Category: News

Research on Gaelic Early Years Provision (0-3)

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Today Bòrd na Gàidhlig published a report on the research we commissioned looking at Gaelic early years provision (0-3) in Scotland.

The research was conducted by Professor Wilson McLeod and identifies a wide range of issues that effect early years (EY) provision. Professor McLeod also makes a number of suggestions for possible improvements in the EY sector in the report, including the prospects for addressing issues around Gaelic EY provision through the Scottish languages Bill.

Jennifer McHarrie, Director of Education, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said:

“Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcomes this research which was commissioned to assess the current levels of Gaelic early years provision across Scotland. This report contains recommendations for changes that can be made by a number of organisations who are active in this sector to create more complete and effective provision.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to support growth in Gaelic, particularly at the early years level. The earlier a child hears and engages with the language, the more likely they are to develop a lifelong interest and become more proficient.

The full report is available to read here.

Gaelic Education Grants Scheme Opens to Applications

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig are happy to announce that the Gaelic Education Grants scheme has opened to applications this week.

This funding scheme was set up to support those currently working towards a career in Gaelic teaching or Gaelic-medium teachers looking to develop their professional skills.

Support for course fees is available for all taking an eligible course, as long as they are not eligible for SAAS support, as well as support for living expenses.

Who can apply?

  • Students undertaking a PGDE in Gaelic Education (both Primary and Secondary – Gaelic as a subject and subjects through the medium of Gaelic)
  • Students undertaking a Gaelic early years or Gaelic childcare course
  • Students undertaking a Gaelic Education Undergraduate Degree, (BA, MA Education or MA Gàidhlig with Education)
  • Teachers that are employed in a role relating to Gaelic-medium education that wish to undertake a course to develop their skills or
  • Qualified teachers looking to develop their skills to move into Gaelic-medium education.

The scheme will close at 3pm on Tuesday 3 September and all applications must be submitted before the deadline.

You can find more information about the scheme and how to apply here.

Survey on Gaelic Usage 2024

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Every year we run a short questionnaire looking at the use of Gaelic and how Gaelic usage might have changed over the last year.

We’re looking for anyone with a little bit or a lot of Gaelic to fill in the questionnaire and it will take less than 5 minutes to complete.

The questionnaire is only open for 24hrs and will close at 1pm tomorrow, Wednesday 26.06.24!

Complete the questionnaire here.

Gaelic Early Years Grants Scheme Opens to Applications!

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig have launched the 2024/25 Gaelic Early Years Scheme, with funding provided for early years groups across Scotland to deliver Gaelic sessions.

The scheme is open to all voluntary and third-sector groups, with support up to £5,000 available for groups that meet weekly, and up to £15,000 available to groups that meet more regularly.

This year’s scheme would specifically like to support groups that can show how they will achieve the following outcomes:

  • Ensuring that children and families have sustained access to Gaelic early years provision
  • Increasing the number of children continuing with Gaelic-medium learning at key transition stages
  • Helping more families in Scotland become aware of the benefits of bilingualism and the opportunities offered by Gaelic-medium education
  • Helping parents become better informed on resources and opportunities to support and interact with their children through Gaelic in homes and communities

Two information sessions will be delivered to provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the scheme, get support with filling out application forms, and to ask any questions you may have. You can find more information about the sessions and register to attend on Eventbrite.

The Scheme Guidance and further information is available here.

Opening Statement to the Education, Children, and Young People Committee

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Senior Management Team gave evidence to the Education, Children, and Young People Committee this morning as they discussed the Scottish Languages Bill. Ealasaid MacDonald, Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Ceannard (CEO), gave the opening statement and said:

“This is an important time for Gaelic, and decisions we take today will have a real impact on the future of our language. And by our language, I mean Scotland’s language. Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcome this Bill, a step forward in the legislative journey of Gaelic, and would strongly resist any suggestion that it should not proceed.

