Education Committee, 27 Sep 2006

Meeting date: Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Official Report 242KB pdf

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Draft National Plan for Gaelic

Item 2 is the draft national plan for Gaelic. Before we commence, I inform members that the headphones on the table are for those who wish to listen to the English interpretation of the Gaelic proceedings. Headphones are also available in the public gallery for members of the public who wish to follow proceedings.

Section 2(3) of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 requires Parliament to be consulted on the draft national plan for Gaelic. The Parliamentary Bureau has referred the draft plan to the committee. Representatives of Bòrd na Gàidhlig will give evidence in Gaelic. Simultaneous interpretation will be available on channel 1. I welcome Allan Campbell, who is the chief executive, and Peadar Morgan, who is the language planning manager, and I invite them to make an opening statement.

Madainn mhath, a chàirdean, agus mòran taing. Is mise Ailean Caimbeul, ceannard Bòrd na Gàidhlig. An toiseach, bu mhath leam a ràdh cho toilichte 's a tha mi a bhith aig an ìre seo de dh'adhartas le leasachadh na Gàidhlig. Bu mhath leam taing a thoirt dhan chomataidh airson na chuir a' chomataidh ri adhartas agus cruthachadh Bile na Gàidhlig (Alba), a tha sinn a-nis a' cur an gnìomh mar achd.

Nuair a thòisich an Riaghaltas seo ann an 2003, cha robh Bòrd na Gàidhlig ach air ùr stèidheachadh. Air Dihaoine seo tighinn, foillsichidh sinn an treas aithisg bhliadhnail againn agus an tè mu dheireadh mar Bhòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba. Tha sinn mar Bhòrd na Gàidhlig ùr reachdail an sàs ann an cur an gnìomh rùintean Achd na Gàidhlig (Alba) 2005. Mar a tha fios agaibh, chaidh an achd an gnìomh anns a' Ghearran am bliadhna agus thàinig Bòrd na Gàidhlig gu bith mar bhuidheann ùr reachdail.

Anns an luchar, chaidh crìoch a chur air deasachadh "An dreachd Plana Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig" agus "An dreachd dhen Stiùireadh air Planaichean Gàidhlig". Thòisich co-chomhairle poblach air an dà dhreachd sin air 14 Lùnastal am bliadhna agus crìochnaichidh e air 10 Samhain. Tha am bòrd an dòchas an dreachd dheireannach fhaotainn chun a' mhinisteir ro dheireadh na bliadhna.

Tha am bòrd air 30 coinneamhan poblach a chumail air feadh Alba, agus aonan ann an Lunnainn, gus fiosrachadh fhoillseachadh mu fheallsanachd a' phlana nàiseanta agus gus daoine agus buidhnean a bhrosnachadh gus pàirt a ghabhail anns a' choluadar seo. Tha am bòrd glè mhothachail às na dleastanasan leasachaidh aige. Tha e cuideachd glè shoilleir gur ann an com-pàirteachas èifeachdach leis a' choimhearsnachd agus le buidhnean de gach seòrsa a thig amasan plana nàiseanta na Gàidhlig gu làn ìre.

Chaidh an dreachd den phlana nàiseanta a chonaltradh farsaing air feadh coimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig agus le buidhnean a tha air a bhith an sàs leatha fad grunn bhliadhnaichean. Chan eil na prìomh dhùbhlain a tha mu choinneamh na Gàidhlig air atharrachadh, agus leis a' phlana nàiseanta a-nis a' cuimseachadh nas mionaidiche orra, tha am bòrd misneachail à aonta ùr a leigeas dhuinn adhartas a dhèanamh còmhla ann an ùrachadh a' chànain. Tha am plana nàiseanta a' cuimseachadh air na prìomh dhùbhlain fo chòig chinn àraidh, le "Spionnadh" aig an ceann. Tha adhartas a' crochadh air spionnadh, ann am beachd a' bhùird.

Tha mi air leth toilichte a bhith an seo an-diugh gus còmhradh ribh mu na dreachdan de na h-irisean cudromach seo. Cuide rium tha Peadar Morgan, a tha na stiùiriche planadh cànain aig Bòrd na Gàidhlig agus a tha air a bhith an sàs gu mionaideach ann an obair dreachdaidh nan irisean seo.

Good morning, friends, and many thanks. I am Allan Campbell, the chief executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig. I start by saying how happy I am that Gaelic is at its present stage of development. I thank the committee for its contribution to the development and progression of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Bill, which we are now implementing as an act. When the present Administration commenced in 2003, the bòrd had just been established. On Friday of this week, we will publish the third and final annual report of Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba. As the new statutory Bòrd na Gàidhlig, we are now actively engaged in implementing the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.

As you know, the 2005 act was commenced in February this year and the new Bòrd na Gàidhlig was established as a statutory public body. In July, the drafts of the national plan for Gaelic and the guidance on Gaelic language plans were completed. The public consultation on the two documents started on 14 August and will finish on 10 November. The bòrd plans to deliver the final draft to the minister by the end of the year. The bòrd has held 30 public meetings throughout Scotland and one in London to publicise the philosophy and aspirations of the national plan and to motivate individuals and organisations to participate in the consultation.

The bòrd is aware of its development responsibilities, but it is also clear that the national plan's objectives will be fully realised only through effective partnerships with the Gaelic community and a wide variety of organisations of all kinds. The draft national plan has been informed by extensive discussion over many years in the Gaelic community and with bodies that are involved in its development. The principal challenges that face Gaelic have not changed, but with them being refocused in a national plan, the bòrd anticipates new unity and progress in the revitalisation of Gaelic. The national plan focuses on the principal challenges under five headings, with vitality as the lead challenge. The bòrd believes that progress will be dependent on vitality.

I am extremely pleased to be here to discuss with you these hugely important documents. With me is my colleague Peadar Morgan, who is the language planning manager for Bòrd na Gàidhlig and who was involved closely with the drafting of the documents.

Bu mhath leam rud beag a ràdh mun phlana. Fad na 20mh linn, tha leasachadh na Gàidhlig air a bhith stèidhichte air foghlam. Tha tòrr air a bhith ga dhèanamh ann am foghlam agus tha tòrr ri dhèanamh fhathast, ach tha sinn ag aithneachadh mar choimhearsnachd nach bi foghlam a-mhàin—foghlam leis fhèin—a' stèidheachadh ginealach ùr a bhios fileanta gu leòr agus misneachail gu leòr gus an cànan a chumail beò cho math ri beò. Tha an dreachd phlana a' dol leis a' bheachd aig eòlaichean eadar-nàiseanta gur e an dùbhlan as motha spionnadh a chur air ais anns a' chànan tron choimhearsnachd agus gu h-àraidh tron dachaigh. Tha e na bhrosnachadh dhuinn gun deach an dearbh theachdaireachd a thaghadh le Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd nuair a chùm iad co-labhairt a' comharrachadh 20 bliadhna de dh'fhoghlam tro Ghàidhlig. Airson cànan beag, chan e foghlam, foghlam, foghlam, ach foghlam, coimhearsnachd agus dachaigh.

