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DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COUNCIL GAELIC LANGUAGE PLAN
2016-2021
This plan has been prepared under Section 3 of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.
If you would likesome help understanding this document or need it in another format please phone 030 33 33 3000
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FOREWORD This is Dumfries and Galloway Council’s first Gaelic Language Plan, and sets out our ambitions for Gaelic over the next five years, to 2021. Our aim is to comply with the Scottish Government’s vision of safeguarding the future sustainability of the Gaelic language by enhancing the profile of the language and providing more opportunities for our communities to communicate in Gaelic. This will be done in a cost neutral and incremental basis. The plan will also support implementation of the Scottish Government’s National Outcome We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity. We are commitment to demonstrate equal respect for Gaelic and English regarding any bilingual services and resources. Historically, the Gaelic language has played an important role in the diverse linguistic heritage of Dumfries and Galloway, alongside Brittonic, Norse and Scots. Gaelic speakers resident in our council area form a small but important and culturally active part of our community. It is our ambition to not only sustain but to increase these numbers through the aims and actions contained within our Gaelic Language Plan. We see this first iteration of our Gaelic Language Plan as a starting point for developing and improving current Gaelic provision. Our commitments within the Plan set out what we will do to raise the status of Gaelic in a proportionate way within the context of our diverse council area. We will however encourage our services to exceed these commitments. The Council is supportive of the objectives of the National Gaelic Language Plan 2012 – 2017 and the aims of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 in ensuring that Gaelic remains a living language, and an integral part of Scotland’s cultural heritage, and we are confident that our plan works towards that. Ronnie Nicholson Council Leader
Gavin Stevenson Chief Executive
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Contents Summary Structure of the Gaelic Language Plan Chapter 1 Introduction
Description of the public authority
Gaelic in the authority’s area of operation
Approval of our Gaelic Language Plan Chapter 2 Core Commitments
Identity
Communications
Publications
Staffing Chapter 3 Policy Implications for Gaelic: implementing the
National Gaelic Language Plan
Language Acquisition
Language Usage
Language Status
Language Corpus Chapter 4 Implementation and Monitoring Contact Details APPENDIX I: Dumfries and Galloway Staff Gaelic Language Survey
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Summary Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises that Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland’s heritage, national identity and cultural life. Dumfries and Galloway Council is committed to the objectives set out in the National Gaelic Language Plan. We will work toward putting in place the necessary structures and initiatives to ensure that Gaelic has a sustainable future in Scotland. Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises that the position of Gaelic is extremely fragile and if Gaelic is to be revitalised as a living language in Scotland, a concerted effort on the part of government, the public and private sectors, community organisations and individual speakers is required to:
Enhance the status of Gaelic
Promote the acquisition and learning of Gaelic
Encourage the increased use of Gaelic This document is Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Gaelic Language Plan prepared within the framework of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005. It sets out how we will, in an incremental way, enable the use of Gaelic when communicating with the public and key partners, and how we will promote and develop Gaelic. Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Gaelic Language Plan has been prepared in accordance with statutory criteria set out in the 2005 Act, and having regard to the National Gaelic Language Plan and the Guidance on the Development of Gaelic Language Plans.
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Structure of the Gaelic Language Plan The key components of our Gaelic Language Plan are: Chapter 1 – Introduction This chapter provides the background and context relating to the preparation of Gaelic Language Plans under the 2005 Act and the structure of Dumfries and Galloway Council. It also provides a summary of the history and demography of the Gaelic language in the Dumfries and Galloway Council area. Chapter 2 – Core Commitments This chapter sets out how the Council will use, and facilitate the use of, Gaelic in relation to our main business functions. It covers key areas of operation such as corporate identity, signage, communication with the public and the use of Gaelic on our website. This chapter sets out the basic minimum level of Gaelic language provision which we are committed to providing in the lifetime of the Plan. Chapter 3 – Policy Implications for Gaelic: implementing the National Gaelic Language Plan This chapter sets out how Dumfries and Galloway Council will help implement the National Gaelic Language Plan. It also shows how we intend to promote the use of Gaelic in the planning and delivery of our services, as appropriate. Chapter 4 – Implementation and Monitoring This chapter sets out how the implementation of our Gaelic Language Plan will be taken forward, and how implementation and outcomes will be monitored.
