Bòrd na Gàidhlig chair appointed

25/02/2009

Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution Michael Russell today announced the appointment of Arthur Cormack as Chair of the national development agency for Gaelic, Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Michael Russell warmly welcomed Mr Cormack's appointment saying:

"I will be taking a keen interest in the Bòrd's work as it continues to identify interesting and innovative ways of enabling current and future generations of Gaelic speakers to use the language in a variety of situations. Increasing the number of opportunities for Gaelic to be used in everyday life is key to the successful future we want for Gaelic. A strong Bòrd na Gàidhlig is central to creating those opportunities as well as to the Scottish Government's commitment to appreciation of Gaelic culture and use of the language.

"Recognising the need for a strong and stable Bòrd, I will be announcing appointment of a new Chief Executive for Bòrd na Gàidhlig within the next few months. The Scottish Government has provided an extra £300,000 in this financial year which will enable the Bòrd to secure a staff complement and structure that is appropriate to its duties."

Arthur Cormack said:

"I am privileged to take up this position on a more permanent basis after fulfilling the role in an interim capacity. I feel that this is an era of unprecedented opportunity and goodwill towards Gaelic. We have the best chance yet of sustaining and further developing Gaelic, as long as we are ready to take up the available opportunities.

"Bòrd na Gàidhlig is the principal public body responsible for promoting the increased use and learning of Gaelic, and providing advice to the Scottish Ministers on Gaelic issues. Gaelic needs and deserves an effective, active Bòrd so I will continue to work with Bòrd members and staff, the Minister and his officials, Gaelic agencies and others to deliver the best possible support mechanisms to enable Gaelic to grow.

"These are challenging times but I believe that Gaelic has much to offer in terms of its benefits to Scotland's economy, particularly in fragile areas, through sustainable employment opportunities. We must refocus on communities and ensure that Gaelic is used regularly."

Arthur Cormack (43) is from Skye, where he lives with his wife and three children. He has demonstrated commitment to Gaelic development over many years, and has built up the Gaelic arts organisation of which he is Chief Executive, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, to be one of the most-respected arts organisations in Scotland. Mr Cormack is one of four founders of Macmeanmna, a well-established and respected Gaelic music production company, and a former Chairman of Aros Ltd, a company he co-founded in 1991 which built the Skye Heritage Centre in Portree. He is a former member of the Scottish Arts Council and has been Interim Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig since July 2008.

This appointment will be for four years and will run from March 2, 2009 to March 1, 2013.

The post is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £18,600 per annum for a time commitment of four days per month, in addition to bi-monthly meetings of the Bòrd.

Arthur Cormack does not hold any other public appointments.

The Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig is expected to lead the organisation in its statutory duties relating to the National Plan for Gaelic and to work with public bodies on development and implementation of their Gaelic language plans. The Bòrd will continue with its tasks of mapping out a blueprint for the future development of Gaelic and leading the promotion of the language, Gaelic culture and Gaelic education both in Scotland and internationally.

This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice.