Highlands and Islands Enterprise draft Gaelic Plan goes out to consultation with deadline set for comments
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Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has launched a public consultation on the organisation’s draft Gaelic Plan.
The renewed Gaelic Plan 2022-27 sets out HIE's aims and ambitions for Gaelic over the next five years and details how these will be achieved through specific actions. It builds on the progress made in the organisation's previous plan which covered the period from 2016-21.
Organisations and members of the public can now read the draft plan and take part in the consultation until February 11. The final version will be presented for consideration by Bòrd na Gàidhlig by March 8.
Carroll Buxton, interim chief executive at HIE, said: “Our commitment to Gaelic is ongoing and for the long term will continue to be guided by strategic initiatives including national plans from the Scottish Government and Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
"We look forward to working with our partner organisations across the Gàidhealtachd and further afield to deliver the actions detailed in this Gaelic Plan.”
Research by HIE and others confirms that the language is an important asset, capable of being used in many different ways to add value to businesses and organisations across the country.
HIE has a strong track record of recognising and supporting the cultural and commercial value of Gaelic through a range of activities. This has included providing substantial funding for organisations that led the development and delivery of programmes that promote and celebrate the language and encourage its use.
The latest plan sets out clear goals and measurable targets to ensure Gaelic is respected and practised within the organisation. The plan will also focus on a commitment to capitalise on the significant opportunities arising from the language's potential contribution in helping to drive place based economic growth in the HIE area.
Corporately, HIE values Gaelic and promotes its use within the organisation. By providing its services, information, resources and opportunities in the medium of Gaelic, the agency continues to serve Gaelic-speaking customers in their own language.
The consultation can be accessed www.hie.co.uk/about-us/policies-and-publications/gaelic-plan/
Responses can be submitted to neil.ross@hient.co.uk by February 11, 2022.