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CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION Setting the Context for Developing Gaelic Language Plans The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and the issuing of a notice: The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 was passed by the Scottish Parliament with a view to securing the status of the Gaelic language as an official language of Scotland commanding equal respect to the English language. One of the key features of the 2005 Act is the provision enabling Bòrd na Gàidhlig to require public bodies to prepare Gaelic Language Plans. This provision was designed to ensure that the public sector in Scotland plays its part in creating a sustainable future for Gaelic by raising its status and profile and creating practical opportunities for its use. Consultation on a draft Gaelic Plan: The 2005 Act requires public bodies to bring the preparation of its Gaelic Language Plan to the attention of all interested parties. Dumfries and Galloway Council has consulted on the draft of its Gaelic Language Plan in 2016 and has taken into account representations made to it during the consultation process. Approval of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Gaelic Language Plan: Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Gaelic Plan was approved by Bòrd na Gàidhlig on 9th of December 2016.
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Dumfries and Galloway Dumfries and Galloway is an area of outstanding natural beauty, situated in the South West of Scotland between the Southern Uplands and coastline of the Solway Firth and the Irish Sea. Known around the world as the cradle of Christianity in Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway enjoys the benefits of modern living, as well as tangible links with a colourful and historically significant past. An area of 642,620 hectares and although predominantly rural, Dumfries and Galloway has a population of 149,940 (National Records of Scotland) largely concentrated in and around Dumfries. The population of Dumfries and Galloway accounts for 2.8% of the total population of Scotland and in line with Scotland’s total population, it rose during the period 1988-2014. In Dumfries and Galloway 14.6% of the population are aged 16 to 29 years, which is lower than the Scotland average in which 18.7% are in that group. People aged 60 and over make up 31.1% of Dumfries and Galloway’s population, which is higher than the national average of 23.2%. On average from 2012 to 2015 there was a net inflow of 53 people migrating into Dumfries and Galloway each year. Gaelic in Dumfries and Galloway The history of Gaelic in Dumfries and Galloway dates from circa the 9th century. Dumfries and Galloway lay in territory where people spoke a Celtic language thought to be similar to that which has survived in Wales today. Celtic languages are described as belonging to one of two groups known as “P” or “Q”. The “P” group includes Pictish, Welsh, Cornish and Breton, and the “Q” group Gaelic, Irish and Manx. The languages in each group are related but were sufficiently different even in the 6th century for an interpreter to be required when St Columba met the Pictish King Bruide. Evidence of the Gaelic in the region comprises places names evidence from everywhere west of the River Annan and a disputed song said to have been written in this area and which mentions Dalry, Carsephairn and Lochinvar. The name Galloway refers to the area’s mixed population of Gaelic-speaking and Norse peoples. Gaelic may have survived as a spoken language in Dumfries and Galloway into the 17th century but was gradually superseded by Scots, particularly in the east of the region. We can see from the survival of many more Gaelic place-names that most of these were coined in more recent centuries. Indeed, there are a great many Gaelic topographical elements in the West of the council area especially baile (Balmaghie, Balmclellan) and achadh (Auchencairn, Auchenmalg).
