Gaelic Officers Scheme Invests in Communities

Bòrd na Gàidhlig has announced the allocation of funding for Gaelic Officers through a new round of the Gaelic Officers Scheme. The Scheme is funded in partnership by the Scottish Government and Bòrd na Gàidhlig and will support 27 posts across a range of organisations as they undertake Gaelic development work in communities across Scotland. Several groups will now benefit from multi-year support from the scheme for the first time.

The latest round of funding was opened in May and closed to new applications in June. A range of changes were made to the previous scheme, including further support and professional development for Gaelic officers. Bord na Gàidhlig received 44 applications from a wide range of charities, with a mix of previously-supported organisations and new bodies seeking support.

Successful applicants to the scheme had to meet a range of criteria and outline how they would deliver against the key priorities set out by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, including supporting the everyday use of Gaelic in communities, supporting Gaelic centres and events, developing community Gaelic language plans and supporting partnership working across organisations delivering Gaelic services.

Ian MacMillan, Director of Development at Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said:

“Bòrd na Gàidhlig is delighted that officers funded through this scheme will now be working to make a positive impact on Gaelic in their communities. These officers will make a clear and visible difference through their activity and engagement. We are looking forward to seeing an increase in partnership working as we enable organisations to build connections to deliver across our communities.”

Depute First Minister Kate Forbes said:

“This £600,000 investment in the Gaelic Officer initiative aims to help Gaelic to thrive in traditional areas like the Western Isles and Skye. Gaelic Officers enrich communities and support activities which bring economic benefits to Scotland.

“To support Gaelic’s growth, our Scottish Languages Bill will strengthen the rights of parents to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area and introduce targets on the number of people speaking Gaelic.”

You can find more information about Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Gaelic Officers Scheme here.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig runs a number of funding schemes at various times throughout the year. If like to speak to Bòrd na Gàidhlig about funding opportunities for organisations and projects, please email tabhartas@gaidhlig.scot.