Speakofprogress

Alison Campsie states there have been few signs of progress following the Gaelic Language Act 2006 and the Scottish government now has the draft Gaelic Language plan for 2021-2026 (Scotsman, July 16).

Data from the last available Census 2011 showed there was a drop from 1.9 to 1.7 per cent of the population between the age of three and over, namely 87,056 that could speak,write and understand Gaelic.

By all means continue to teach Gaelic to those who wish to learn it, but in these difficult financial times, do we really wish to encourage civil servants in every directorate to increase the use of Gaelic, no doubt resulting in the employment in local authorities and the like of translators to translate directives back into English for the other 98.3 per cent of the population to understand?

Is it not also an appropriate time to consider the painting and erection of future road signs in two languages that cost the country millions?

While tourists might find them quaint, I am sure Gaelic speakers would not get lost without them.

I am also sure all Gaelic speakers can recognise a police car, ambulance or fire engine without the double signage, so perhaps this could be a cost saving for the future.

Might the “Gaelic” cost savings be put to better use by passing the monies to the Gaelic island communities so they could appoint their own ferry operator and purchase ferries that will allow them to continue to be supplied and travel to and from the mainland – a task that Cal Mac are totally failing to do?

ROBIN JACK

Edinburgh