Culture minister calls for 'new generation' to preserve Gaelic

Published on Friday 9 October 2009 22:09

A NEW generation of Gaelic speakers must be created to safeguard the future of the language, the culture minister Michael Russell warned yesterday as he promised £50,000 to further its development.

Mr Russell said that, despite admirable advances in promoting the language, including a significant increase in the number of young Gaelic speakers, the number of Scots who speak it was not rising.

He told those gathered for the opening of the106th Royal National Mod in Oban that the key to achieving an increase lies with the 56,000 Scots who speak the language helping create an new generation of Gaelic speakers.

He warned: "There won't be a future for the Mod unless there are people who speak the language.The responsibility for this lies with the Gaelic speakers."

A plan of action is to be drawn up, with Gaelic organisations all being asked to contribute.

Mr Russell said: "I have already asked Brd na Gidhlig to look at what they are doing and to come up with some new ideas. At the end of the year, along with others, we are going to come up with a new plan."

Mr Russell pledged more government support for the language, promising 50,000 of Gaelic education and development benefits. He also awarded 35,000 for the Royal National Mod to appoint a Gaelic development officer in Caithness..

Argyll and Bute Council will also receive 15,000, to increase the number of Gaelic courses in the area and to provide more access to adult learning classes.

Mr Russell said: "The money in Argyll and Bute is for intensive courses, so that it can be the next authority to extend adult learning. These investments recognise the important role local communities play in Gaelic learning and in building a strong and sustainable future for Gaelic."

Helping to promote interest in the language over the next year will be the Scottish Government's new Gaelic Ambassador of The Year, writer and broadcaster Anne Lorne Gillies.

Mr Russell said Ms Gillies was a truly worthy recipient of the award and added: "A long-time Gaelic activist, Anne's contribution to Gaelic language and culture is immense."

He added: "We want people to learn and pass on Gaelic in order to preserve a rich seam in the cultural life of Scotland and a distinct language community in Scotland."

John Macleod, president of An Comunn Gaidhealach, which organises the Royal National Mod, said: "The Mod is a great showcase for Gaelic language and culture and we are delighted to have the Scottish Government's endorsement of our work through this funding package."