Highland MSP Emma Roddick has encouraged correspondence from constituents in Gaelic following Stage 1 of the Scottish Languages Bill, which was introduced in Parliament on Tuesday.
If passed, the Bill will give the Gaelic and Scots languages official status in Scotland and improve the support and opportunities available for speakers.
Commenting after, Emma said:
“I was delighted to see this Bill introduced into Parliament this week, which recognises the fact that Gaelic is an integral part of our culture, especially in the Highlands.
“We know that even those who were taught Gaelic from a young age in school don’t always have the resources and opportunities to keep it up, and I have heard from my resident Gael speaker in my office that after leaving school, there are not many chances to practice, which means skills decline as a result.
“So, while I hope as we move through the stages of the Bill, opportunities can be improved for Gaelic speakers across Scotland, I also want to encourage correspondence from constituents in Gaelic now, which will be very welcomed by me and my team, allowing us the opportunity to practice.
“Gaelic is an indispensable part of Scottish Culture, and I look forward to working with the Scottish Government and organisations in my region to make sure this Bill goes as far as possible.
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BPA A’ BROSNACHADH CONALTRADH ANN AN GÀIDHLIG ANN AN DEASBAD AIR BILE NAN CÀNAN ALBANNACH
Tha Emma Roddick, BPA airson A’ Ghàidhealtachd agus na h-Eileanan, air conaltradh bho luchd-taghaidh sa Ghàidhlig a bhrosnachadh, ann an deasbad air Bile Nan Cànan Albannach aig Ìre 1.
Ma thèid gabhail ris, bheir am Bile inbhe oifigeil don Ghàidhlig is Albais agus leasaichidh e an taic agus na cothroman a tha rim faighinn do luchd-labhairt.
A’ bruidhinn às deidh, thuirt Emma:
“Bha e na thoileachas dhomh am Bile seo fhaicinn air a thoirt a-steach don Phàrlamaid, Bile a tha ag aithneachadh gu bheil a’ Ghàidhlig na pàirt riatanach de ar cultar, gu sònraichte air a’ Ghàidhealtachd.
“Tha fios againn nach eil eadhon an fheadhainn a bha a’ teagasg Gàidhlig bho aois òg san sgoil an-còmhnaidh aig a bheil na goireasan agus na cothroman gus a cumail suas. Tha mi air cluinntinn bho neach-labhairt Gàidhlig san oifis agam nach eil mòran chothroman ann a cleachdadh às dèidh an sgoil fhàgail. Tha seo a’ ciallachadh gu bheil sgilean a’ crìonadh mar thoradh air.
“Mar sin, ged a tha mi an dòchas agus sinn a’ gluasad tro ìrean a’ Bhile, gun tèid cothroman a leasachadh do luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig air feadh na h-Alba. Tha mi cuideachd airson conaltradh bho luchd-taghaidh sa Ghàidhlig a bhrosnachadh a-nis, rud a chuireas fàilte mhòr ormsa agus bhon sgioba agam, a’ toirt cothrom dhuinn cleachdadh.
“Tha a’ Ghàidhlig na pàirt riatanach de Chultar na h-Alba. Tha mi a’ coimhead air adhart ri bhith ag obair còmhla ri Riaghaltas na h-Alba agus buidhnean anns an sgìre agamsa gus dèanamh cinnteach gun tèid am Bile seo cho fada ‘s a ghabhas.”