I would like to say a little about the plan. For all of the 20th century, the development of Gaelic has been based on education. Much has been done in education, but much remains to be done. As a community, we recognise that education alone will not establish a new generation that will be fluent and confident enough to keep the language alive. The draft plan agrees with the opinion of international experts that the biggest challenge is to revitalise the language through the community and, in particular, through the home. It is encouraging to us that Highland Council chose that very message when it held a conference to mark 20 years of Gaelic-medium education. For a little language it is not about education, education, education, but about education, community and home.

Thank you for your opening remarks. I remind members that we have received written evidence from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Glasgow City Council. Highland Council was invited to submit written evidence but has not yet done so. Members may wish to refer in their questions to the written evidence that we have received.

I apologise that you will have to cope with having the light in your eyes because the blinds are too noisy for us to put them down.

Thank you for your opening statements and for providing the documents on which you have been working. It is clear that you must prioritise the traditional Gaelic heartlands. I am not sure whether that is stated explicitly in the documents. How do you envisage the bòrd supporting the plans of local authorities in the Highlands, as compared with the plans of authorities in areas such as East Renfrewshire, which I represent, which will not be priority areas but will rely on guidance from the bòrd when progressing their Gaelic plans?

Mar a tha fhios agaibh, tha dà iris aig a' choluadar seo—am plana nàiseanta fhèin agus an stiùireadh a tha a' dol gu na buidhnean poblach. Tha an achd a' cur dleastanas air Bòrd na Gàidhlig taghadh a dhèanamh às na buidhnean poblach, agus airson an taghaidh sin tha sinn a' dèanamh measadh air na buidhnean poblach a rèir a' chomais a th' aca buaidh a thoirt air suidheachadh a' chànain. Tha am bòrd air taghadh a dhèanamh air na buidhnean poblach air am bi sinn ag amas anns a' chiad trì bliadhna, a' tòiseachadh leis an tè seo. Ged nach deachaidh litrichean oifigeil chun nam buidhnean fhathast, tha fhios aig na buidhnean air fad cò iad. Tha mi an dòchas gum bi litrichean oifigeil a' dol a-mach gu na sia buidhnean a bhios air an cuimseachadh anns a' bhliadhna seo fhèin. Faodaidh mi innse dhuibh gu bheil Riaghaltas na h-Alba aig bàrr na liosta sin.

A thaobh a' chuimseachaidh, tha sinn air a bhith a' measadh nam buidhnean an toiseach a rèir: dè a' bhuaidh a bheir iad air suidheachadh a' chànain anns an dachaigh agus anns a' choimhearsnachd; dè a' bhuaidh a bheir iad air foghlam aig a h-uile h-ìre; agus dè an comas a th' aca buaidh a thoirt air beatha agus coimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig. Anns an t-seagh sin, tha thu ceart a ràdh gu bheil sinn a' cuimseachadh air a' Ghàidhealtachd anns a' chiad ghluasad gu sònraichte, ach tha am bòrd cuideachd, anns na buidhnean air a bheil sinn a' cuimseachadh anns an dara agus anns an treas bliadhna, a' sgaoileadh sin gu math nas fharsainge air feadh Alba, a' coimhead air buidhnean mar VisitScotland, Dualchas Nàdair na h-Alba agus mar sin air adhart.

Anns a h-uile còmhradh le buidhnean poblach air feadh Alba, tha sinn ag ràdh riutha nach eil sinn ga fhaicinn ciallach gum biodh e, can, 10 no 12 bliadhna mus bi a' bhuidheann phoblach a' toirt iomairt air choreigin air Gàidhlig. Ri linn sin, tha sinn gam brosnachadh a bhith a' gluasad air adhart le poileasaidhean agus le planaichean anns an eadar-ama—poileasaidhean agus planaichean neo-reachdail—agus bidh sinn gan cuideachadh ann a bhith a' dèanamh sin. Tha mi an dòchas gum bi an dà rud a' tachairt còmhla, gum bi planaichean oifigeil ann agus gum bi planaichean neo-reachdail ann cuideachd. Anns an t-seagh sin, bidh sinn a' toirt leinn Alba gu lèir, chan e dìreach a' Ghàidhealtachd.

As you know, two documents are being discussed here—the national plan and the guidance that will be issued to public bodies. The 2005 act places on Bòrd na Gàidhlig the responsibility of choosing from among public bodies. We are assessing public bodies in order that we can make that choice in accordance with their ability to advance the situation of the language. The bòrd has chosen the public bodies on which we will focus in the first three years, starting this year. Although official letters have not yet been sent out to those organisations, they know who they are. I hope that official letters will go out to the six public bodies on which we will focus this year. I can tell the committee that the Scottish Executive is at the top of the list.

We have assessed bodies according to how they can influence the language in the community and in the home; how they can influence it at every level of education; and their ability to influence Gaelic life and the Gaelic community. You are right to say that we are focusing on the Highlands in the first instance, but in the second and third years the bòrd will focus much more widely on all of Scotland and will look at organisations such as VisitScotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.

In every discussion that we have with public bodies in Scotland, we say that we do not see it as sensible for a public body to wait for 10 or 12 years before doing something on Gaelic. We are encouraging them to make progress with non-statutory policies and plans in the interim. We will help them to do that. I hope that the two things—official plans and non-statutory plans—will move forward together. In that way, we will take with us the whole of Scotland, not just the Highlands.

That is great and it is important that progress is made in that way. I see clearly how the plan applies to the Gaelic heartlands and even to an area such as Glasgow, which has a large number of Gaelic speakers, but I am trying to work out how we apply the targets to areas that have not yet reached a threshold of acceptance, if I may put it that way, and still need some persuasion or missionary work. Do you envisage your plans applying equally across the board or will some areas have to do more than others to meet the targets?

Nuair a bha sinn a' bruidhinn air a' bhile aig fìor thoiseach na cùise, bha beagan deasbad air an dearbh cheist seo. Aig an àm, bhathas a' gabhail mar eisimpleir buidheann nàiseanta mar Uisge na h-Alba. Bha a' cheist ann ciamar a bha a leithid sin de bhuidheann a' dol a thoirt plana air adhart a bhiodh a' coileanadh amasan na Gàidhlig, can, air na Crìochan agus aig an aon àm ann an sgìre a bha gu math na bu Ghàidhealaiche agus na b' fhaisge air a' chànan, mar na h-Eileanan Siar. Tha caochladh ainmean air a bhith againn air seo, le feadhainn a' bruidhinn mu dheidhinn ceumannan—mar "graduated approach" no "layered approach"—ach chan eil e gu diofar. Tha sinn riaraichte gun gabh e dèanamh a bhith a' cruthachadh poileasaidh bunaiteach agus an uair sin a' neartachadh a' phoileasaidh sin a rèir neart a' chànain agus cuideachd—rud a chuir a' chomataidh seo fhèin a-steach dhan achd—a rèir an cothrom a tha ann airson leasachadh ann an sgìrean fa leth.

That question was discussed during the early stages of the bill. The question was asked how a national body such as Scottish Water would progress a plan to fulfil its Gaelic duties in the Borders at the same time as in a much more Gaelic area nearer to the language, such as the Western Isles. People have suggested calling that a graduated or layered approach, but it does not matter what we call it; we are just happy that it can be done. We are creating basic policy then strengthening it according to the strength of the language and—something that this committee put into the bill—the opportunity for development in each area.