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Gaelic suffered a progressive decline in Dumfries and Galloway, in common with most of the lowland counties of Scotland. However, if we look ahead to the future, research for across Scotland (O’Hanlon/Paterson, 2014) clearly shows that there is wide scale support for having stable or increasing numbers of Gaelic speakers in the years to come:
Figure 1: Attitudes to Gaelic in Scotland, O’Hanlon, F and Paterson, L, Soillse Research Digest 4, 2014
The following links provide evidence of Gaelic topographical elements in the places names of Dumfries and Galloway: http://www.gaelicplacenames.org/index.php http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/gd/visitandlearn/40900.aspx
In more recent times, the 2011 Census identified that in the Dumfries and Galloway Council area there were: % of Gaelic speakers in 2001 0.9% (740 people) % of Gaelic speakers in 2011 0.7% (968 people) The following graphs show the geographic distribution of Gaelic speakers across the council area by electoral ward and by gender/age in the Council area as a whole:
42% 39%
10% 9%
Preference for number of Gaelic speakers in 50 years time
More than now
About the same
Fewer than now
No preference
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Figure 2: Gaelic speakers in Dumfries and Galloway by Council Ward (Source: NRS)
Figure 3: Gaelic speakers in Dumfries and Galloway (2011) by age/gender (Source: NRS)
There is a thriving and vibrant range of Gaelic cultural and linguistic activities across the region. A large number of Gaelic classes are delivered by voluntary groups across the council area, larger than in other rural lowland areas of Scotland. Since 2011, learners in Dumfries and Galloway have progressed to fluency and one has even gone to the Gaelic College on Skye, while another now writes poetry in the language. Gaelic tutors from Glasgow University also visit the area.
Fèis Ros: They held their first annual children’s Fèis on 24th October 2015 in Dumfries. 34 people took part.
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Council Wards
Council
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3 to 9
10 to 15
16 to 19
20 to 29
30 to 39
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Wigtown Book Festival: An annual Gaelic poetry prize is award as part of the festival, which also includes a range of Gaelic activities, linking up with the great Gaelic storytelling tradition.
Bìodain: This Gaelic playgroup meets every Friday morning during term time in the Free Church Hall, Dumfries. This group has been recognised both nationally and locally.
Gaelic Dumgal: This volunteer group run Gaelic classes for adults and Gaelic Days across our Council area. Gaelic Dumgal has been very active and has done a great deal to for Gaelic over the last few years.
The above stakeholder groups have been consulted during the consultation process. The Council Dumfries and Galloway Council is one of 32 unitary local authorities in Scotland which came into being on 1 April 1996 following reorganisation of local government. It is responsible for a range of services including education, social work, environmental health, leisure & culture, planning and building control, housing, waste management, maintenance of public roads (other than trunk roads), and emergency planning. The council employs just under 8,000 staff and its total budget for 2015/16 is £352,161,000. Dumfries and Galloway Council is run by 47 councillors who are elected every five years by the residents they represent. The council area is made up of 13 wards with either three or four Councillors in each ward. The following link gives a picture of the current political set up in the Council area:
http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/15141/Councillors
Priorities
Our Council's priorities are:
Build the local economy Provide the best start in life for all our children Protect our most vulnerable people Be an inclusive council
Commitments
Build the local economy
The number one Priority of our Council is to build the local economy. We are committed to ensuring that Dumfries and Galloway emerges from the economic downturn in a stronger position by focusing on tackling the underlying weaknesses in our local economy- low pay, underemployment, above average levels of youth unemployment and the low level of qualifications. We want to create a 'can do' approach within our Council that ensures our services are focused on growing our economy and building the capacity of individuals and communities to support the
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economy. Through the refreshed Economic Strategy and new Employability and Skills policy we will:-
Improve the level of skills within our communities and workforce Support our small and medium sized businesses to be established and grow Invest in our key infrastructure Provide an attractive location to do business Develop a diverse economy that creates sustainable, high wage job
opportunities
Provide the best start in life for all our children
We're committed to giving all local children and young people an equal chance to fulfil their potential. We'll provide strong early years support, affordable childcare and the best schools to ensure every child- especially those who need a helping hand- has the opportunity to succeed and achieve their potential. We will keep our children and young people safe, and listen to them and their families to make sure they get the right help at the right time.
Ensure early intervention, in particular to keep our region's most vulnerable children safe
Invest in creating schools fit for the 21st century which are at the heart of our communities
Raise ambition and attainment, in particular to address inequalities Support children to be healthy and active
Protect our most vulnerable people
We want our most vulnerable residents - many who live in poverty or suffer poor health - to have the support and resources they need to live healthy and independent lives.