“For those of us attending the reception of 50 years of Sabhal Mor Ostaig on Thursday evening, the mood of celebration was aided by the news that the new Cabinet will include a Gaelic speaker who will have responsibility for the language. Literally someone who speaks and understands  our language. We wish Ms Forbes well in her role and look forward to working with her.

“This will hopefully change the approach to Gaelic within the Government and see Gaelic considered across portfolios, where it can be a part of the solution, and allow a joined up policy approach. This would go a long way to strengthening the language.

“And, this Bill is part of the work in strengthening the language at a policy level. Key elements of the Bill, including the changes to the functions of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and standards for plans, will move us forward to ensuring the systems we have in place serve the language. And it is crucial that the education elements of the Bill, are enacted. Clarity is required on the central aspect, areas of linguistic significance, and the work of the commitee will be crucial in ascertaining this.

“However, this legislation will not solve the issues that we face at the community development level, which require a new and transparent investment model to deliver on the targets in the  new National Gaelic Language Plan.

“I must reference our submission to the Financial Memorandum of the Bill, where we underline the importance of a financial model being a core element of the success of this legislation. As we state in our submission, “In order to achieve its potential impact it must be supported across Government with fair and equitable funding and commensurate with the statutory responsibilities of Bòrd na Gàidhlig.”

“Gaelic is more than a language. For many, myself included, it is a way of life, at the core of my being linked to my culture, heritage and aspirations for my family and my community. For Scotland, it is a key element of the society in which we live, our historical past and a key driver in our future.  It is a social, economic and cultural asset. One that cannot be replaced . This legislation is a step forward.  it won’t provide all the solutions we need, and a priority must be to address the inadequate funding model, but it will be a key tenet on moving the provisions for Gaelic forward.”

The meeting was recorded and can be viewed on the Scottish Parliament’s website.

Stewart MacLeod Reappointed to BnG Board

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcomes the news that the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Ms Gilruth, today announced the reappointment of Stewart MacLeod as a Member of Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Stewart MacLeod is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), and brings finance and accounting knowledge and experience to the role of Chair of the Audit and Assurance Committee. He has been involved in Gaelic-related activities and organisations over many years, and is interested in the promotion and maintenance of the language amongst learners and the traditional communities.

This reappointment will be for four years and will run from 16 March 2024 to 15 March 2028.

More information about Stewarts reappointment is available the the Scottish Government’s website.

Gaelic Plans Fund Opens to Applications

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The Gaelic Plans Fund, which is available to public authorities to support them in the delivery of commitments in their statutory Gaelic Language Plans, and in support of the new National Gaelic Language Plan, has opened to applications.  

Public authorities have also recieved funding through the gaelic Plans Fund to support Gaelic projects before they have been officially asked to produce a Gaelic Language Plan.

This year’s scheme is running with two streams – a Strategic Stream for key local authorities and a Projects Stream available to all other public/local authorities with Gaelic Language Plans.

Applications will be accepted for projects up to £25,000 (or up to 80% of project costs).

The scheme is open until 3pm on Thursday 18 April 2024 and more information about the scheme is availabe here.

Training Session for Probationary Teachers

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig are running training sessions for Gaelic probationery Teachers this year!

There will be 4 sessions running and the first one will run on Wednesday, 28.02.24 from 4:15pm to 5:15pm on Microsoft Teams. You don’t need to have a Teams account to attend the session.

We are going to be focusing on Stòrlann and are very happy that Stòrlann staff will be joining us to talk about the resources the have at both primary school and high school level.

You are most welcome to join us to talk and listen and it will be a great opportunity for probationers to network with other new teachers accross Scotland.

The dates for the two remaining sessions are still to be confirmed, but they will each have a diffrent focus. You do not need to have attended the first session to attend this session or the remaining two sessions.

If you would like more information, you can contact Sian Baldwin, Development Officer (Teachers), at sian@gaidhlig.scot.

You can register for the session on Eventbrite.