Tha seo a' tighinn às an stiùireadh seach às a' phlana nàiseanta. Tha an stiùireadh stèidhichte air dà fheallsanachd. Feumaidh sìor leasachadh a bhith ann, leis na h-ùghdarrasan taobh a-staigh a h-uile còig bliadhna ag ullachadh plana ùr agus ga chur a-steach. Tha sinn a' sùileachadh gum bi àrdachadh ceum air cheum leis an sin. Tha e cuideachd stèidhichte air sùbailteachd. Tha sinn ag aithneachadh nach eil a h-uile ìre, a h-uile seirbheis agus a h-uile buidheann a' tòiseachadh aig an aon ìre a thaobh leasachadh na Gàidhlig. Tha sin ag obair dà rathad. Far nach eil mòran idir ann an-dràsta a thaobh leasachadh na Gàidhlig, is e a' chiad cheum a tha sinn a' sùileachadh cuideachadh nam buidhnean gus sin a dhèanamh. Aig a' cheann eile, far a bheil rudan a' dol leis a' Ghàidhlig agus far a bheil làthaireachd mhòr aig a' Ghàidhlig, tha sinn a' sùileachadh gum bi seirbheisean gu math làidir a' nochdadh anns na planaichean.

That is covered in the guidance rather than in the national plan. The guidance is based on two philosophies: development and the requirement on authorities to review their plans within five years. We hope that the plans will progress step by step and be flexible. We realise that not every service and organisation will start at the same level, so we are working along two roads of Gaelic development, but the first step is to help authorities. In areas where Gaelic is obvious and present, we hope that plans will provide for strong services.

I wish you good fortune in working up the national plan. In remote areas with relatively few pupils who wish to study Gaelic and an insufficiency of teachers, does videoconferencing have a part to play, along with centres of excellence, to provide opportunities for Gaelic education and teacher training?

Tha mi a' tuigsinn gu bheil comataidh a' dol air adhart mar-thà a' coimhead air na cùisean sin, agus tha sin a' tighinn a-steach anns an roi-innleachd foghlaim a tha mar phàirt dhen phlana nàiseanta. Tha iomradh air sin—mas math mo chuimhne co-dhiù—agus, seadh, is e sin an rathad air adhart gu h-àraidh leis na h-àrd-sgoiltean far a bheil àireamhan beaga mu choinneamh gach cuspair. Tha cothroman ann clas nas motha a dhèanamh agus na sgilean aig na tidsearan a' sgaoileadh ann an sgìre fada nas fharsainge tro video-conferencing agus a leithid.

I understand that a committee is currently looking at those matters, which come into the education strategy and are part of the national plan, as far as I remember. That is the way forward, especially in secondary schools where small numbers study each subject. Videoconferencing offers opportunities to have bigger classes and to distribute teachers' expertise.

Can we take it that Sabhal Mòr Ostaig will play a central role in your national plan as an educational centre of excellence? A large number of committee members went there, and we received a good welcome and were impressed with the quality and range of services that it provided.

Chan eil teagamh nach bi Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean aig cridhe a h-uile càil seo, agus gu dearbh nas fharsainge na sin. Mar a thuirt mi na bu tràithe, ma tha na h-amasan a tha sinn a' cur romhainn anns a' phlana nàiseanta a' dol a thighinn gu ìre, tachraidh sin ri linn com-pàirteachas èifeachdach. Chan urrainn dhomh com-pàirteachas dhen t-seòrsa sin fhaicinn às aonais Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean mar phàirt dheth, agus gu dearbh na h-oilthighean eile cuideachd.

There is no doubt that Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the UHI Millennium Institute will be at the heart of all this. As I said earlier, the aims of the national plan will be brought to fruition in partnership. I cannot envisage such partnership without Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the UHI Millennium Institute and other universities.

My questions follow on from what Ken Macintosh talked about. A lot of the suggestions in the draft guidance are appropriate to areas where Gaelic is reasonably well developed already, but I wonder whether councils such as Dumfries and Galloway Council will feel dismayed by the guidance in that the council is not anywhere near the position that is outlined, because Gaelic is not spoken by many people in Dumfries and Galloway. The guidance does not seem to indicate to those areas with a low level of Gaelic awareness how they can get their toes on the bottom rung of the ladder. It seems to be directed at people who are much further on with or much more understanding of the development of Gaelic.

Tha sin ceart. Mar a thuirt Peadar Morgan an ceartuair, tha sinn uabhasach mothachail gu bheil caochladh bhuidhnean agus caochladh phàirtean de dh'Alba a' tòiseachadh aig ìrean gu math eadar-dhealaichte. Tuigidh sinn cuideachd gum biodh an stiùireadh seo, is dòcha, a' cur eagal air cuid de chomhairlean. Gu dearbh, nuair a bha sinn a' bruidhinn air a' bhile, bha sinn mothachail air an t-suidheachadh sin. Tha sinn a' tòiseachadh a' togail air na buidhnean far a bheil adhartas ga dhèanamh mar-thà. Tha sinn an dòchas gum bi na dh'fhoghlamas sinn agus an gliocas a thig a-mach às an sin na eisimpleir dha buidhnean eile. Aig an aon àm, tha sinn gu bhith a' bruidhinn ri comhairlean mar Chomhairle Dhùn Phris agus Gall-Ghaidhealaibh agus ag obair leotha airson obair tòiseachaidh air poileasaidh agus plana, an àite a bhith a' sparradh rudeigin orra a tha thar an comais agus thar an iarratais. Bidh sinn ag obair a' tòiseachadh aig an ìre a tha freagarrach dhaibhsan.

That is correct. As Peadar Morgan said, we are aware that different bodies in different parts of Scotland are starting at different levels. We also understand that the guidance will perhaps frighten some councils. When we were discussing the bill, we were aware of the situation. We are starting by helping the bodies where there has already been progress. We hope that the wisdom that we gain from that will be an example to other organisations. At the same time, we will work with councils such as Dumfries and Galloway Council on the policy and plans. Instead of coercing them into doing something that is not within their range of ability, we will start at a suitable level with them.

Thoir an aire den chiad seantans anns an earrann a tha sibh a-mach air, air susbaint nam planaichean. Tha e ag ràdh:

"Tha na h-eisimpleirean a leanas a' toirt beachd air na dh'fhaodar a bhith ann am plana-cànain Gàidhlig."

Tha na faclan air an taghadh gu math faiceallach. Cha bhi dà phlana, tha fhios, coltach ri chèile. Bidh a h-uile plana a rèir dè an sgìre, dè an t-seirbheis, dè an ìre de leasachadh a tha air a bhith ann thuige seo. Bidh gach buidheann a' coimhead air an t-suidheachadh aca fhèin agus air suidheachadh na Gàidhlig am measg an fheadhainn a tha iad a' frithealadh anns a' choimhearsnachd.

The first sentence in the guidance states:

"The following examples give an idea of what to include in a Gaelic language plan."

No two plans will be alike. They will depend on the area, services and existing level of development. Every organisation will consider the situation with Gaelic in their own community and for those whom they serve.