Tackle the causes and effects of inequality and poverty Help older or vulnerable people live healthy and independent lives Ensure our older or vulnerable people receive the care and support they need Keep our communities safe
Be an inclusive council
We are passionate about the importance of working with local people, our communities, our businesses, our staff and other organisations in our region. There is no monopoly of good ideas and we all have a shared interest in making the most of the talents, vision and commitment of the people who live and work in Dumfries and Galloway.
Ensure that local people and communities are at the heart of our decision making
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Empower our communities to make the most of their assets Increase equality of opportunity
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CHAPTER 2 - CORE COMMITMENTS In its statutory Guidance on the Development of Gaelic Language Plans, Bòrd na Gàidhlig notes that creating the right environment for the use of Gaelic in public life is one of the key components of language regeneration. The Bòrd has identified four core areas of service delivery that it wishes public bodies to address when preparing Gaelic Language Plans:- Identity: Corporate identity Signage Communications: Reception Telephone Mail and e-mail Forms Public meetings Complaints procedures Publications: Public relations and media Printed material Websites Exhibitions Staffing: Training Recruitment Advertising
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Our contribution to the Scottish Government National Outcomes and Priorities The Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Guidance details six National Priorities: • Economic recovery and growth • Employment • Early years • Safer and stronger communities and reducing offending • Health inequalities and physical activity • Outcomes for older people The six Dumfries and Galloway SOA Priorities incorporate all of these and embrace the specific aspects of each one throughout our SOA document. Our environment and sustainability have been identified as key local issues and therefore also have a high profile in our SOA. Scottish Government National Performance Framework The Actions contained within the six Dumfries and Galloway SOA Priorities contribute to the Scottish Government’s 16 National Outcomes. http://dumgal.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=216&p=0 This document shows how our SOA Priorities contribute to the Scottish Government’s National Outcomes.
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Section 1 – Identity
Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises the importance of extending the visibility of Gaelic and increasing its status.
Rationale: The presence of Gaelic in the corporate identity and signs of a public authority greatly enhances the visibility of the language, increases its status and makes an important statement about how Gaelic is valued and how it is given recognition. Developing the use of Gaelic through signage can also enrich the vocabulary of Gaelic users, raise public awareness of the language and contribute to its development.
Increase knowledge about Gaelic among staff and the general public.
Increase the profile of Gaelic.
Increase equal respect for Gaelic.
Development Function
Actions Performance Indicators Lead Timescale
Corporate Identity
We will include a bilingual strapline on the council’s website. We will review the possibility of rendering the corporate logo bilingual (Gaelic and English) towards the end of this plan.
Strapline added Reviewed undertaken
Communications Unit Communications Unit
2017 2021
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Signage (Internal and external)
We will develop a bilingual glossary for terms related to our work. We will engage with Ainmean-àite na h-Alba to develop a bilingual glossary of Gaelic place names and Gaelic topographical terms for our council area. When street name plates are being renewed or replaced consideration may be given to using bilingual signs where there is an appropriate Gaelic derivation of the name and where there is clear demand from the local community.
Glossary available on intranet. Glossary completed % of signs replaced in dual language
CYPLL: Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning CYPLL: Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning DG First
Ongoing Ongoing
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Section 2 – Communications
Rationale: The use of Gaelic at the initial point of contact that members of the public have with a public authority increases the visible and audible presence of the language, and contributes to the sense that the use of Gaelic is possible and welcome. In addition to raising the profile of the language, it also creates opportunities for its practical use and encourages members of the public to use Gaelic in subsequent dealings with the public authority. The use of Gaelic in interactions with the authority by mail, e-mail and by telephone is important in creating practical opportunities for the use of the language, and in contributing to the sense that its use is possible and welcome. The presence of Gaelic in a wide range of bilingual forms and Gaelic only forms can also greatly enhance the visibility and prestige of the language. The preparation of Gaelic versions of forms, applications and similar documents, can also assist in expanding the range of Gaelic terminology and the awareness of the Gaelic-speaking public of such terminology, thus helping the development of the language itself.
Increase knowledge about Gaelic among staff and the general public.
Increase the profile of Gaelic.
Increase equal respect for Gaelic.
Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises the importance of creating opportunities for the practical use of Gaelic in a wide range of everyday situations and is committed to increasing its level of provision in this area.
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Development Function
Actions Performance Indicators Lead Timescale
Reception Reception staff will be offered some Gaelic language training – on an active offer basis - delivered by staff or partner groups.
Number of reception staff who attend reception training course
Corporate Development Unit
2020
Mail and e-mail
We will add an opening sentence in Gaelic to correspondence received in Gaelic. We will introduce dual language e-mail idents. We will consider adding a Gaelic disclaimer to e-mail.
100% of Council staff have dual email signature in Gaelic by end of plan
Communications Unit 2021
Telephone We will review the position regarding the demand for Gaelic content on telephone systems towards the end of this plan.
Review undertaken
Communications Unit 2021
Forms We will accept forms completed in Gaelic on an active offer basis, unless there are reasons why this not possible, and clearly stipulate why this will be e.g. legal reasons.
Forms are accepted. All Directorates 2019
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Public Meetings
Where Gaelic is the main subject of a meeting Gaelic interpretation will be made available where reasonable. We will use a Gaelic greeting where Gaelic is the main subject of a public meeting.
Interpretation available where Gaelic is the main subject of the meeting
All Directorates 2018
Complaints Procedures
We will respond with an opening to a complaint in Gaelic if it is received in Gaelic.
All Gaelic correspondence has Gaelic opening sentence. Standard opening provided
All Directorates CYPLL
2018
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Section 3 – Publications
Rationale: The use of Gaelic in a range of printed material can assist Gaelic development in a variety of ways. It helps increase the visibility of the language, it enhances Gaelic’s status by being used in high profile publications, and it can help develop new and enhance existing terminology. The use of Gaelic in the media helps demonstrate a public authority’s commitment to making important information available through the medium of Gaelic, as well as enhancing the visibility and status of the language. As more people access information about public authorities through their websites, making provision for the use of Gaelic can significantly enhance the status and visibility of the language.
Increase knowledge about Gaelic among staff and the general public.
Increase the profile of Gaelic.
Increase equal respect for Gaelic.
Dumfries and Galloway Council is committed to increasing the use of Gaelic in these areas where the subject matter is of most interest to the general public or relates specifically to Gaelic issues.
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Development Function
Actions Performance Indicators Lead Timescale
Public Relations and Media
We will publicise - in Gaelic -council news and other information relating to Gaelic, particularly in relation to education and culture.
Number of press releases events/language provision Annual article in Broadcast
CYPLL /Communities 2016
Printed Material We will review the position regarding the demand for Gaelic translations towards the end of this plan, with guidance to follow. We will engage with our translation service where necessary.
Review undertaken Guidance issued
Communications Unit Communications Unit
2021 2021
Websites We will develop Gaelic content on our websites. We will include a clear link to Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s website.
Develop a web page and links Number of hits on the page
Communications Unit /CYPLL
2016
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Exhibitions We will provide information in Gaelic where it is relevant to the exhibition. We will include a Gaelic element in marketing and promotional materials featuring Gaelic tradition, history or culture. We will carry out a Gaelic Awareness Day campaign annually, involving our local partners and native speakers.
Develop projects as appropriate Communications Unit / CYPLL
2016
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Section 4 – Staffing
Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises the importance of seeing Gaelic as an important job skill and of identifying situations in which its use is essential or desirable. Dumfries and Galloway Council also recognises the importance of enabling staff to develop their Gaelic skills if they wish to do so.
Rationale: In order to introduce an element of Gaelic within our services, it is necessary to develop the requisite job skills and language skills of staff. The provision of language learning for staff helps promote adult Gaelic learning and promotes Gaelic as a useful skill in the workplace. The identification of jobs in which Gaelic is a designated skill will contribute greatly to the status of the language and to identifying it as a positive skill to acquire. The visible presence of Gaelic also helps recognise that Gaelic should be used in public life and that Gaelic users have an important role to play within a public authority.
Increase knowledge about Gaelic among staff and the general public.
Increase the profile of Gaelic.
