HIE draft Gaelic Plan goes out to consultation

29th January 2016

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is launching a six week public consultation on the organisations draft Gaelic Plan.

The renewed Gaelic Plan 2016-21 sets out HIEs 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 organisations previous plan which covered the period from 2012-15.

Members of the public can now read the draft Plan and take part in the consultation until 4 March. The final version will be presented for consideration by Bòrd na Gàidhlig by 30 April 2016.

Supporting Gaelic is at the heart of HIE's remit for economic and social development in the Highlands and Islands. An important element of the new Plan is to build on how the language is being used to add economic and social value in a wide variety of circumstances as demonstrated in the HIE-led research report, Ar Stòras Gàidhlig. The resulting report quantified that the combined impact on turnover which was currently attributable to the use of Gaelic totalled £5.6m.

The Plan will also focus on a commitment to capitalise on the significant opportunities arising from the languages potential contribution in helping to drive economic growth in the HIE area.

HIE has a significant legacy of support that has helped create and sustain the impact of numerous organisations which enable Gaelic to flourish - from partner agencies such as Comunn na Gàidhlig and An Comunn Gàidhealach, to the University of the Highlands and Islands, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Fèisean nan Gàidheal and others.

HIE's focus is now firmly on working with businesses, social enterprises and community organisations that can demonstrate adding economic and social value through using Gaelic as an asset. The renewed Gaelic Plan aims to further develop and enhance the role that Gaelic identity and culture plays in creating vibrant, resilient communities and sustainable economic growth.

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 intends to serve Gaelic-speaking customers in their own language.

How to submit a response

The consultation can be accessed at http://bit.ly/1nQKV42 And responses can be submitted to neil.ross@hient.co.uk by 4th March 2016.