Is it worth while having an example of guidance on the early stages of Gaelic development for those areas that have little use of Gaelic? It could be almost like a menu. You could make suggestions to places where little Gaelic is spoken, such as on offering Gaelic in schools or having Gaelic material in the library, which could be part of the initial stages of its development.

Tha mi a' smaoineachadh gu bheil e ag ràdh anns an dreachd stiùiridh gu bheil sinn a' sireadh eisimpleirean de dheagh chleachdadh, agus sin an seòrsa rud a dh'fhaodadh a dhol air làrach-lìn Bòrd na Gàidhlig airson stiùireadh agus cuideachadh a thoirt do bhuidhnean.

Tha eisimpleirean ann mar-thà leis na tha air tachairt anns a' Chuimrigh, a tha bliadhnaichean air thoiseach oirnn. Tha plana Cuimris aig a' mhòr chuid de bhuidhnean—mura h-eil aig a h-uile buidheann—anns a' Chuimrigh, agus tha na h-Èireannaich air tòiseachadh air an aon rud ann an Èirinn. Anns a' Chuimrigh, fiù 's anns na h-àiteachan far a bheil an cànan aca fhèin gu math lag, tha na planaichean aca fada air thoiseach air dad a tha againn mar-thà san dùthaich seo.

Feumaidh sinn ceum air cheum a ghabhail ann a bhith a' togail suas eisimpleirean a bhios a' freagairt air buidhnean eile. Cha bhi sinn a' tòiseachadh, tha mi an dùil, le Comhairle Dhùn Phris agus Gall-Ghaidhealaibh. Mus ruig sinn a' chomhairle sin, bidh barrachd eisimpleirean agus eòlais againn fhìn air an t-seòrsa rud a tha a' dol a bhith freagarrach.

I think it says in the guidance note that we are looking for examples of good practice. These are the kind of things that can go on Bòrd na Gàidhlig's website to give guidance and help to organisations. The examples that are given are what already happens in Wales, which is years ahead of us, even in places where Welsh is not as strong as it is in other places. Most, if not all, organisations in Wales have a Welsh plan and organisations in Ireland are starting to have Gaelic plans. We must go step by step and demonstrate examples that will be suitable for other organisations. We will not be starting with Dumfries and Galloway Council. Before we reach that council, we will have more examples and more expertise about what can be suitable.

The national Gaelic education strategy contains quite specific action points but no timescales. Is the strategy a plan for action or is it a proposal for what you would like to happen? To what extent can you say that the strategy will happen?

Chan eil e ann an cumhachd a' bhùird aig an ìre seo a ràdh gun tachair a h-uile càil seo. Tha am plana air a dhol gu coluadar, agus tha e air a stèidheachadh air comhairle agus beachdan a tha sinn air a bhith a' cluinntinn agus a' trusadh thar ùine. Chan urrainn dhuinn a ràdh le cinnt gu bheil na rudan sin a' dol a thachairt gus am bi am plana air aontachadh gu foirmeil le ministearan—aig toiseach na bliadhna ùire, tha mi an dòchas.

Aon uair 's gu bheil an t-aonta sin againn, bidh rudan sa phlana a dh'fheumas tachairt. Tha fhios againn uile nach eil an cumhachd aig Bòrd na Gàidhlig airson seirbheisean foghlam a lìbhrigeadh. Tha na cumhachdan sin aig caochladh bhuidhnean eile, agus feumaidh sinne a bhith ag obair còmhla ris na buidhnean sin. Le ùghdarras a' phlana agus an stiùireadh, agus le taic bhon chomataidh seo, bhon choimhearsnachd a-muigh agus bho mhinistearan, tachraidh na rudan a tha sinn a' cur romhainn.

Tha mi a' smaoineachadh, ge-tà, gu bheil e cuideachd deatamach a ràdh nach eil duine againn a' sùileachadh gu bheil sinn a' dol a dh'atharrachadh an t-saoghail ann an ùine ghoirid; cha mhotha na sin a tha sinn a' dol a choileanadh a h-uile càil a dh'iarramaid ann an còig bliadhna a' chiad phlana. Tha sinn ann am Bòrd na Gàidhlig air a bhith a' coimhead romhainn air trì planaichean. Tha sinn air a bhith a' coimhead chun a' bhliadhna 2020—dìreach air sgàth 's gu bheil 20:20 vision a' coimhead uabhasach math dhuinn mar slogan. Tha e ceart a ràdh gur ann thar ùine dhen t-seòrsa sin a gheibh sinn an seòrsa cinn-uidhe a tha sinn ag iarraidh. Feumaidh sinn tòiseachadh le lèirsinn shoilleir air càit a bheil sinn a' dol, agus tha mi a' smaoineachadh gu bheil am plana seo a' tòiseachadh air an lèirsinn sin a chur romhainn. Ma gheibh sinn an taic, thig an uair sin an t-ùghdarras air chùl sin.

It is not in the power of the bòrd to say at this stage that all of this will happen. The strategy has been consulted on and, although it is based on consultation and opinions that we have gathered over time, we cannot say for certain that all of it will happen until the plan has been agreed by the minister, which we hope will happen at the beginning of the new year. As soon as we have that agreement, we will know that the things that are in the strategy will have to happen. At the moment, Bòrd na Gàidhlig does not have the power to have anything to do with education—different bodies have that responsibility and we have to work with them. If we get support from this committee, the community and, at the end of the day, ministers, all of the things that are in the strategy will happen.

It is important to say that none of us thinks that we will change the world in a short time. Neither can we fulfil everything in the five years of the plan. Bòrd na Gàidhlig has been looking at three plans and has in mind the year 2020—just because 20:20 vision looks good as a logo. Further, it is over that sort of time period that we will achieve the outcomes that we are looking for. We must start looking at where we are going to start and where we want to go. The strategy has that vision.

I think that the action plan on education is impressive because it has specifics in it. The challenge is to make those proposals happen.

The submission from the Western Isles Council says:

"In cities, parents are willing to have their children travel some distance for their education, but here in the Western Isles, some parents will not have their children travel a short distance for Gaelic Medium Education if it means that the school roll in their village school is compromised."

That suggests to me that there is a specific challenge to be faced. People are saying that if there is to be Gaelic-medium education in the Western Isles, there has to be some protection of school rolls. Interestingly, later on today we are addressing the issue of rural schools generally and we will be talking about capacity issues, which have an impact, particularly when Audit Scotland addresses the viability of schools.

Western Isles Council has asked for a comment on the matter to be included in the national plan. In order to ensure that parents do not feel that they are putting their local school at risk, there has to be some protection in relation to capacity issues. Are you prepared to add that to the plan at the request of Western Isles Council?

Bidh sinn ag èisteachd gu dùrachdach ris a h-uile comhairle agus beachd a gheibh sinn, agus tha sinn mothachail air an t-suidheachadh anns na h-Eileanan Siar agus ann an sgìrean dùthchail eile. Mar a tha sibh fhèin ag ràdh, tha daoine a' faicinn sgoiltean aig cridhe coimhearsnachd. Ma dh'fhalbhas an sgoil, tha iad a' faireachdainn gu bheil rudeigin air tachairt dhan choimhearsnachd nach gabh leigheas.

