Public to be asked for views on creating future for Gaelic and Scots

The public are to be asked for their views on how to best ensure the long-term growth of Gaelic and Scots.

A consultation will be launched on Wednesday, with people across the country encouraged to give their opinions.

It will focus on how the profile of the Scots language can be raised, a new strategic approach to Gaelic medium education and the creation of a Gàidhealtachd – a designated Gaelic speaking area.

The consultation will also cover the structure and function of Bòrd Na Gàidhlig – the principal public body promoting Gaelic in Scotland.

According to the 2011 census, more than 57,000 people in Scotland speak Gaelic, while around 87,000 said they had some Gaelic skills.

The consultation will run until November 17.

Education secretary Shirley Anne-Somerville will launch the consultation during a visit to the Gaelic medium education unit at Goodlyburn Primary in Perth.

“Gaelic and Scots are a significant part of Scotland’s culture and we want to ensure they thrive and grow,” she said.

“The situation for Gaelic speakers is an improvement on ten years ago as there are increased numbers in Gaelic medium education and more initiatives in place to support Gaelic in Scotland.

“We now need to build on what is in place and this consultation will show how we can make our measures more effective, ensuring Gaelic medium education continues to grow and provides a high quality education, that Bòrd na Gàidhlig operates effectively in the promotion of Gaelic, and consideration is given to the creation of a Gàidhealtachd.

“Scots is spoken throughout Scotland, but has never benefited from formal support through legislation and it may be time to consider this to help promote, strengthen and raise the profile of the language.”

Leanaidh an co-chomhairleachadh gu 17 Samhain.

Shirley-Anne Somerville: “Tha Gàidhlig is Albais nam pàirt chudromach de theachd-àm na h-Alba is tha sinn airson dèanamh cinnteach gu bheil iad a’ brosnachadh is a’ fàs.

“Tha piseach air a bhith ann an suidheachadh luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig an taca ri deich bliadhna air ais leis gu bheil àireamhan nas motha ann am Foghlam tron Ghàidhlig is barrachd iomairtean ann an àite gus taic a thoirt do Ghàidhlig ann an Alba.

“Feumaidh sinn a-nis togail air na th’ ann an àite is seallaidh an co-chomhairleachadh seo mar as urrainn dhuinn ar ceumannan a dhèanamh nas èifeachdaich, a’ dèanamh cinnteach gun cùm foghlam tron Ghàidhlig a’ fàs is a’ tabhann oideachadh aig sàr ìre, gu bheil Bòrd na Gàidhlig ag obair gu h-èifeachdach ann a bhith a’ brosnachadh na Gàidhlig, is aire a thoirt do chruthachadh Gàidhealtachd oifigeil.

“Tha Albais air a bruidhinn air feadh Alba, ach cha d’fhuair i riamh buannachd bho thaic oifigeil tro reachdas is dh’fhaodadh gu bheil an t-àm ann smaoineachadh mun sin gus cuideachadh le brosnachadh, neartachadh is togail inbhe a’ chànain.”