The need for focus is becoming clear in the implementation of the Scottish Language Act.
While the slow, and by all appearances increasingly irrelevant ALS designation process trundles on, two Gaelic communities; North-west Lewis and Uist, have prepared their own Community Language Plan for their local areas. A similar plan is currently being developed for Skye and Raasay. These plans have the backing of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and their respective communities of Gaelic speakers. It is imperative that the ALS structure supports and responds positively to these community-driven initiatives. That means Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and The Highland Council designating a distinct ALS for the area covered by each of these community plans.
The Highland Council’s proposed approach will take all impetus out of the community-driven initiative in Skye and Raasay, demonstrating once again that the actual speaker communities, their needs, and their aspirations for their language and culture, will be ignored by Highland-wide considerations, as dictated from Inverness. That cannot be allowed to happen.