5pm on 26 July 2022.

In line with the objectives in the current National Gaelic Language Plan, the author of this draft plan, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, is looking to maximise opportunities to use, learn and promote the language.

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 five years before submitting it to Scottish Ministers seeking approval.

Representatives from Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s executive team and board will be present at each public meeting, where the public can learn more about the proposals within the new draft plan.

Mary MacInnes, Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Cathraiche, said: “This consultation process will help us collate opinions from across Scotland to finalise an effective National Gaelic Language Plan for 2023-2028.

“We encourage everyone to take part in whatever way they can, allowing a broad spectrum of views to shape the vision for Gaelic in the years to come.”

Cabinet Secretary for Languages Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“The Scottish Government is determined to continue to support our Gaelic communities and the National Gaelic Language Plan sets out key priorities and opportunities for public authorities to work together to reach this aim.

“Public consultation is a crucial part of the process and I encourage anyone with an interest in the Gaelic language to share their views.”

Notes:

Events are planned across Scotland through May-July and are open for anyone to attend:

All meetings are scheduled to last approximately one hour, with Gaelic or English responses welcome (simultaneous translations to English will be available at all events).

For information on how to attend visit EventBrite: Gàidhlig 2023-28.

You can find out more about the consultation process at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/planagaidhlig or by contacting plana@astarmedia.scot