29/11/2007
The public is being asked to provide their views on the Scottish Parliament’s draft plan to strengthen the Parliament’s use and recognition of the Gaelic language.
The release of the plan was announced at the final of the BT Gaelic Schools debate held at the Scottish Parliament this evening.
The plan includes initiatives in four key areas: communications with the public and other organisations; corporate and visual identity; publications; and supporting the use of Gaelic by staff.
Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP said:
"The Parliament already offers a wide range of services to Gaelic speakers. The proposals outlined in the plan will build on these services and further strengthen access for the public.
"Gaelic is an important part of Scotland ’s rich cultural identity and I would encourage Scots to let us know their views on our plans to strengthen the use and recognition of the language.”
Under the Gaelic Language ( Scotland ) Act Bòrd na Gàidhlig has powers to ask public bodies to prepare Plans to make their services available in Gaelic. The Scottish Parliament’s Corporate Body (SPCB) is one of those bodies.
The public consultation process will run from today until 14 January 2008.
Following the completion of the public consultation process, the Parliament’s plan is due for submission to Bòrd na Gàidhlig by 30 April 2008.