Tha sinn air a bhith a' bruidhinn ri Comhairle nan Eilean Siar thar ùine a-nis, agus tha còmhradh inntinneach air a bhith againn. Tha sinn air a bhith a' sealltainn air dè an ìre a thèid aig a' chomhairle na h-amasan aca a choileanadh, gus am bi seirbheis foghlaim fo aois sgoile agus na bliadhnaichean tràtha air a lìbhrigeadh tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig gu h-iomlan—agus, far am biodh pàrantan a' sireadh seirbheis Bheurla, gum faigheadh iad sin. Bhiodh sin a' ciallachadh gun robh a' chlann anns na h-Eileanan Siar air fad a' faotainn an ciad fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig. Nan tachradh sin, tha mi a' smaoineachadh gum freagradh e an dearbh cheist a thathar a' togail anns a' phàipear sin, thoireadh bhiodh e a' ciallachadh nach leigeadh a' chlann a leas siubhal airson foghlam Gàidhlig.

We will listen carefully to all the advice and opinions that we receive. We are aware of the situation in the Western Isles and other rural areas. As you say, people see schools as the heart of the community and, if the school goes, they feel that something has happened to the community that cannot be healed.

We have been talking to Western Isles Council for some time and our interesting talks have revealed the lengths to which the council will go to fulfil its aim to distribute pre-school and early years education totally through the medium of Gaelic. Children will get English education where their parents are looking for that, but children throughout the Western Isles will get their pre-school education in Gaelic. That answers the question in the submission, because it means that children will not have to travel to get Gaelic-medium education.

Page 31 of the draft national plan includes some laudable objectives for 2012. This might be covered in other documents or discussions, but will you explain how Bòrd na Gàidhlig will work with the National Theatre of Scotland? The NTS is relatively new but it has developed and made substantial strides in the past six months or so. What role will it play in articulating Gaelic culture as part of its menu of options? There is also potential, albeit time-limited, for the year of Highland culture to energise some issues. Will you expand on your views on those two projects?

Tha e caran duilich a bhith a' coimhead air rudan sònraichte aig an ìre seo. Is e an dòigh a bhios am plana ag obair gum bi buidhnean aig a bheil pròiseactan rin cur air adhart gan cur air adhart ma tha iad a' freagairt air na prìomhachasan anns a' phlana. Ma tha buidheann drama nàiseanta airson rudeigin a dhèanamh leis a' Ghàidhlig agus airson dèanamh cinnteach gu bheil an t-airgead a tha a' dol thuca airson na Gàidhlig ga riaghladh gu feum a' chànain, dh'fheumadh e a bhith a' freagairt air na prìomhachasan a tha againn, no a bhios againn, anns a' phlana nàiseanta aig a' cheann thall.

Tha e cuideachd fìor gum bi Bòrd na Gàidhlig—agus, tha mi an dòchas, an nàisean—a' cumail sùil air na prìomhachasan airson dèanamh cinnteach gun tig pròiseactan air adhart a bhios a' freagairt air gach ìre de phrìomhachas. Nuair a thig am plana a-mach, tha sinn am beachd gum bi prìomh phròiseact ga chur a-staigh mu choinneamh gach fear dhe na 20 raon a tha againn. Mar sin, anns na h-ealain mar eisimpleir, bhiodh aon phròiseact ga ainmeachadh agus bhiodh Bòrd na Gàidhlig a' dèanamh cinnteach gun rachadh am pròiseact sin air adhart. Ach bha sinn ga fhaicinn iomchaidh gun a bhith a' cur nam pròiseactan sin anns an teacsa fhèin aig an ìre seo airson co-chomhairle, oir bha sinn airson togail air beachdan na coimhearsnachd air sin. Tha sinn air eisimpleirean a thoirt seachad aig deireadh a' phlana air an t-seòrsa rud a tha sinn a' sùileachadh a bhios ann, agus bidh e gu math inntinneach faicinn dè na beachdan a thig air ais air sin agus càit a bheil obair ann an dràma a' tighinn a-steach a rèir nam prìomhachasan sin. Cuideachd, mas math mo chuimhne, tha dràma a' nochdadh anns an roi-innleachd foghlaim, airson dràma anns na sgoiltean. Mar sin, tha rudeigin sònraichte an sin cuideachd.

It is difficult to talk about specific projects at this stage, but the priorities are stated in the plan, and organisations that have projects can put them forward. For example, the National Theatre of Scotland might want to use the money that it gets for Gaelic to do something that relates to the priorities in the national plan.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the nation will keep an eye on the priorities and make sure that the projects that develop are suitable for each area of priority. When the plan is published, we will include the projects under the different headings. For example, when an arts project is named, Bòrd na Gàidhlig will make sure that it progresses. We do not think it appropriate to include the projects in the plan until we hear communities' opinions. However, at the end of the draft plan we give examples of the projects that we are looking for. It will be interesting to hear the opinions that come back to us. We will consider drama projects in relation to the priorities. If I remember correctly, drama appears under education as well, particularly in relation to drama in schools.

I commend the bòrd for producing its draft national plan for Gaelic. It will be interesting to see the results of the consultation process.

One issue that has not been emphasised in the plan to enhance the vitality and status of the language is how language development can add value to economic development in the Gaidhealtachd. I have another issue to raise, but will you address that issue first?

Tòisichidh mise air an tè sin. Mura bheil sinn air a' cheangal sin a dhèanamh cho làidir is cho soilleir 's air a bheil feum, thèid sin a chur ceart thoireadh tha am bòrd gu math soilleir mu dheidhinn cho cudromach 's a tha an cànan mar mheadhan air leasachadh eaconamach. Ma tha Gàidhlig gu bhith buan agus a' dol a dh'fhàs, feumaidh a' Ghàidhlig a bhith air a fighe a-staigh dhan bheatha eaconamach cho math ri beatha nan ealan agus beatha shòisealta na coimhearsnachd, chan ann a-mhàin air a' Ghàidhealtachd ach air feadh Alba.

Tha e air a bhith na mhisneachadh mòr dhuinn an ìre gu bheil an raon phoblach, le aithne agus mothachadh air an achd, air a' phlana nàiseanta agus air na rudan eile a tha a' tachairt, a' gabhail poileasaidhean air Gàidhlig mar-thà. Ma thèid sibh a dh'àite mar an t-Òban, chì sibh na prìomh bhùithtean—Tesco, an Co-op agus a-nis Homebase—a tha uile dà-chànanach. Is e a' bhùth Homebase sin a' chiad bhùth aca ann an Alba anns a bheil Gàidhlig, agus chan e a-mhàin gun do chuir iad Gàidhlig anns an Oban, ach tha iad air riaghailtean agus poileasaidh a chruthachadh dhaibh fhèin gus gum bi iad, bho seo a-mach, a' leantainn na h-eisimpleir sin air feadh na dùthcha le mothachadh air a' chànan. Tha sin a' toirt eisimpleir dhan raon phrìobhaidich. Tha e cuideachd a' toirt cothrom agus stiùir dha daoine òga a tha a' dol tro fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig, a' dearbhadh dhaibhsan gu bheil an cànan gu feum taobh a-muigh saoghal foghlaim agus nach eil e dìreach airson daoine a tha an sàs ann an leasachadh.

