The latest version of their Gaelic Language Plan was launched today (Tuesday 24 February) at UHI North, West and Hebrides Stornoway Campus, with a range of ages in attendance from school pupils to business representatives.

Opened with a welcome speech from Head of Strategic Projects, Joe MacPhee, he introduced pupils of Stornoway Primary to sing in front of the audience, followed by pupils of Sgoil nan Loch reciting a Gaelic poem for the event. 

The launch event took place during Seachdain na Gàidhlig, from Monday 23 to Sunday 1 March, to celebrate the links the language has across the world. 

William MacDonald, Vice-chair, was introduced to speak to the audience to talk about the importance of the Gaelic Language Plan. He explained: “Gaelic language, culture and heritage is important for curriculum growth, and our Gaelic Strategy outlines the shape of our approach to the development and delivery of Gaelic language, heritage and culture over the next four years – our Gaelic Language Plan shows how we will deliver this. I am confident that by bringing college and community together we can celebrate and capitalise on the value of our Gaelic heritage.”

Principal and Chief Executive Lydia Rohmer also spoke and shared the reasoning for why this plan has come into action and the role in which the college play to promote Gaelic. 

Rohmer said: “We have an important role to play in promoting Gaelic as part of the linguistic and cultural heritage of our communities. We want to support more people to learn, improve and use Gaelic as part of their learning, in their communities and working lives.”

At the event, Rohmer noted the attendance of fifth and sixth year pupils from the Nicolson Institute, saying they “remind us that Gaelic is not something we’re trying to preserve or rescue from the past, but that is very much alive”.

Jayne Macleod was also introduced as the new Gaelic officer. She said: “I’m very grateful for the work that has been done prior to the appointment, and the preparation and writing of the plan itself. 

“I know I have a lot of work ahead of me in bringing this plan to life, but I’m looking forward to the new challenge, and I hope that, collaboratively, we can progress the plan to increase the usage and presence of Gaelic, not only within UHI North, West and Hebrides, but also working with the wider community.

“This is a crucial time for the Gaelic Language Plan, which we at UHI North, West and Hebrides have an excellent opportunity to preserve, promote, and encourage it. This is something I’m very passionate about, and I’m looking forward to being a part of delivering the strategic priorities of the Gaelic Language Plan.”

In reference to the appointment of Macleod as the new Gaelic officer, Rohmer said: "She brings extensive experience of promoting and supporting Gaelic language and culture, and I am sure she will strengthen our links with communities as she leads on the delivery of this ambitious plan.”

Jane Hepburn-Macmillan was then introduced to speak on her experience as a current final year student doing her honours degree in Gaelic and Education. She also played Cànan nan Gàidheal before the event closed with Rohmer thanking the audience for attending.

The new Gaelic Language Plan builds on previous plans taken forward by predecessor colleges with priorities agreed with Bòrd na Gàidhlig. The Plan outlines how each priority will be delivered and identifies the actions required.

To see how the Gaelic Language Plan is structured and how it is intended to be implemented, click here.