University of the Highlands and Islands: Public invited to take part in shaping the university’s next Gaelic Language Plan

The consultation sets out the university’s proposals to continue to enhance the status of Gaelic and reiterates a commitment to strengthen the position of Gaelic across the partnership in line with the aspirations and objectives included in the National Gaelic Language Plan and the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.

The public will have six weeks until the consultation closes on 24 December to share their views on the proposed plan.

The university was the first higher education institution in Scotland to develop a Gaelic Language Plan in 2010 and is keen to build on the achievements of previous plans by increasing engagement with communities to invite feedback.

Professor Todd Walker, the university’s principal and vice-chancellor, said:

“Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland’s heritage, national identity and cultural life. As the only university based in the Highlands and Islands, we are committed to enhancing the status of Gaelic and promote its use through the learning opportunities we provide.

“I am proud of our achievements to date, which have seen us increase the visibility and audibility of Gaelic in our services to students, staff and the public, while making opportunities for Gaelic medium and Gaelic language learning more widely available. Our hope is that this new plan will build on these achievements and demonstrate the university’s continuing commitment to the development and enhancement of Gaelic.

“Consultation is an important part of the process, so I would encourage anyone with an interest in the plan to share their views.”