College to work in partnership with Gaelic-speaking communities
UHI North, West and Hebrides has committed to supporting more people to learn, improve and use Gaelic with the appointment of its first Gaelic officer and publication of its first Gaelic Language Plan.
The college, with the highest density of Gaelic speakers in Scotland in its operating area, has reinforced its position as an anchor institution for the Gaelic language and Gaelic-medium curriculum across the Highlands and Outer Hebrides.
Speaking about the plan at an event today (Tuesday 24 February) at its Stornoway campus, Lydia Rohmer, Principal and Chief Executive said: “We have an important role to play in promoting Gaelic as part of the linguistic and cultural heritage of our communities. We want to support more people to learn, improve and use Gaelic as part of their learning, in their communities and working lives.
“I will also be delighted to welcome Jayne Macleod to our staff team when she joins us as our first Gaelic Officer next month. She brings extensive experience of promoting and supporting Gaelic language and culture, and I am sure she will strengthen our links with communities as she leads on the delivery of this ambitious plan.”
Gaelic is already a key area of specialism for the college, and the new plan seeks to expand the curriculum into new areas and support growth in the Outer Hebrides and across its operating area.
The UHI North, West and Hebrides Board sanctioned a new Gaelic Strategy for the college last year. William MacDonald, Vice-chair explained: “Gaelic language, culture and heritage is important for curriculum growth, and our Gaelic Strategy outlines the shape of our approach to the development and delivery of Gaelic language, heritage and culture over the next four years – our Gaelic Language Plan shows how we will deliver this. I am confident that by bringing college and community together we can celebrate and capitalise on the value of our Gaelic heritage.”
The new Gaelic Language Plan builds on previous plans taken forward by predecessor colleges with priorities agreed with Bòrd na Gàidhlig. The Plan outlines how each priority will be delivered and identifies the actions required.
UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Gaelic Language Plan has been prepared in line with statutory criteria set out in the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and included public consultation. View and download the plan. Printed copies are also available on request.