Members of the public with an interest in promoting the use of Gaelic have until 29th July to have their say on Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd’s updated Gaelic Language Plan 2016 t0 2019.

Gaelic is widely spoken in the communities served by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) in the Western Hebrides and the organisation is renewing its commitment to ensuring Gaelic has a strong and sustainable future in Scotland.

CMAL’s Gaelic Language Plan has a three-year timetable of activity, including increasing the amount of Gaelic multimedia content on the corporate website; a Gaelic version of the complaints procedure and the availability, on request, of Gaelic speakers at public meetings.

Kevin Hobbs, CEO at CMAL said:

“If Gaelic is to be revitalised as a living language in Scotland, it is important that we make an effort to enhance its status and to encourage its increased usage. We recognise that there is more CMAL can do to embed the language in our organisation in a way that it becomes part of our strategic thinking, decision-making and delivery plans. The consultation is open to anyone and I’d encourage those who would like a chance to contribute to do so by making contact with their views.

CMAL already has in place a number of actions from its first Gaelic Language Plan, published in 2010. This includes a bilingual corporate logo and signage at CMAL owned ports and harbours and office buildings; a Gaelic version of its website and quarterly e-newsletter; Gaelic translations in the annual report and the introduction of a policy to offer Gaelic training to staff.

The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 was passed by the Scottish Parliament with a view to securing Gaelic as an official language of Scotland, commanding equal respect to English and Gaelic Language Plans are a statutory requirement for all public bodies in Scotland.

A draft of the plan can be found here with interested parties invited to submit written comments to the consultation by emailing Susan.Williams@cmassets.co.uk  by 29h July 2016.

 


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