Kate Forbes says a re-elected SNP government will further promote Gaelic
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A re-elected SNP government will consider various initiatives to further promote the use of Gaelic in everyday situations as well as formal settings, says the party’s candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Kate Forbes.
Ms Forbes, a prominent champion of the language, made history during the last parliamentary term as she became the first female MSP to give a plenary speech entirely in Gaelic in the Scottish Parliament chamber.
The SNP manifesto says the party will review Bòrd na Gàidhlig, bring forward a new Scottish Languages Bill which takes further steps to support Gaelic, and also explore 'the creation of a recognised Gàidhealtachd to raise levels of language competence and the provision of more services through the medium of Gaelic'.
Recognising the key role of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has in supporting GME at all levels, Ms Forbes said the SNP will provide dedicated funding to offer FE/HE courses through and for the language.
The SNP candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch said: “Gaelic is one of the many policies at the heart of the SNP manifesto to protect Highland communities.
“Although Gaelic is not isolated to the Highlands and Islands, I think everybody agrees that we need to protect the Gaidhealtachd. In fact, creating a recognised Gaidhealtachd is one of the core proposals, alongside further support for education.
“Gaelic shouldn't be seen solely as a language issue, but instead as a socio-economic issue too.
“Whilst it is important to have cross-party support for Gaelic, the SNP's proposals show that we are serious about halting the decline of Gaelic and safeguarding for future generations."