Increase equal respect for Gaelic.
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Development Function
Actions Performance Indicators Lead Timescale
Training We will use a range of methods to communicate our Gaelic Language Plan to employees. We will conduct an initial on line employee survey to identify employees who speak, read and/or write Gaelic. We will signpost Gaelic language skills training to staff based on the findings of the staff Gaelic language skills audit, via community groups. We will introduce a page on the staff intranet with the most commonly used phrases and words in Gaelic.
Increase the awareness of our Gaelic Language Plan on the web. Survey issued and analysed Results feed into action plan Interim survey midway in plan Increased % numbers of employees speaking Gaelic year on year.
CYPLL
2016
Recruitment We will develop guidance for recruitment to any positions where Gaelic would be a requirement.
Completed as appropriate HR 2018
Advertising We will advertise bilingually for positions where Gaelic would be a requirement.
Completed as appropriate HR 2017
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CHAPTER 3 – POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR GAELIC: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL GAELIC LANGUAGE PLAN Policy implications for Gaelic Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises that the various priority areas identified in the National Gaelic Language Plan will be primarily implemented through our Gaelic Language Plan but that opportunities will arise to promote and develop the language through existing policy measures. Dumfries and Galloway Council will examine current policy commitments to identify areas where Gaelic can be incorporated and the priorities of the National Gaelic Language Plan initiated through additional methods. In the formation, renewal and monitoring of policies, Dumfries and Galloway Council will ensure that the impacts on Gaelic will be in line with the National Gaelic Language Plan. Overview of the National Gaelic Language Plan The National Gaelic Language Plan identifies four interlinking aspects of language development which need to be addressed, and within them sets out a number of priority action areas: 1. Language Acquisition
Increasing the number of Gaelic speakers by ensuring the language is transferred within families and by securing effective opportunities for learning Gaelic, through:
increasing the use and transmission of Gaelic in the home
increasing the number of children acquiring Gaelic in the school
increasing the number of adult Gaelic learners progressing to fluency 2. Language Usage
Encouraging greater use of Gaelic, providing opportunities to use the language, and promoting access to Gaelic forms of expression, through:
increasing the use of Gaelic in communities
increasing the use of Gaelic in tertiary education and places of work
increasing the presence of Gaelic in the media
increasing the promotion of Gaelic in the arts
increasing the profile of Gaelic in the tourism, heritage and recreation sectors 3. Language Status
Increasing the visibility and audibility of Gaelic, enhancing its recognition and creating a positive image for Gaelic in Scottish public life, through:
increasing the number of bodies preparing Gaelic Language Plans
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increasing the profile and prestige of Gaelic
increasing the visibility and recognition of Gaelic 4. Language Corpus
Strengthening the relevance and consistency of Gaelic and promoting research into the language, through:
increasing the relevance and consistency of the Gaelic language
increasing the quality and accessibility of Gaelic translations
increasing the availability of accurate research information
Commitment to the Objectives of the National Gaelic Language Plan Dumfries and Galloway Council is committed to ensuring that the National Plan is implemented, and in this section we set out how we will achieve that aim. 1. Language Acquisition Rationale: Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises that a sustainable future for Gaelic requires more people to learn the language and that attention requires to be focused on the home, education and adult learning as the key means of achieving this. Research identifies inter-generational transmission as fundamental to the survival and growth of a language. The National Plans and the 2010 Action Plan recognise this and identify inter-generational transmission as an important element in increasing the number of fluent speakers. Research by Edinburgh Council indicates that inter-generational transmission is particularly low in families where only one parent has fluency in Gaelic. More recent research from Glasgow reports that 80% of their Gaelic School pupils do not have Gaelic as the home language of their family and that Gaelic speakers mostly speak English at home. These findings could have important policy implications for targeting information, support and resources. We will take the following steps to help create a supportive environment for growing the number of Gaelic speakers in Scotland:
Gaelic in the Home – We will signpost to Comann nam Pàrant and other national organisations. We will also help to support Bòrd na Gàidhlig in delivering its activities to increase the use of Gaelic in the home.
