Scotland's new Cabinet Secretary for Education has set out his vision for how Scotland can create a new generation of Gaelic speakers.
Delivering the annual Sabhal Mòr Ostaig lecture at the Gaelic college in Sleat, Skye he said that a focus on early years, school, adult and community learning will be vital in halting the decline in the number of people speaking the language. The Cabinet Secretary added that we must work together to ensure delivery structures in these areas are operating effectively.
To support this Mr Russell has committed £50,000 for MG Alba, working with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, to provide a new website providing extra resources and support for Gaelic learners. The Cabinet Secretary also welcomed the Scottish Funding Council's announcement of a new research partnership - Soillse - which will make a significant contribution to the revitalisation of Gaelic in Scotland.
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Michael Russell said:
'We have an urgent task. Our aim is to halt the decline of Gaelic and the only way we can achieve this is by increasing the number of people speaking and using the language. This requires a fresh look at our priorities, the funding we provide and the methods we are employing.
"Languages die every day and I believe we have a responsibility to ensure that does not happen to Gaelic. We need to ensure that everything we do in this area supports our aim of increasing the number of people speaking, and most importantly using, the language.
"I am delighted to be announcing today the funding of £50,000 to MG Alba and I am sure that Gaelic learners of all ages will find it a useful resource.
"The high-quality and accessible provision of Gaelic learning in early years, school and community settings is the key to saving the language from further decline. As I announced in Stornoway earlier this year, I have asked Bòrd na Gàidhlig to look carefully at what radical steps and ambitious outcomes we must take to see the biggest increases in the numbers of people speaking Gaelic in Scotland.
"We will receive recommendations within the next few weeks. Alongside the new Minister for Culture, Fiona Hyslop, I will be publishing an action plan for creating that new generation of speakers that is needed to ensure the future of the Gaelic language."
Professor Boyd Robertson, Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig said:
"We are delighted to welcome the new Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning to the College and welcome his announcement on a renewed focus on learning and using Gaelic. Sabhal Mor Ostaig has contributed greatly to the numbers of people learning Gaelic in Scotland and the College is committed to increasing opportunities for students to acquire fluency in the language, both on campus and by distance learning.
"With its experience of language immersion and the high quality of teaching staff and the range of courses available, the College is perfectly placed to help take forward the recommendations of the Government's action plan for Gaelic and we look forward to working with Bord na Gaidhlig and others at what is a crucial time for the development of the language."
Michael Russell and Fiona Hyslop announced the urgent need for action to create a new generation of Gaelic speakers on August 3, 2009
Bòrd na Gàidhlig will make recommendations to ministers on a Gaelic action plan before Christmas.
The Sabhal Mòr Lecture is sponsored by the Gaelic college, and in previous years has been delivered by Gordon Brown, Jack McConnell, Mary McAleese, Mary Robinson, Donald Dewar, Duncan Rice and Alex Salmond.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig is the principal public body with responsibility for promoting the use of Gaelic and advising Scottish Ministers on Gaelic matters. The body was established by the Gaelic Language (Scotland ) Act 2005
The Gaelic broadcaster MG Alba works in partnership with the BBC to deliver the Gaelic media service BBC Alba which includes radio, television and on-line services.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig and MG Alba are funded by the Scottish Government.