Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has launched a public consultation on its proposed second Gaelic Language Plan.
The plan sets out how the organisation will strengthen its commitments to Gaelic promotion and development.
Proposals in the plan include increasing Gaelic on signage and in publications; a renewed pledge to boost visibility of the language within heritage interpretation materials, and a commitment to research projects bolstering nature terminology in Gaelic.
Ian Ross, the SNH chairman, said: “The Gaelic language is an integral part of our culture, as we can so readily see in place names and the link between people and nature.
“We can see this clearly in names like ‘Leachkin’ where we are based in Inverness, which means, ‘broad hillside.’ However, the use of Gaelic is not restricted to the north.
“In North Lanarkshire, Cumbernauld, or Comar nan Allt, means ‘the meeting of the streams’ and in Glasgow Shettleston, or Baile Nighean Sheadna, is ‘the town of the daughter of Seadna’ in Gaelic. So there is a rich tradition and heritage to look up to, and we are keen to play our part in revitalizing and strengthening the language.
“We are committed to enhancing the status of Gaelic and creating opportunities for its use, and I would commend this second iteration of our plan.”
SNH to draw up Gaelic Language Plan
12 August 2015