Bòrd na Gàidhlig appoints Interim Chairperson

Mairi T MacInnes has been appointed as Interim Chairperson of Bòrd na Gàidhlig following a recent Board meeting held in Inverness. Mrs MacInnes who is from South Uist takes over the Chair from Allan MacDonald who is moving to become Chair of MG ALBA (The Gaelic Media Service).

Mrs MacInnes joined Bòrd na Gàidhlig in March 2016 and will take up the Interim post with effect from 1st January 2019.

Mairi T MacInnes is currently Chair of Ceòlas and she has extensive experience and knowledge of community development, education, Gaelic and Adult Learning. She was latterly Head Teacher of Iochdar School and has also served as a member of the board in various Scottish organisations including The Scottish Arts Council and Comataidh Craolaidh Gàidhlig.

Allan MacDonald said: “I welcome the appointment of Mairi MacInnes as Interim Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and I wish her and the team every success in the months and years that lie ahead. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chairman of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Màiri now has the opportunity to lead the organisation until a new permanent Chair is appointed next year.”

Mairi MacInnes said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Interim Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig
and I would like to thank Allan MacDonald for the work that he has done in taking Gaelic forward at local community level and at national level throughout Scotland during his tenure as Chairman. I am very much looking forward to working with Board members, the Chief Executive and her team and communities throughout Scotland and also the Scottish Government and others for the benefit of the Gaelic language.”

Allan MacDonald had previously served as Deputy Chairman and also Interim Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and was appointed Chairman in 2015.

The Scottish Government has begun the process of recruiting a new Chairperson.

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For further information about this Press Release please contact
Murdo Morrison, Communications and Events Manager at Bòrd na Gàidhlig on murchadh@gaidhlig.scot or 01463 225454 / 07525 893367

Information for Editors:

The remit of Bòrd na Gàidhlig is to support, promote and develop the Gaelic language in Scotland and internationally. Our vision is that Gaelic is seen and heard on a daily basis across Scotland, such that it is widely recognised as an integral part of Scottish life and a national cultural and economic asset.
We prioritise an increase in the numbers speaking Gaelic and increased opportunities for using the language in addition to raising the profile of the Gaelic language in Scotland and internationally.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig works with public bodies in the preparation and implementation of Gaelic Plans and with community groups and others through providing project funding. The Bòrd also provides advice and guidance to the Scottish Government Ministers and other agencies on the different aspects of Gaelic development.