New CEO confirms new strategy for the coming year

Iain Campbell this week took up his post as the new Ceannard (CEO) of Bòrd na Gàidhlig.  At its meeting of 04/03/2015, the Bòrd agreed the strategy presented by Mr Campbell, which will take Bòrd activity forward for the next two years following which a new National Gaelic Language Plan will be in place.

4 of the main points highlighted in this presentation:

• National Gaelic Language Plan

The current Plan will be reviewed, and over the next few months the Bòrd will engage with stakeholders as a precursor to formulating a draft National Gaelic Plan for 2017-22. 

• Education

Priority will be given to completing and implementing strategies for early years, secondary education and adult learning of Gaelic.  

The Bòrd will draft Guidance on Gaelic education for Ministerial approval and circulation to Education Authorities and other relevant bodies.  The Guidance will also be useful for parents when considering requesting Gaelic-medium education for their children in the context of the Education (Scotland) Bill 2015 which should be enacted in 2016.  

• Communities

The Bòrd will review its funded community initiatives and will formulate new strategies giving priority to young people under 30 years of age, families with young children and communities where 20%+ of the population have Gaelic language abilities.  

• Strategic Partnerships

The Bòrd will build on existing partnerships with, for example; MGALBA, HIE and Creative Scotland, to develop and implement joint strategies working to the strengths of each partner.  The Bòrd will also build on existing involvement with Community Planning Partnerships in the Outer Hebrides and the Highland area.  

Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages, said: “I wish Iain every success in the important role of Ceannard with the Bòrd, building on the legacy of John Angus. On behalf of the Scottish Government, I look forward to working with him and the Bòrd in continuing growth of the Gaelic language.”

Bòrd na Gàidhlig Interim-Chair, Allan MacDonald said: “We are pleased to welcome Iain as the new CEO of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and wish him all the best in the coming years.  The Bòrd, which is now well established, is ready to continue in supporting the growth and development of the Gaelic language.  At last week’s Bòrd meeting (4/3/2015) Iain presented us with a strategy which was approved and which will guide the Bòrd through the next 2 years.”

Mr Campbell said: “I am delighted take up the role at the Bòrd of Ceannard. I am relishing the challenge of managing the organisation at a time of growth in support towards the Gaelic language, at all levels, and I look forward to building upon the successes we have seen over the last 4 years. There is much still to achieve but with the continued support of the Scottish Government and our partner organisations, the future of Gaelic is very much a positive one.

 Mr Campbell takes over the role from John Angus MacKay who will retire at the end of the month, having steered the Bòrd over the last 4 and a half years.