Gaelic in Education – As far as is reasonably practical, we will facilitate and encourage existing Gaelic learning projects in our schools, being run by current staff in both primary and secondary schools. This is in line with section 13 (2) of the Education (Scotland) Act 2016. We will make cognisance of the aforementioned Act, as well as the statutory guidance currently been developed by Bòrd na Gàidhlig with regard to it. We will also consider the role of Gaelic in the 1 + 2 Approach, to expand the provision of Gaelic learners’ provision in secondary schools within the authority area and establish a link
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with GLPS. We will provide Gaelic awareness learning opportunities for 3-18 year old school pupils as part of the Scottish Studies programme.
Gaelic in Adult Learning – We will raise awareness of learning opportunities for Gaelic learners beyond school. We will also support groups currently delivering Gaelic learning for adults across our Council area. We will promote the availability of Gaelic language training available through our innovative Interdisciplinary Learning Packages, as part of the 1 + 2 Language Initiative. These will be available on FLO. We will advertise any Gaelic learning opportunities on the council’s intranet and in the Engage newsletter for Schools. This will be carried out by CYPLL / Corporate Training Unit. We will facilitate cover for a current member of staff to complete the STREAP programme in session 2015-2016.
2. Language Usage Rationale: Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises that creating a sustainable future for Gaelic requires not only increasing the number of people able to speak the language, but increasing actual usage. We recognise the importance of enabling more people to use Gaelic as their preferred and normal mode of communication in an increasingly wide range of daily activities.
Gaelic in Communities: Gaelic in communities is of crucial importance to promote the increased use of and confidence in Gaelic. The community is vital for the implementation of the Gaelic Act’s key principle of equal respect for Gaelic and English. - We will try to provide further opportunities for Gaelic speakers to use the language across the Council area.
Gaelic in the Workplace: Gaelic in the workplace is key to extending the everyday usage of Gaelic by reinforcing individuals’ language skills, and enhancing the perceived status of the language through daily working life. - We will try to encourage Gaelic speakers to use the language in the workplace, where appropriate.
Gaelic in the Arts, Media Tourism, Heritage and Tourism: Gaelic’s presence in the areas of the arts, media, heritage and tourism is vital in order to promote access to Gaelic forms of expression; increase knowledge of Gaelic heritage; increase the usage of Gaelic in the media, and promote Gaelic in promotional material to visitors. The increased usage of Gaelic in these areas raises the profile of Gaelic and has potential benefits for increased tourism. - We will highlight ongoing work relating to Gaelic activities and successes throughout Dumfries and Galloway. We will work with Creative Scotland to bring Gaelic arts and Culture forward in Dumfries and Galloway.
3. Language Status
Rationale: Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises that the status of a language is affected by its presence in the daily environment and the extent to which it is used, valued
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and perceived to be valued by those institutions which play an important role in our daily lives.
Preparation of Gaelic Language Plan - We have developed our Gaelic Language Plan using a dedicated officer who has received extensive training on Gaelic issues. This draft plan was distributed for wider consultation in early 2016. After the period of consultation was completed, a final draft plan was submitted to the Council for approval, prior to being submitted to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for final approval.
Creating a Positive Image for Gaelic - Through our Gaelic Language Plan, we aspire to create a positive image of Gaelic throughout Dumfries and Galloway and promote awareness of the part Gaelic plays in Scotland today.
Increase Visibility of Gaelic - We will increase the visibility of the language by creating a Gaelic presence on the website.
4. Language Corpus Rationale: Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises the need to strengthen the relevance and consistency of Gaelic, the importance of facilitating translations and promoting research into the language.
Gaelic Orthographic, Terminological and Place-name Development – We will develop a glossary of terms related to our work and a list of place names in Gaelic for our Council area, as outlined above in Section 1. We will comply with the rules of Gaelic Orthographic Conventions and utilise the services of Ainmean-àite na h-Alba (Gaelic Place Names of Scotland) as standard across all services.
Gaelic in Surveys and Research - We will carry out an internal Gaelic language audit as outlined in Section 4 of this plan and we will engage with Ainmean-àite na h-Alba to develop a list of place names in Gaelic for our Council area, as outlined in Section 1.
