Local charity Tagsa Uibhist has reinforced its commitment to Gaelic by becoming an official signatory of the Neart sa Gàidhlig charter scheme.
The charter scheme is a key pillar of Plana Gàidhlig agus Coimhearsnachd Uibhist.
Said Tagsa Uibhist: “This partnership aligns with our core mission of Slàinte agus Sunnd (Health and Wellbeing), reflecting our belief that Gaelic is a vibrant, essential part of our modern identity and daily expression in Uist.
“By integrating Gaelic more deeply into our organisational life, we aim to celebrate the language as a living force that enhances the impact of our work and strengthens our connection to the community.”
To meet the ambitions of the Neart sa Gàidhlig charter scheme and the wider Gaelic Plan, Tagsa Uibhist has committed to ensuring Gaelic is seen, heard, and used across our services. Many of Tagsa’s staff are native Gaelic speakers, whilst others are learners.
Many of their clients are also Gaelic speakers, and they already find that using Gaelic as a natural part of our work in care, support, transport and gardens is warmly welcomed.
There are key planks to Tagsa Uibhist’s underscoring of the Gaelic language.
These include elevating the profile of Gaelic within Tagsa Uibhist’s work and ensuring the language is visible in our digital presence, signage, and public communications.
Secondly, there is a commitment to recognising that Gaelic is the first language for many of Tagsa Uibhist service users and Gaelic will be prioritised whenever possible. Gaelic skills will continue to be valued in recruitment to ensure care remains culturally sensitive and accessible.
The third plank is social and cognitive support by using Gaelic in one-to-one interactions, events and by celebrating the Gaelic language and culture. By doing so, Tagsa Uibhist believe this will provide opportunities for clients to reconnect with their heritage, reducing isolation through the power of music, story, and mother-tongue conversation.
Stated Tagsa Uibhist: “This formal commitment marks an exciting new chapter in our long-standing dedication to the language, ensuring that as we care for our community’s health, we also care for the cultural heart of Uist.”
Ceiteag NicDhòmhnaill, Uist Gaelic Plan Officer, added: “The primary aim of the Uist Gaelic and Community plan is to protect, strengthen and grow Gaelic. I am delighted to see Tagsa Uibhist demonstrating such a strong commitment to Gaelic by agreeing on tangible actions which will encourage people to use Gaelic more.”
Image content - Tagsa Uibhist
