Category: Response

Consultation Response: Managing the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to Edinburgh World Heritage‘s consultation, in partnership with Edinburgh’s historic city managers, Historic Environment Scotland, and the City of Edinburgh Council, on Managing the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Amongst the points raised, we said:

“There is no reference to Gaelic in the two documents although there are some references to language and intangible cultural heritage.

“As Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh should look to support the growth of the unique Gaelic language and culture which is part of our national identity.”

The full response can be accessed here.

Consultation Response: Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill. Amongst the points raised, we said:

“Language and culture create self-esteem, nurture self-confidence, define identity and improve quality of life. It is an extremely important principle for Gaelic speakers that the right to use the language is a human right with a linguistic basis rather than simply a cultural one.”

The full response can be accessed here.

Public Consultation Response: Financial Memorandum of the Scottish Languages Bill

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Scottish Parliament’s consultation, Financial Memorandum of the Scottish Languages Bill. Amongst the points raised, we said:

“The Financial Memorandum outlines, at paragraph 6, that “This is a Bill to ensure that there is a structure in place across government and the wider Scottish Administration to meet the needs of Gaelic and Scots communities and languages for the future.”  Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcome this aspiration, however, we have concerns that this is achievable under the current financial model”

The full response can be accessed here.

Consultation Response: Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig has submitted a response to the Historic Environment Scotland consultation on the Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park. Amongst points raised, we said:

“Inclusion of Gaelic within the Draft Outline Strategic Plan will reflect its status as a national language in the context of Holyrood Park as “a place of national and international value’.”

The full response can be accessed here.

Funding Support for Gaelic Community Work

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig has announced an expansion to its Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd (Community Grants) Scheme, offering extended funding opportunities to impactful Gaelic projects. In a move to support community initiatives across Scotland, the scheme will now provide grants for up to two years – doubling the previous one-year funding period. 

Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd is Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s primary fund for supporting organisations in delivering projects to promote and increase the usage and learning of Gaelic at community level. 

Bòrd na Gàidhlig will provide an annual budget of £100,000 to allow applicants to apply for support of up to £10,000 for their projects. The scheme’s application window will open on Tuesday, November 14th and close in January 2024. 

Last year, Bòrd na Gàidhlig proudly supported 64 projects through Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd. These included awards of £5,000 to the Western Isles Community Society, to mark the centenary of the departure of 1,500 Hebrideans to Canada, from Lochboisdale and Stornoway, and also Àrd-sgoil Phort Rìgh for its continued support to Gaelic education. 

Other organisations to benefit from funding included Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Artsplay Highland, Lingo Flamingo in Glasgow, and Alzheimer Scotland. 

Mary MacInnes, Chair at Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said:

“Our organisation is dedicated to nurturing a culture of positive change and empowerment within our community. We believe that by extending the grant period to two years, we can be the catalyst for even more meaningful and lasting transformations. We invite all passionate individuals and community groups to take this opportunity and be a part of this journey with us.” 

To learn more about the Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd grant scheme and its expanded funding opportunities, please visit the Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd information page or contact Bòrd na Gàidhlig at tabhartas@gaidhlig.scot.