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CHAPTER 4 – IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING Timetable This Gaelic Language Plan will formally remain in force for a period of 5 years from this date or until a new plan has been put in place. In Chapter 2 – Core Commitments and Chapter 3 – Policy Implications for Gaelic, we have set out the individual target dates for when we expect to implement specific commitments. Publicising the Plan Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Gaelic Language Plan will be published bilingually on Dumfries and Galloway Council’s website. In addition, we shall:
Issue a press release announcing the plan;
Make copies of the plan available in our public offices and reception areas,
Make the plan known to employees via Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Intranet;
Distribute copies of the Plan to Gaelic organisations;
Make copies available on request. Administrative Arrangements for Implementing the Gaelic Language Plan This plan is the policy of Dumfries and Galloway Council and has been endorsed both by our senior management team and Council members. Overall Responsibility: The Chief Executive will be responsible ultimately for ensuring that Dumfries and Galloway Council delivers on the commitments set out in this Plan over the five-year period of 2016-2021. Informing other organisations of the Plan Dumfries and Galloway Council will inform other relevant partner organisations and third parties of the existence of the Plan and seek their cooperation to operate in the spirit of the activities outlined in this plan. We will distribute copies of the Plan to Gaelic organisations and other interested bodies, such as other local authorities. We will also make copies available on request. Resourcing the Plan Dumfries and Galloway Council will meet the resource requirements for the Plan from existing budgets and will apply for assistance from external bodies as necessary. Potential resource areas for the implementation of plan activities are identified below:
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Agencies such as Creative Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, VisitScotland/ Event, Scotland, Historic Scotland
Monitoring the Implementation of the Plan An implementation report in relation to the Gaelic Language Plan will be prepared and submitted to Bòrd na Gàidhlig by a responsible council officer. This report will give Bòrd na Gàidhlig the opportunity to scrutinise progress in terms of the Plan, and report back to the council. The Council will monitor the implementation of the plan through the Covalent system. CONTACT DETAILS The senior officer with operational responsibility for overseeing preparation, delivery and monitoring of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Gaelic Language Plan is:
Colin Grant Director CYPLL
Dumfries and Galloway Council Woodbank
30 Edinburgh Road Dumfries, DG1 1NW
t: 01387 260427 e: [email protected]
http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/
For enquires about the day-to-day operation of the plan please contact:
Andrew O’Halloran Lochside Education Centre
352 Lochside Road Dumfries DG2 0EL
t: 01387 720774 e: [email protected]
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Appendix I
DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY STAFF GAELIC LANGUAGE SURVEY
Responses: 1,457
Our Gaelic language survey was carried out over a period of six weeks in early 2016. There were a total of 1,457 responses from a workforce of just under 8,000 people. Apart from the straight yes/no questions, there was also a box where respondents could give further information about the extent of their knowledge of the Gaelic language. From these comments we discovered that there was a wide range of knowledge of the language from complete beginners to those who had reached quite an advanced level of knowledge of the language. There was also a small group who had Irish Gaelic and who were interested in Scottish Gaelic. 1. Can you understand Gaelic?
Yes: No:
38 1419
2.6% 97.4%
1. Can you understand Gaelic?
Yes
No
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2. Can you speak Gaelic?
Yes: No:
33 1420
2.3% 97.7%
3. Can you read or write Gaelic?
Yes: No:
21 1423
1.5% 98.5%
2. Can you speak Gaelic?
Yes
No
3. Can you read or write Gaelic?
Yes
No
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4. Are you interested in learning Gaelic?
Yes: No:
501 974
34.6% 65.4%
5. If you have Gaelic, how often do you use it in Dumfries and Galloway? Every Day: Sometimes: Now and again: Never:
3 13 29
738
0.4% 1.7% 3.7%
94.3%
4. Are you interested in learning Gaelic?
Yes
No
5. If you have Gaelic, how often do you use it in Dumfries and Galloway?
Every day
Sometimes
Now and again
Never
