A letter from the Ceannard to Bauer Media (Scotland)

Graham Bryce
Bauer Media
Scotland

12.08.2020

I write to you from the public body responsible for the promotion of Gaelic language and culture in Scotland. Under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, passed by the Scottish Parliament, Gaelic is an official language of Scotland commanding equal respect to English.

We were very disappointed to hear a member of your staff deliver a comedy newspiece on your radio station, Clyde 1, around 1745 on 11.08.2020.

The mocking and belittling of Gaelic language and culture and the islands was done in poor taste, and is unacceptable in a progressive and modern-day Scotland. Such behaviour towards a minority group is not acceptable. Whilst the broadcaster may have thought this to be harmless, there is now, in Scotland, a positive disposition toward the language and so this is not only in bad taste toward speakers but to Gaelic language supporters far and wide.

Social attitudes have come a long way in recent years with an increasing recognition of the positive impacts of diversity in a modern society and we would urge that Clyde 1 offer a public apology for this broadcast and confirm that this type of content will not be broadcast in the future.
Finally, Bòrd na Gàidhlig would be willing to meet with Clyde 1 management to discuss how to engage with the language and community in a more positive way.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Deagh dhùrachd

Shona C MacLennan
Ceannard

Cc Glenn Preston, Director, Ofcom Scotland