A bharrachd air an sin, anns a h-uile plana a bhios sinn a' dèanamh cuide ris an raon phoblaich, bidh sinn a' coimhead air mar a tha an cànan a' pòsadh a-steach dha leasachadh eaconamach agus dha saoghal eaconamach na dùthcha. Tha Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean air tè dhe na ciad bhuidhnean air a bheil sinn ag amas anns a' bhliadhna seo fhèin.

If we have not made the link between language development and economic development strong and obvious, that will be put right because the bòrd is certain about the importance of economic development and language being at the centre of economic development. If Gaelic is to survive and the use of Gaelic is to grow, it will have to be knitted into the economic, artistic and social lives of communities not only in the Highlands, but throughout Scotland.

We have been encouraged by the lengths to which the public sector will go—we have been encouraged by its recognition of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and the national plan and the lengths to which it will go in considering policies, for example.

One can also see people's priorities in places such as Tesco, the Co-op and Homebase in Oban, for example, all of which are bilingual. Homebase was the first shop in Scotland to use Gaelic. Policies and rules have been created that mean that its example will be followed throughout the land from now on. What has happened provides an example to the private sector and opportunities for and guidance to young people in Gaelic-medium education. It proves that Gaelic is useful outwith education and is not just for people who are involved in development.

In each plan that we will work on with the public sector, we will consider how the language knits into the area's economic development. Highlands and Islands Enterprise is the first group that we are aiming at this year in that respect.

The point that I was making was to do with making the use of Gaelic an economic advantage and giving people an economic incentive to retain and develop the language's vitality. There must be areas in which doing so can be focused on—I refer to the development of tourism, for example.

Gun teagamh, tha turasachd air tè cho cudromach 's a tha ann, ach tha na h-ealain cudromach cuideachd. Tha saoghal nan ealan air a bhith an dà chuid a' toirt cothrom cosnaidh agus cothrom dha daoine feum a dhèanamh dhen chànan gu am buannachd fhèin. Tha e cuideachd air a bhith buannachdail dhan chànan fhèin le a bhith a' togail ìomhaigh a' chànain, chan ann a-mhàin san dùthaich seo ach gu h-eadar-nàiseanta.

Tha turasachd cuideachd na raon follaiseach, mar a thuirt sibh, thoireadh tha Alba anns an fharsaingeachd gu mòr an eisimeil air turasachd anns an t-saoghal a tha ann. Feumaidh sinn coimhead airson adhbharan sònraichte, airson rudeigin a bharrachd a thoirt dhan fheadhainn a thig a dh'Alba. Tha e follaiseach nach eil an cànan agus a h-uile càil a tha a' buntainn dhan chànan ri fhaotainn ann an àite sam bith eile. Ma thèid luchd-turais a Bharraigh, gheibh iad rudeigin eadar-dhealaichte bhon rud a gheibh iad anns an Eilean Sgitheanach. Mar sin, tha buannachd ann ge bith càite an tèid iad ann an Alba. Sin pàirt dhen adhbhar a bhios VisitScotland cho àrd air an liosta againn.

Indeed. Tourism is important in that respect, but the arts are also important. Both provide earning opportunities and opportunities for people to use the language to their advantage, but they have also been advantageous to the language itself in raising its profile not only in this country, but internationally.

As you said, the tourism industry is an obvious area in which to use Gaelic. Scotland depends on tourism. We must look to give something more to people who come to Scotland. Everything that is related to Gaelic will do that; people cannot find such things anywhere else. They will get different things in Barra and the Isle of Skye and different advantages wherever they go. That is part of the reason why VisitScotland is so high on our list of bodies to deal with.

Tha e cudromach cuideachd coimhead air na cothroman a tha ann airson an cànan fhèin a thoirt air adhart tro ghnìomhan eaconomach. Tha cothroman ann airson togail air turasachd tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig a bhiodh a' cur ri spionnadh a' chànain agus ri foghlam anns na sgoiltean, a' leudachadh eòlas, briathrachas agus cothroman anns a' chànan fhèin.

A thaobh spionnadh, chan eil sinn air ainmeachadh fhathast—ach tha e anns na ceithir raointean anns a' phlana nàiseanta—an t-àite-obrach. Tha sin a' dol a bhith caran duilich, tha mi ag aithneachadh, a thoirt air adhart, ach is e pàirt mhòr de bheatha chuideigin aig a bheil Gàidhlig. Tha an t-àite-obrach na phàirt dhen choimhearsnachd, dh'fhaodadh tu ràdh, agus tha e cudromach gum faigh sinn dòigh, far an gabh e dèanamh, air Gàidhlig a thoirt a-steach dhan àite-obrach am measg an luchd-obrach fhèin a' conaltradh ri càch a chèile. Bidh e duilich, ach bidh clasaichean ann airson sin a dhèanamh gun a bhith a' cur bacadh air daoine eile.

It is also important to consider the opportunities that exist for progressing the language through economic endeavours. There are opportunities for building on tourism through the medium of Gaelic, which could add to the vitality of the language and of education in schools, expanding knowledge, vocabulary and opportunities in the language itself.

In terms of the vitality of the language, the workplace is one of the four areas covered in the draft language plan. I realise that that work is going to be a bit difficult to progress but the workplace is a big part of the community and of the life of anyone who speaks Gaelic, and it is important for us to find a way to bring Gaelic into the workplace so that workers can talk to one another. That might be difficult, but there will be classes.

Anns na còmhraidhean a bhios againn le Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean, le caochladh chomhairlean agus le Bòrd Turasachd na h-Alba, tha sinn mothachail gu bheil rudan air tachairt mar-thà. Tha sin na mhisneachadh mòr dhuinn agus tha sinn a' togail air deagh rùn. Mura biodh rudan mar sin, bhiodh an saoghal a' coimhead gu math na bu dorra dhuinn. Tha sinn air ar misneachadh leis gu bheil sinn a' faireachdainn gu bheil daoine ag obair cuide rinn. Mura biodh e mar sin, cha bhithinn-sa leth cho dòchasach 's a tha mi a' suidhe seo an-diugh.

It is also important to say that from our discussions with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other organisations, as well as from our discussions with VisitScotland, we are aware that some things have happened already. That is encouraging, and we are building on those things and on goodwill. If such things were not happening, the world would look very difficult for us, but we are encouraged. We feel that people are working with us. If it was not like that, I would not be as hopeful as I am today.

I have one other question on Gaelic learning outwith the core Gaelic speaking areas. In Ayrshire, I have had occasion to try to help groups who are trying to get support for Gaelic classes in local colleges, and I find that different local authorities take different approaches. For example, North Ayrshire Council employs a Gaelic development officer and runs a large number of classes throughout the local authority area. That is not a core Gaelic area; the island of Arran was, but there are no native speakers left there, unfortunately.

One reason that some local authorities give for not going down that road is lack of demand. However, there is a lot of latent and potential demand. How can we move from encouraging the North Ayrshire Councils of this world to continue—North Ayrshire Council itself does not need any encouragement—and spread that support to other parts of the mainland? Is that a priority for the bòrd's first few years, or will you be considering that further down the line?

