Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the principal public agency with responsibility for developing Gaelic has welcomed confirmation by the Scottish Government that Creative Scotland will support an arts officer dedicated solely to working with partners on delivery of the National Gaelic Arts Strategy.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament this morning (Thursday, April 2), Culture Minister Michael Russell said Gaelic will be integral to the work of Creative Scotland and that the new role would be filled within the next few months.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig Chair Arthur Cormack said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig believes that support for the Gaelic arts and culture is essential in terms of the future sustainability of the language and has supported many arts initiatives over the past few years. The arts raise the profile of the language, are often the means by which people first engage with Gaelic, and there are many examples of people who have gone on to become fluent in the language as a result. We welcome the announcement by Michael Russell today that Gaelic will be integral to the work of Creative Scotland, a body which we believe could benefit Gaelic development greatly. We look forward to working with the new body, both to develop a Gaelic Language Plan and to deliver the National Gaelic Arts Strategy.”

Pròiseact nan Ealan Director Malcolm MacLean said: “The Minister's announcement of the Scottish Arts Council and Bòrd na Gàidhlig collaborating on the National Gaelic Arts Strategy is a welcome milestone in the normalisation of Gaelic in Scotland. Over recent years there has been remarkable growth in new audiences for Gaelic arts and culture at home and abroad.

Gaelic is now seen as an international cultural asset and the National Gaelic Arts Strategy maps out a new way forward in the context of Creative Scotland. This new collaboration will also encourage the participation of other public agencies such as Highland’s and Islands Enterprise and key local authorities.”