Mrs Fiona MacKenzie, holder of the Mairi Mhor Gaelic Song Fellowship, made a presentation to the Select Committee outlining the work undertaken during the period the Fellowship has been in place, which included:

There was circulated Report No GSC 01/05 by the Director of Highland 2007 presenting an update on ideas and proposals received thus far for Gaelic based projects and events for inclusion in the Highland 2007 programme.

It was reported that, in addition to the planned events listed in the report, £402,000 of funding had been secured from the Scottish Executive for a National Exhibition in 2007, for which the principal theme would be the influence of Highland culture. All text for the exhibition was to be in both English and Gaelic.

Members were pleased that the Scottish Executive had demonstrated significant commitment to making Highland 2007 a national success and the Committee was informed that many showcasing opportunities would be provided for the planned National Gaelic Choir, who were likely to perform at many, if not all, major events during the celebrations.

Following discussion of events for Highland 2007, the Committee NOTED the report and AGREED:-

a) that Gaelic continue to be a core element of all the themes of 2007 and the learning of Gaelic, in advance of 2007, be encouraged;

b) to work towards the staging of a gathering of all school pupils from Gaelic-medium education;

c) that the European/International Literature Festival take place in several locations, and include local events;

d) the need for Gaelic signage, particularly at events likely to be covered by the media, to be made a condition of grant aid, and a network of local assistance be made available to help with, for example, translations, and, as far as possible. Gaelic signage appear in interviews conducted before, during or after the event.

e) that consideration be given to the involvement of the crofting community in 2007 celebrations; and

It was pointed out that many of the issues, such as bi-lingual signage, continued to be the subject of debate and frustration, despite there being relevant policies already in place. Members suggested that the Chief Executive take action to ensure Council officers fully comply with the Council’s policies on Gaelic.

During discussion the Committee made the following points:

Members NOTED the report and AGREED that:-

a) a further report on detailed implementation of the policy and estimated costings be prepared; and

There was circulated Report No GSC04/05 by the Gaelic Development Officer detailing the written evidence session on the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Bill, and the Scottish Parliament’s Education Committee Meeting in Skye and Lochalsh and the procedure and timescales for the suggested amendments to the Bill.

It was recommended that Members noted the work undertaken to date regarding the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Bill, the three stages which the Bill was to take before it became an Act, and the procedure and timescale for submitting amendments which the Council might wish to see included.

It was explained by Mr Ansdell that the information submitted on these and other matters by the Highland Council had been followed closely by his department, and that Stage 2 of the Parliamentary process would allow for more detailed consideration of all issues and the submission of amendments.

Following discussion, and in order to emphasise these matters, the Committee AGREED that:-

a) it was important to concentrate on raising issues on which the Council could have an achievable impact;

b) a letter be sent to the Chairman of the Scottish Parliament Education Committee on Friday 14 January 2005 detailing the Gaelic Select Committee’s concerns and requesting a response before 19 January 2005;

c) a similar letter be sent to the Minister for Education;

d) informal contact be made with Members of the Committee with whom positive contact had already been established; and

Members were informed that, at present, few locations had adequate facilities to host the Mod, although it was expected the PPP process would result in many more suitable venues. It was considered important that smaller locations were not automatically ruled out of hosting the MOD.

Following discussion, the Committee NOTED the report and that a list of pre-requisites for a location wishing to bid for the MOD, as discussed at a previous meeting of the Committee, was being compiled. Members AGREED:-

(a) The introduction of a six yearly circuit of venues for the Royal National Mod which would see the Mod taking place at a Highland venue twice in each six year cycle and to encourage An Comunn Gaidhealach to adopt that model;

(b) The funding of a scoping study on potential Highland venues, including schools, for the National Mod, which HIE had agreed to part fund, and which it was intended should be available for the next meeting of the Committee;

(c) An approach be made to the Budget Working Group to set aside funding to meet the Council’s contribution towards staging the Mod at Highland locations; and

The Chairman reported that the EBLUL staged a major conference each year on minority languages in Europe. The Conference was generally hosted in a different minority language area; the 2004 Conference was to take place in Flensberg in Germany, while the 2005 Conference was scheduled to be held in Northern Italy.

The Committee was of the opinion the conference would provide a useful opportunity to showcase the Gaelic language and it was AGREED:-

a) The Gaelic Select Committee invite EBLUL to stage its 2006 Conference in the Council’s area and to focus on current issues related to Scottish Gaelic; and

There was circulated Report No GSC06/05 by the Gaelic Development Officer informing Members of the work in progress from the beginning of November 2004 until 23 December 2004

Members NOTED the report and AGREED to a letter being sent on behalf of the Committee to congratulate Gairloch High School on their success at the National BT Gaelic Debate, which took place in the Scottish Parliament at the end of November.