Call for Gaelic Members Debate in Scottish Parliament

ALLAN TO SEEK GAELIC MEMBERS DEBATE IN SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

Western Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan, yesterday submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament on the Gaelic language with the aim of seeking to have a members debate on the topic after recess.

Mr. Allan said:

‘The coming few years are going to be a critical time in the survival of the Gaelic language and I am therefore seeking to have a members debate in the Scottish Parliament in the coming few months to highlight the future development of the language and which will also, hopefully, allow for Gaelic to be used in a parliamentary debate.

‘There are a number of exciting developments for all those involved in Gaelic to look forward to in the near future, including the much anticipated launch of the Gaelic digital television channel, but there are a few areas in which it mush be the priority to support and develop the language in the coming years. These areas particularly include in the areas of Gaelic medium education and importantly the use of Gaelic within communities. I hope to highlight these factors and more through a proposed member’s debate.’

Alasdair Allan’s Motion reads as follows:

S3M-02374# Alasdair Allan (Western Isles) (Scottish National Party): Gaelic Language Development— That the Parliament commends Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, along with other local authorities and public bodies, for the recent publication of their Gaelic language plans; likewise commends the Gaelic plan of the Scottish Parliament and the soon to be published Gaelic language plan of the Scottish Government; notes the important work done by the community and by many agencies and bodies in Scotland to maintain and develop the Gaelic language; recognises that in the coming few years it will become clear whether or not Gaelic is to survive as a community language, and therefore recognises that a sense of urgency in this area of policy is essential, particularly in respect of the expansion of Gaelic medium education, if we are to ensure that the number of speakers has, by the 2021 census, been stabilised at 2001 levels as the prerequisite for long term growth.

 Gaelic Translation:          

S3M-02374# Alasdair Allan (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Pàrtaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba): Leasachadh na Gàidhlig - Gu bheil a’ Phàrlamaid a’ moladh Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, cho math ri ùghdarrasan ionadail agus buidheannan phoblach eile, airson na planaichean Gàidhlig aca fhoillseachadh o chionn ghoirid; gu bheil i cuideachd a’ moladh nam planaichean Gàidhlig aig Pàrlamaid na h-Alba agus a’ phlana a tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba gu bhith a’ foillseachadh a dh’aithghearr; gu bheil i a’ toirt fa-near an obair chudromach a tha a’ choimhearsnachd agus tòrr bhuidheannan ann an Alba air dèanamh airson Gàidhlig a leasachadh agus a ghlèidheadh; gu bheil i ag aithneachadh gum fàs e soilleir anns na beagan bhliadhnaichean a tha romhainn am mair a’ Ghàidhlig mar chànan coimhearsnachd agus mar sin gu bheil i ag aithnicheadh gu bheil cùis-èiginn anns an roinn phoileasaidh seo, gu h-àraidh a thaobh leudachadh foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig ma tha sinn a’ dol a dhèanamh cinnteach gu bheil àireamhan an luchd-labhairt aig àm cunntas-sluaigh 2021, air an glèidheadh aig ìrean 2001 mar riatanas airson fàs san fhad-ùine.