Views sought on Park Authority’s Gaelic Language Plan

The Cairngorms National Park has a rich cultural heritage of which Gaelic is an integral part – it having been the dominant language at one time and still very visible today in the park's place names.

Now the park authority wants local views on how the organisation should use Gaelic in its day-to-day work and encourage Gaelic’s development.

"As the public body responsible for co-ordinating activity within the UK’s largest national park, the authority is committed to ensuring that the unique cultural and linguistic value of Gaelic to the Cairngorms National Park is fully recognised and celebrated," said convenor Sandy Bremner.

All public sector bodies in Scotland are required to prepare a Gaelic Language Plan and this draft sets out how everyone can play their part in creating a sustainable future for the language here.

The third edition of the park's plan is now out for consultation and members of the public or interested bodies are asked to view the document and make comments.

The Gaelic Language Plan sets out how the board will increase the use and learning of Gaelic and promote a positive image of the tongue. It also sets out how it will form a key part of the organisation’s everyday work, from communicating with members of the public to online activities, education projects and staff training.

“The Cairngorms is an area that is rightly proud of its cultural and linguistic diversity. Gaelic is of particular significance," said the convenor, "especially when we consider how the language resonates throughout the area, for example through the names of the hills we like to climb, the rivers we like to fish or the names of the villages we live in.

“As an organisation, we are happy to play our part in ensuring a vibrant future for the Gaelic language. It is very important to the park, historically and culturally – and to the people who live and visit – so please take the opportunity to share your feedback with us.”

A six-week public consultation starts this week and runs to the end of February. The board are keen to hear from as broad a cross-section of the public as possible to ensure the plan truly reflects the priorities of the people who love and care about the Cairngorms National Park.

Copies of the draft plan are available in alternative format (including large print), and people are able to respond via phone or post if they would prefer. The document can be viewed and commented on via the authority’s website

It can also be viewed in the Park Authority’s offices in Grantown.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.