Bid to bolster Gaelic language as Mod launched

The Royal National Mod, the annual showcase of Gaelic music and culture, got underway in the Western Isles last night with a rallying cry for a more radical approach to be taken in language development.

Against the backdrop of a wider national debate on the decline in the number of Gaelic speakers, and the efforts needed to secure the survival of the language, John MacLeod, president of Mod organisers An Comunn Gaidhealach, outlined a blueprint that would give Gaelic a far stronger foundation in the islands.

Delivering the opening address of the Mod in Stornoway last night, he warned that the language was in danger of disappearing in the communities that many regard as its spiritual home.

Mr MacLeod called for all public bodies in the islands to adopt more Gaelic-friendly policies, saying it was essential that employees were able to communicate in the language. This, he argued, would ensure it is given a far higher profile in the area.

“There is still a strong enough Gaelic foundation in this community to build on to ensure a sustainable Gaelic environment for future generations and as the largest public employer in the islands Comhairle nan Eilean Siar [Western Isles Council] would be the ideal lead organisation in ensuring that Gaelic becomes the main language of public life here,” he told his audience last night.

“You have a good workforce in the public sector here and you can be assured of the support of all Gaelic organisation staff based here to help you achieve that. Strengthening Gaelic in the Western Isles, however, does not mean lessening the effort elsewhere. Gaelic belongs to the whole of Scotland, but it needs a healthy and secure homeland, and the Western Isles has the best environment for that.”

Over the next seven days thousands of visitors are expected to cross the Minch to take part in a range of competitions and events, bringing an estimated economic boost of £3 milli on to the islands. This is the fifth time the Mod has been held in the Western Isles.

Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan, who is the minister for Gaelic in the Scottish Government, delivered a keynote speech last night. He outlined plans to work with the Office of Gaelic Affairs in Nova Scotia to allow five Gaelic learners to travel to Scotland for summer language lessons, while also giving £10,000 to Ness Historical Society to help it become a new Gaelic “hub” in north Lewis.