Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Gaelic development agency, has stressed the importance of responding to formal consultations on Gaelic plans in terms of securing a sustainable future for the language.

A number of influential national agencies, including the Scottish Government, are currently consulting on their proposals for Gaelic plans. Some organisations are undertaking this work as part of their designation under the Gaelic Language Scotland Act (2005) and others are doing it as part of their general commitment to the language and in the interests of the communities and audiences they engage with.

Amongst the bodies currently engaging in the process of consulting with Gaelic communities and other interested parties is The Scottish Funding Council (SFC), the national body that invests public money in colleges and universities. The SFC is currently looking to the Gaelic-speaking community for their views on their plans to develop the language through its work throughout Scotland.

Mark Batho, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said: “The SFC is keen to learn how people would like it to improve Gaelic learning opportunities through the colleges and universities it funds. It also wants to know how it might introduce more Gaelic into its communications with educationalists, students and the wider public and how it can promote greater awareness of the language and culture through its activities as a public body. We are holding an open consultation on our web site www.sfc.ac.uk until 8 May and we would like members of the Gaelic community to attend a consultation event in Glasgow on Monday 27 April to come and discuss what we are proposing.”

Arthur Cormack, Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “The SFC are to be commended on the way they are engaging with the Gaelic community on their proposals and it is important now that the Gaelic community returns that interest by commenting on their plans. This is a very positive step and I would encourage Gaelic groups and individuals who are supportive of the language to make their views know to the SFC and all the other agencies who are taking similar positive steps, having recognised the value of Gaelic to the own activities and also as a party of Scotland’s rich cultural landscape.”

People wanting to contribute their views to the consultation or to register for the SFC event, which is free of charge, should visit the SFC's website at www.sfc.ac.uk and go to the news section.

Further information is also available by phoning 0131 313 6570 or by emailing lpsadmin@sfc.ac.uk .