A clear strategy for Gaelic

I WRITE in response to your article about Gaelic (“Scottish Government ‘appears to lack strategy to save Gaelic’ says SNP MSP”, The Herald, March 5).

At a national level, there is a strategy for Gaelic. It is contained in the National Gaelic Language Plan which is agreed by Scottish Ministers. We welcome Alex

Neil’s support for one of the key messages in the current plan. It states that retaining an economically active population in island and rural communities where Gaelic is still spoken by the majority of people is critical, and Bòrd na Gàidhlig consistently promotes this in its work.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig takes listening to the various Gaelic communities extremely seriously. In the last six months alone, we have held a variety of consultations and attended a wide range of meetings with community representatives.

Our online consultations included seeking views from Gaelic speakers and those interested in Gaelic on their priorities and concerns for the language. This will inform the development of the next National Gaelic Language Plan. Another was about funding and sought recommendations for potential improvements. A third was an online survey for young people, aged 9-19, followed by a series of focus groups. The last was delivered in collaboration with three national youth organisations, demonstrating our partnership approach. In our most recent stakeholder survey, 82% of respondents agreed with the view that Bòrd na Gàidhlig fulfils its duties effectively and provides support.

Shona Nicillinnein,

Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Inverness.