Consultation on Draft Gaelic Language plan

The National Library of Scotland has put its draft Gaelic Language Plan out for consultation prior to its submission to Bòrd na Gàidhlig at the end of July.

The plan, which has been developed in accordance with the Gaelic Language ( Scotland) Act 2005, outlines NLS’ commitment to the sustainability of the Gaelic language by demonstrating how it will build on its long history of collecting, preserving and promoting its unique Gaelic collections.

In addition to collecting Gaelic books, journals and other materials, and hosting related public and educational events, NLS, which is believed to hold the pre-eminent collection of Gaelic material in the world, recently invested £100k in the digitization of hundreds of thousands of pages of rare Gaelic books, making them available to people across the world.

The plan highlights how NLS will continue to add to its Gaelic material, both historic and contemporary, and ensure access for those who would like to use, learn and be inspired by it. This will be achieved by extending curatorial expertise, collecting contemporary Scottish Gaelic material, developing new resources, continuing to digitise Gaelic material, enhancing visibility of Gaelic through corporate identity and building on relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Martyn Wade, National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of Scotland, said: “Through our mission to collect, preserve and provide access to Scotland’s recorded culture we believe we have a unique contribution to make to the vitality of the Gaelic language in Scotland and beyond.

“Gaelic is highly valued by NLS as a key part of that culture and our commitment to continue enhancing our collection of Gaelic material and increasing access to it is central to our Gaelic Language Plan.

“We would very much welcome and look forward to receiving feedback on our draft plan before our formal submission to Bòrd na Gàidhlig.”

NLS’ draft Gaelic Language Plan is available at www.nls.uk

Responses should be sent to Paul Hambelton at NLS, by email or post to Paul Hambelton, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW no later than 8 July 2011.