NEW FALKIRK & DISTRICT GAELIC FORUM FORMED

A new group dedicated to the promotion of Gaelic in the Falkirk area has been formed. The Falkirk & District Gaelic Forum was launched at an inaugural meeting in Falkirk Council's Municipal Chambers on Tuesday 20th January

The Forum will operate as a steering group, with the objective of increasing awareness of Gaelic and promoting the Gaelic language, music and culture throughout Falkirk District. The Forum will work in conjunction with other local and national agencies in promoting all aspects of Highland culture, and will also source funds from national bodies such as Bòrd na Gàidhlig to help fund a number of cultural initiatives including Gaelic language classes and traditional music events in the area.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Angus MacDonald, Convener of the new group said: 

“During last year’s Royal National Mod in Falkirk we gave a commitment that the Mod would leave a legacy in Falkirk district. In order to ensure that there is a lasting legacy we decided to set up a local Gaelic Forum to help steer the promotion of Gaelic language and music in the right direction. I'm pleased that the new committee members are keen to take action to work towards improved provision of Gaelic in the area."

“Last year we identified a clear demand for increased provision of Gaelic language classes and more traditional music sessions in the area, and that will be just part of the remit of the new Gaelic Forum. We will also dirve forward the provision of Gaelic-medium education in Falkirk District at Primary and Nursery level.”

“I would encourage all supporters of the Gaelic language and culture to take advantage of this opportunity to get involved in promoting the language and music of the Highlands. New members of the Forum are welcome to come along to the regular monthly meetings which will be held on the third Tuesday of the month (venue to be confirmed).

“We have been encouraged by news that Bòrd na Gàidhlig have awarded us a grant to set up the Forum, and we will be seeking funding from other local and national agencies, including local sponsors, over the next few months.

Local SNP MSP for Falkirk West, Michael Matheson has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament welcoming the formation of the Falkirk & District Gaelic Forum. The motion reads as follows:

*S3M-3243 Michael Matheson: Falkirk Gaelic Forum—That the Parliament acknowledges the success of the Royal National Mod 2008 in Falkirk; notes that following this successful event the Falkirk and District Gaelic Forum has been established, and welcomes that the forum will work in conjunction with local and national agencies in promoting all aspects of Gaelic and Highland culture in the Falkirk area.

The office bearers appointed at the inaugural meeting are as follows:

Convener - Councillor Angus MacDonald

Vice Convener - George Stoddart

Secretary - Linda Sim

Treasurer - Provost Pat Reid

Organiser - Carey Sinclair

Anyone requiring further information should contact Cllr MacDonald on 01324 506139