Tha e sònraichte iomchaidh gu bheil sibh a' togail na ceist sin an-diugh thoireadh, dìreach anns an latha no dhà mu dheireadh, tha sinn air a bhith a' coimhead air an dearbh chuspair seo. Tha sinn a' tòiseachadh air còmhradh mu na ciad planaichean aig buidhnean poblach. Mar a tha sibh ag ràdh, tha an trioblaid, no an dùbhlan, seo bitheanta anns a h-uile coimhearsnachd. Aig amannan, tha mi a' smaoineachadh gu bheil sinn uile ag aithneachadh gum bi comhairlean ag ràdh, "Uill, chan eil iarratas ann," agus iad an dòchas nach bi e ann, thoireadh ma bhios e ann tha e ag adhbharachadh trioblaid. Tha sinn airson suidheachadh a chruthachadh far nach bi eagal air na comhairlean à iarratas, far am bi an structar aca airson clasaichean Gàidhlig a lìbhrigeadh far a bheil iarratas ann, agus gum bi am bòrd gan cuideachadh airson sin a dhèanamh.

Tha dà dhùbhlan romhpa, ge-tà: an toiseach leis na clasaichean anns a' choimhearsnachd a-muigh; ach an uair sin leis an iarratas a thig orra bhon taobh a-staigh dhe na buidhnean aca fhèin, bho luchd-obrach a tha ag iarraidh Gàidhlig ionnsachadh agus luchd-obrach a dh'fheumas iad a bhrosnachadh gus Gàidhlig ionnsachadh. Tha sinn a' faicinn cothrom an seo air structar a chruthachadh, agus tha sinn a' bruidhinn mar-thà ri dà chomhairle mu dheidhinn template a bhiodh againn. Ma gheibh sinn sin ag obair leis an dà chomhairle sin, tha sinn an dòchas gun gabh sin toirt an uair sin mar eisimpleir dhan h-uile comhairle a tha ga iarraidh ann an Alba, agus gum bi am bòrd a' cur taic riutha gus gum bi iad air chomas clasaichean agus foghlam a thoirt dhan luchd-obrach aca, agus dhan choimhearsnachd, mar a tha feum.

It is particularly relevant that you raise that question today; in the past few days we have been considering that very subject. We have been talking about the first plans for public bodies. The challenge that you ask about is widespread in communities. Sometimes councils say that there is no demand—and they hope that there is no demand, because demand creates problems. We want to establish structures so that councils are not afraid of demand for Gaelic classes and can provide for that demand. The bòrd will help them with that.

There are two challenges for councils: to provide classes in the community; and to satisfy demand from within their own groups of staff. Councils should encourage their own staff to learn Gaelic in classes. We think that there is an opportunity to create a structure for that. Indeed, we have already talked to two councils about a template that could be used with those councils and then as an example to every other council in Scotland that wants it. The bòrd will support those councils so that they can provide classes for their staff and for their communities.

Tha seo a' tighinn a-steach cuideachd fon roinn "Inbhe" anns a' phlana nàiseanta. Chaidh a ràdh rium dìreach a' tighinn a-steach an-diugh nach eil am facal "nàiseanta" a' nochdadh anns a' phlana idir. Is dòcha gun robh sinn cho faisg air a' ghnothach 's gun robh sinn dìreach a' gabhail ris gun robh sin ann. Tha mi an dòchas gur e sin rud a thig às a' cho-chomhairle gum bi am facal sin a' nochdadh.

This question comes under the idea of "status" in the national plan. Earlier today, I was told that the word "national" is not in the plan at all; perhaps we were so close to the subject that we just accepted that it was there. I hope that that will be resolved during the consultation and that the word will be included.

Tha e air a' chiad duilleig.

It is on the first page.

Tha e air a' chiad duilleig. Tha sin ceart. Sin freagairt dhan duine a thuirt sin rium.

Tha inbhe gu math cudromach ann an leasachadh cànan beag sam bith. Ged a tha e air leth cudromach gum bi an inbhe sin àrd aig na daoine a bhruidhneas an cànan no a dh'fhaodadh a bruidhinn, tha e cuideachd cudromach gun tèid sin a sgaoileadh a-mach dhan t-sluagh gu lèir agus gum bi inbhe nas àirde na tha an-dràsta aig a' Ghàidhlig. Tha e cudromach gum bi an sluagh measail air a' Ghàidhlig agus air eachdraidh ionadail a' chànain, ged nach eil ann a-nis ach ainmean àite às na linntean meadhanach. Tha e cudromach gu bheil daoine a' mothachadh air na tha a' tachairt agus na cothroman anns an raon. Tha cothroman nàiseanta ann gus tòiseachadh air Gàidhlig ionnsachadh air astar.

Tha margaidheachd gu math cudromach, mar a tha làthaireachd dhan chànan—a' faicinn agus a' cluinntinn a' chànain—agus, mar as motha a bhios sin air àbhaisteachadh ann an seirbheisean bhuidhnean aig ìre nàiseanta agus ann an diofar sgìrean, tha mi cinnteach gum bi an t-iarratas ag èirigh dha rèir.

Oh—it is on the first page. You are right. That answers the point that was made to me earlier.

Status is very important for any minority language. The status of Gaelic should be high among the people who speak the language, but it is also important that the idea becomes widespread among all people, so that the status of Gaelic rises higher than it is at the moment, and so that people become fond of Gaelic and of its history—there is nothing left now but place names from the middle ages.

People should be aware of what is happening and of the opportunities that are available. There are national opportunities for learning Gaelic through distance learning. The language should have a presence. People should see it and hear it. The more the language becomes obvious within groups and bodies at national level, and within communities, the more the demand for the language will grow.

I was encouraged by the example of Homebase in Oban, and I was pleased and surprised to learn that the Confederation of British Industry Scotland has recently come up with the suggestion of having manifestos in Gaelic next year. The CBI is not an organisation that I normally think of as inclusive in that way, but I am delighted with its suggestion.

The emphasis for you in the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is on your role in developing Gaelic among public authorities, and that is the focus of your plan. I take it that you will also be able to offer support and encouragement to private companies, cross-border public authorities and other organisations such as the Post Office, even if they are not at the core of your plan.

Tha sinne mar soisgeulaich sam bith. Tha sinn deònach a bhith a' searmonachadh an t-soisgeil dha duine sam bith a dh'èisteas, agus cuideachd ris an fheadhainn nach eil ag èisteachd.

Ged is e buidheann bheag a tha ann am Bòrd na Gàidhlig, mar a thuirt mi aig fìor thoiseach gnothaich an-diugh tha sinn a' faicinn gum feum sinn ruigheachd air a h-uile buidheann poblach ann an Alba. Ge b' e dè an ìre aig a bheil iad sa chlàr againn, tha e cudromach gun ruig sinn orra agus gun tòisich sinn air còmhradh riutha, an dara cuid tron luchd-obrach againn fhìn no tro a bhith ag obrachadh ann an co-bhonn le buidhnean eile. Tha an aon rud fìor a thaobh buidhnean prìobhaideach agus buidhnean saor-thoileach, thoireadh feumaidh seo tachairt ann an dòigh a tha coileanta air feadh na dùthcha.