Immersion Course Grants for Education Practitioners

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The Gaelic Immersion Courses for Education Workers funding scheme is now open to applications for 2024/25!

This fund was set up to support local authorities to provide Gaelic immersion opportunities for Teachers & Early Learning & Childcare (ELC) practitioners with a view to teaching through the medium of Gaelic upon completing the course.  There is up to £50,000 available per teacher, with a total budget of £150,000 available to the scheme.

Working in partnership with Universities who are already delivering Gaelic Immersion courses, Bòrd na Gàidhlig are inviting Local Authorities to nominate prospective candidates who would be willing to undertake a yearlong Gaelic immersion course to enable them to transfer to GME in August 2025. The courses on offer are: An Cùrsa Comais available via Sabhal Mòr Ostaig or UHI Outer Hebrides and Gaelic with Immersion available via The University of Glasgow.

Local Authorities will be able to apply to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for the costs of supply cover for any candidates who successfully receive a place on a Gaelic Immersion course. As part of the application process, Local Authorities will be required to provide confirmation of where candidates would be employed on completion of the immersion course in August 2025.

We would be grateful if you could establish whether there is demand amongst your current workforce and send any expressions of interest to: ann@gaidhlig.scot at the earliest opportunity.

Two online information sessions for prospective candidates will be held on Wenesday, 07.02.24. Teachers, ELC practitioners and local authority staff can register through Eventbrite to learn more about the scheme and ask any questions you may have.

Funding applications should be submitted to Bòrd na Gàidhlig as soon as possible, with applications closing on 26 March 2024.

You can find more information about the scheme here.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Scottish Government Publish 5-year National Gaelic Language Plan

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The new National Gaelic Language Plan 2023-28 (“the Plan”) has been published by Bòrd na Gàidhlig today (21.12.23), lighting the way for a future in which there is a measurable increase in the numbers of people speaking, learning, using and supporting Gaelic. 

The Plan sets out where action is needed to strengthen the Gaelic language in Scotland. It underpins the Scottish Government’s ambition to see recognition for the language increase and for Gaelic’s place in Scotland to grow and develop. 

The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 (“the Act”) asks Bòrd na Gàidhlig to prepare and submit a National Gaelic Language Plan with proposals relating to the use and promotion of Gaelic with a focus on the needs and priorities of the Gaelic language for its speakers, learners, and supporters. 

While the Act requires Bòrd na Gàidhlig to prepare the Plan, the responsibility for making progress with the aims and targets within it sits with a number of authorities, organisations, and communities, meaning the publication of this plan is a key moment for Gaelic organisations and development officers and their work over the next 5 years. 

 

Welcoming the Plan, Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, said: 

“The Scottish Government welcomes the launch of the National Gaelic Language Plan.  This Plan provides the priorities and targets needed to make further progress with Gaelic in Scotland.    

“We recognise that a number of local authorities and public bodies can and do make an important contribution to support for Gaelic and the priorities in this Plan will help to bring focus to these shared commitments.  This Plan also comes at an important time following the Scottish Languages Bill’s introduction to the Scottish Parliament.   

“I am confident that this Plan will contribute to the continued promotion of Gaelic in Scotland as it provides an excellent opportunity for cooperation and working together to support Gaelic.” 

 

There are both significant challenges and opportunities facing the Gaelic language at the moment. The Plan contains several Key Aims as well as Priority Areas and more specific Targets, aimed at meeting these challenges and opportunities head on, promoting increased use and learning of Gaelic in communities, homes, creative industries, businesses, public authorities and education.  

 

Mairi MacInnes, Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: 

“The five-year plan is the result of a comprehensive consultation process with individuals, communities, Gaelic organisations, voluntary organisations, and public authorities. It is the fourth such plan to be produced by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the public body with responsibility for the promotion and development of the Gaelic language in Scotland, and it sets out how Gaelic officers and Gaelic organisations should aim to meet the challenges and opportunities facing the language today.”

 

Read the National Gaelic Language Plan, in full, here.

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