Translators galore as Gaelic is accepted by European bodies

Published on Wednesday 7 October 2009 22:00

GAELIC translators will be in demand after new moves to support the use of the language at a European level were announced yesterday by the UK and Scottish governments.

While there are no plans yet for it to become Europe's 24th "official" language, Gaelic speakers will now be able to write directly to EU bodies and receive a reply in the language.

Scottish ministers will also be able to speak Gaelic in meetings with other European ministers and regional representatives.

Under the new arrangement, interpretation will be provided from Scots Gaelic into English, but not from English into Scots Gaelic – and the cost of providing interpretation and translation must be borne by the devolved Scottish administration.

The move follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Brussels yesterday by the UK permanent representative to the EU, Sir Kim Darroch, and the Scottish Government.

It establishes the technical arrangements between the UK government and the Scottish Government to allow Scottish Gaelic to be used within EU institutions.

Jim Murphy, the Scottish Secretary, said: "This move is a strong sign of the UK government's support for Scottish Gaelic and its ongoing relevancy in the modern world.

"It is particularly fitting that the news comes a few days before the beginning of the Royal National Mod 2009, Scotland's annual celebration of the Gaelic language and culture, which forms an international showcase for our shared heritage.

"Allowing Gaelic speakers to communicate with European institutions in their mother tongue is a progressive step forward and one which should be welcomed."

Michael Russell, the culture minister, praised the level of cooperation between the two governments on the issue and welcomed the progress made on making the use of Gaelic in Europe a possibility.

"This is a significant step forward for the recognition of Gaelic both at home and abroad," he said.

Mr Russell said he hopes to attend the meeting of the EU culture council in November and plans to address the meeting in Gaelic.

Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland George Lyon said European recognition of Gaelic is long overdue.