HIE Gaelic Plan underpins agency's commitment to unique language and culture
12th December 2012
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has published its renewed Gaelic Language Plan, detailing actions which the development agency will take to support Gaelic language and culture over the next three years.
HIE's Gaelic Plan 2012-15 builds on the organisation’s commitment to supporting Gaelic developments and has been approved by Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
HIE is required by the Scottish Government to draft and implement a plan which contributes to securing a sustainable future for the language.
This plan describes ways in which HIE aims to capitalise on Gaelic’s contribution to its four priorities for developing the Highlands and Islands – supporting businesses and social enterprises, strengthening communities and fragile areas, developing growth sectors, and creating the conditions for a competitive region.
It also lists actions the agency is taking to improve the visibility and use of Gaelic within its own services.
Support from HIE has helped create and sustain the impact of numerous organisations which enable Gaelic to flourish. These include partner agencies such as Comunn na Gàidhilg and An Comunn Gaidhealach, the University of the Highlands and Islands through Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Fèisean nan Gàidheal and others.
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.
The Gaelic Plan for HIE aims to promote the Gaelic identity of the Highlands and Islands and demonstrate equal respect to both Gaelic and English - a key element of the legislation protecting the language and the rights of its speakers.
Rachael McCormack, HIE Director of Strengthening Communities, said: "I’m delighted to announce the publication of the Gaelic Plan for HIE, 2012-15. The level of ambition in the plan demonstrates HIE’s commitment to Gaelic in the development and promotion of the Highlands and Islands.
"HIE is currently undertaking research on the contribution of Gaelic to the region's economic and social development and the potential it has as a unique regional asset.”
The renewed Gaelic Plan aims to further develop and enhance the role that Gaelic plays in creating vibrant, resilient communities and sustainable economic growth.”
Head of Gaelic Usage at Bòrd na Gàidhlig, David Boag said: "In order to progress the development priorities in the National Gaelic Language Plan, it is vital that public authorities encourage and deliver services to the Gaelic community via their own Gaelic plans. Highlands and Islands Enterprise has a vital role to play as an organisation in its own right, with staff and workplaces across the region, but also through their social and economic development projects."
Related Businesses
Related Articles
A programme of remedial works to bring Scotland's only funicular railway back into service at Cairngorm Mountain is entering a new phase during week beginning Monday 15 April. With the snowsports season now over, multiple teams from contractor Balfour Beatty, appointed by Cairngorm Estate owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), are set to be deployed on the mountainside.
The five-year agreement between Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will also play a major role in contributing to regional economic growth. The signing of the agreement, by Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, and HIE Chief Executive Stuart Black, follows the official opening of SRUC's Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre (RAVIC), a valued addition to SRUC’s School of Veterinary Medicine, in Inverness by HRH the Princess Royal.
Deerness Distillery Ltd has secured £246,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the £820,000 development. Construction is underway at the distillery, which was founded by husband-and-wife team Stuart and Adelle Brown.
The Co-Chairs of the Inverness Castle Delivery Group, Fergus Ewing MSP and Cllr Ian Brown, are delighted to announce the award of £30,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in support of framing the 57 panels that will form the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands. This financial commitment from HIE has contributed significantly to the preservation of the 57 panels created by communities across the Highlands and Islands, of which 32 will be included in the first exhibition as part of the Inverness Castle Experience.
Sumitomo Electric UK Power Cables Ltd plans to establish major operations in the region, supplying high voltage cables to the growing offshore wind energy sector. A funding package has been agreed to secure an estimated £350m in inward investment for Scotland, based in the Highlands.
As part of the study, businesses, community groups and social enterprises with future land or property plans are encouraged to complete a short survey by 22 March 2024. Whether it's interest in land for sale or space to lease, HIE is keen to hear from organisations already based in the region as well as from those that are considering locating a business to the area.
L&M Engineering has secured a grant of £58,914 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the development, which is set to boost business turnover by £1.2m and create two jobs over the next three years. The company is diversifying its operations to cater for additional aquaculture markets.
Most businesses in the Highlands and Islands consider their links with the local community as either equal to or more important than their profitable growth. This is one of the key findings of the most recent rural business survey commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in partnership with South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).
Dynamic business support programme, IMPACT30, is aimed at nurturing and empowering the next generation of innovative leaders. The fully funded programme is for people aged under 35 in a young enterprise and in a key decision-making role.
A project to increase electricity supply and reduce emissions on a west coast island has been awarded more than £25,000 by HIE. The HIE funding is being used to replace and upgrade high voltage transformers and other associated equipment to enable a major upgrade of the renewable energy supply on the Isle of Muck.
