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| SLG |
Gaelic sets out to take over ScotlandGaelic sets out to take over ScotlandDAVID ROSS, Highland correspondent The first national plan to save the Gaelic language and make it an integral part of Scottish life in the 21st century is published today. It looks forward to a time when Gaelic is the language of choice for an ever-increasing number of Scots and others, with the core of mother-tongue speakers expanding. It also envisages a time when it is recognised as a national asset. The plan, which now goes out to public consultation, identifies broadcasting, education, tourism, culture and heritage, sport and leisure among its weapons in the fight for survival. But it begins with the clear warning that the language is in serious danger. Matthew MacIver, cath-raiche (chairman) of Bord na Gaidhlig, the Gaelic Development Agency established by the Gaelic Language Act last year, introduces the plan by underlining the magnitude of the challenge. "Gaelic is in a perilous state. Let no-one doubt that. At the last census in 2001 the number of Gaelic speakers in Scotland had declined to 58,652. That is the base from which we have to regroup and advance." That figure represents only 1.2% of the country's population. In 1891, there were more than one quarter of a million Gaelic speakers in Scotland. But Mr MacIver said: "That is the base from which we have to regroup and advance. I believe that this draft plan is sensible in facing that reality." The agency is taking consolation from the 2001 census showing that the rate of decline in numbers of speakers had slowed by around 45%; that the numbers in younger age groups had risen; and that there were a further 26,722 people in Scotland claiming an ability to understand Gaelic. According to Allan Campbell, agency chief executive, this is Gaelic's greatest hope. He said: "If we were to maintain the same rate of reduction in decline, it would reduce by a further 45% and would allow us to almost bottom out by the next census. He said the Gaelic language act gave the board powers to require public bodies to prepare a plan of how they intend to use Gaelic in their work. There were obvious candidates such as local authorities, Caledonian MacBrayne, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Crofters' Commission, but it would embrace a whole spectrum of public life. "The plan is to notify around 10 a year so in five years we could have 50 public bodies with Gaelic plans, providing services through the medium of Gaelic. It is very difficult for us to anticipate what the reaction will be, but we hope it will be part of the motivating process." The plan stresses the need to establish a Gaelic teaching career path. The first two Gaelic units opened in Inverness and Glasgow in 1985. In 2005/2006 there were 61 primary schools with Gaelic classes meeting the needs of 2068 pupils across the country. A further 36 Gaelic departments in secondaries across Scotland made provision for 981 pupils to study through the medium of Gaelic. But more teachers are needed. http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/67790.html |
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| garye |
Don't suppose you've got a link to the plan, can't find it on BnG's website | ||
| Babygael |
Ath-bheothachadh!!   Its just a matter of time.
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| SLG |
I can't see it either Garye, I'll have another look later though. |
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| garye |
They've got it up now:-
http://www.bord-na-gaidhlig.org.uk/nantionalplanforgaelic.html Haven't read it yet! |
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