Chan urrainn dhuinn, gu mì-fhortanach, dìreach a ràdh, "Dèiligidh sinn ri Gàidhlig anns na h-Eileanan an Iar an toiseach agus nuair a bhios sin againn ceart thèid sinn an uair sin dhan Eilean Sgitheanach." Uill, tha e ceart san Eilean Sgìtheanach co-dhiù! Feumaidh sinn dèiligeadh leis an iarratas ge b' e càit a bheil e, agus tha sin a' ciallachadh gu bheil dùbhlan romhainn. Ach, mar a bha mi ag ràdh, tha sinn air ar misneachadh leis an ìre de dh'aithne a tha ann mar-thà air Achd na Gàidhlig agus an ìre gu bheil buidhnean phoblach, phrìobhaideach agus eile a' tighinn thugainn agus a' sireadh fiosrachaidh agus taic.

We are like any other evangelists: we are happy to preach the gospel to anyone who will listen—and to those who are not listening.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig is a small organisation but, as I said at the outset, we could see that we will have to reach every public body in Scotland, no matter what their level on our list. It is important that we meet and talk to them, perhaps working with their staff and with those in voluntary and private bodies. That has to happen in a way that is fulfilling throughout the land.

It is unfortunate to say that we should deal with Gaelic in the Western Isles first, before going to the Isle of Skye. We have to deal with demand wherever it is, and that means that there is a challenge ahead of us. As I have said, we are encouraged by the level of knowledge that people have of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and by the level at which private and public bodies have been approaching us for information and support.

One of the commitments that I was most encouraged about was the decision to appoint a Gaelic teacher recruitment officer. That is clearly a vital area, which committee members all identified when we were looking into the matter. However, I was slightly concerned to see that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar says in its submission that that is not a priority for it. How will you take the process forward? You have the plan, which is out for consultation. What happens next? I take it that the areas of the plan that you have identified are open to amendment or change. What will happen following the consultation and after you have received the feedback?

Is e fear dhe na duilgheadasan a tha againn, mar a tha aig a h-uile buidheann a tha an sàs ann an coluadar dhen t-seòrsa seo, gu bheil a' chuid mhòr dhe na beachdan a' dol a thighinn a-steach aig a' mhionaid mu dheireadh no fiù 's seachad air a' mhionaid mu dheireadh. Tha e cuideachd uabhasach deatamach dhuinn, ri linn beatha na Pàrlamaid seo is ri linn taghaidhean an ath bhliadhna agus a h-uile càil eile, gur e an t-amas agus an creideas a tha aig a' bhòrd gum bu chòir a' chiad phlana nàiseanta Gàidhlig riamh a bhith a' dol an gnìomh anns a' bhliadhna 2007, a bhios na bliadhna cultar na Gàidhealtachd ann an Alba. Tha sinn mar bhòrd a' cur romhainn gun dèan sinn ar dìcheall gum bi an dreachd dheireannach dhen phlana a' dol chun a' mhinisteir ro dheireadh na bliadhna.

Tha sin a' ciallachadh, nuair a chrìochnaicheas an coluadar seo air 10 Samhain, gum bi sinn an uair sin a' dèanamh spàirn gus measadh a dhèanamh air na beachdan a gheibh sinn, gus aithisg a bhith air a deasachadh a thèid chun a' bhùird againn a' moladh atharrachaidhean anns a' phlana a tha a' choluadar air a mholadh dhuinn. Thèid na h-atharrachaidhean sin agus toradh na h-obrach sin an uair sin chun a' mhinisteir ro dheireadh na bliadhna. Bhithinn an dòchas, ri linn gu bheil an ùine cho goirid, gum bi sinn a' cumail conaltradh mionaideach agus fosgailte eadar sinn fhìn agus ar càirdean anns an Riaghaltas gus gum bi fhios againn dè tha càch a chèile a' smaoineachadh, agus gun ruig sinn deireadh na bliadhna le aonta air dè tha ciallach agus dè ghabhas dèanamh.

A thaobh a' mheasaidh fhèin, tha am bòrd gu bhith an sàs ann gun teagamh, ach tha sinn a' dol a dh'fhastadh sgioba neo-eisimeileach airson sgrùdadh a dhèanamh air na beachdan a thig a-steach gus gun urrainn dhuinn a ràdh gu h-onarach gu bheil sinn air comhairle a ghabhail, agus gu bheil sinn air seasamh ceum air ais bho na beachdan a thàinig a-steach air an rud a dheasaich sinne. Thoireadh tha sinne cho faisg air a' phlana agus gum biodh e nàdarra gum biodh sinn dualach a bhith ga dhìon, fiù `s ged a bhiodh àiteachan ann far an gabhadh leasachadh.

Tha mi an dòchas gu bheil sin a' freagairt na ceist.

Like any other group that is involved in such a consultation, one of our difficulties is that the majority of opinions will probably come in at the last minute, or perhaps even after the deadline. However, this is an important matter for us to address during this session of Parliament—we are mindful of the elections next year. I mention that especially because of the bòrd's aim and belief that the first national Gaelic plan ever should be implemented in 2007, which is the year of Highland culture. The bòrd will do its best to ensure that the draft plan goes to the Minister for Education and Young People before the end of the year.

When the consultation finishes on 10 November, we will try to assess all the opinions and prepare a report to go to the bòrd, changing anything that needs to be changed. The changes and the results of our work will go to the minister at the end of the year. We hope that, within a short time, there will be open consultation between us and our friends in the Executive so that we will know what one another's thoughts are and so that we can reach the end of the year in agreement on what is reasonable and what can be done.

As far as the assessment itself goes, the bòrd will be involved, but we will hire an independent group to investigate the opinions that come in, so that we can say with conviction that we have taken advice and that we are taking a step back from the opinions that have been voiced about what we have prepared. We are so close to our aim that we might feel a desire to protect the plan, even if there are things in it that could be changed.

I hope that that answers the question.

It does. Thank you both for answering all our questions and for coming along to represent Bòrd na Gàidhlig. I also thank the interpreter in the booth, who has been providing a useful service for us all morning.

The committee will consider a draft report on the draft national plan for Gaelic at our first meeting after the October recess. Do members have any particular comments that they wish to be included in the report? If no thoughts immediately come to mind, perhaps members can let the clerks know in the next few days so that they can draft the report. Do members have any comments at this stage?

Adam Ingram made an important point on an issue that should be emphasised. I am keen that we should cover that in the report.

The document seems to be comprehensive—I am referring to the consultation rather than any response to it—although it focuses only on certain areas and public authorities. The draft plan seems to focus primarily on the Gaelic heartlands, as I read it. That said, it covers all the areas that I would want to see addressed. An awful lot of work has gone into it and I am very impressed so far.

The clerks will take those comments on board when they draft the report.

We move on to item 3. Under the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's language policy, committees are required to seek approval from the corporate body to publish reports in languages other than English. It seems appropriate that we should publish in Gaelic our report on the draft national plan for Gaelic. Does the committee agree that we should seek approval from the corporate body to publish our report in Gaelic as well as in English?

Members indicated agreement.