Gaelic language plan 2022 to 2027
Third iteration of our Gaelic language plan - produced under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005. It outlines the steps we are taking to support Gaelic and Gaelic speakers within our internal operations.
Chapter IV Plan Commitments
High-Level Aims
The Scottish Government has worked with Bòrd na Gaidhlig to create a number of High Level Aims which reflect our commitment for the Gaelic language at a strategic level and are closely linked to the National Gaelic Language Plan 2018-23. More detail on how we are meeting the National Gaelic Language Plan can be found in Chapter III.
Increasing the use of Gaelic
High-level Aim
The progress and partnership working model created by the Faster Rate of Progress initiative will be supported by all SG departments to ensure cooperation in supporting the Gaelic Language.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government regards Gaelic as a priority and this is reflected in our manifesto commitments and Programme for Government.
The Faster Rate of Progress initiative was set up by the Deputy First Minister. This has now been in place for three years and brings together a variety of public authorities who are working across Scotland to support the Gaelic language and those who wish to use it.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
The Faster Rate of Progress initiative is a cornerstone to the Scottish Government's Gaelic policy and pulls together around 25 Public Bodies who are contributing to the sustained growth and support of the Gaelic language. The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills has agreed that this work will continue with her in the Chair.
Other areas of the Scottish Government may join as agreed by Ministers and this will remain the case.
More detail on how the Scottish Government is helping support Gaelic through our work is identified in Section 3.
Target Date
Annual Meeting with biannual workstream meetings
Responsibility
Gaelic and Scots Division
Increasing the learning of Gaelic
High-level Aim
The Scottish Government will grow the use of Gaelic when interacting with the public in response to the communities it serves and in line with the National Gaelic Language Plan.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government has an open offer to engage through the medium of Gaelic.
In addition, SG Communications welcome written media requests in Gaelic.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
The Scottish Government will continue to have an open offer for members of the public to communicate in Gaelic.
In addition, SG Communications welcome written media requests in Gaelic.
In addition, further detail of how the Scottish Government is helping support Gaelic through engagement is identified in Section 3.
Target Date
2023 and annually thereafter
Responsibility
Corporate/Gaelic and Scots Division/Communications
High Level Aim
The Scottish Government will seek to embed Gaelic in all new education policy initiatives.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government is committed to the growth of Gaelic education at all levels and therefore considers Gaelic needs as policies are developed.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
The Scottish Government will continue to reflect on the needs of Gaelic education and Gaelic learner education at all levels as policies are developed.
It is expected that representation from across the Learning Directorate and Reform Directorate will be involved in the proposed Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan Implementation Group and will therefore ensure that Gaelic is embedded in educational developments.
In addition, the Putting Pupils at the Centre Report on Education Reform has suggested how Gaelic can be embedded in future Education bodies and we will work with those involved to ensure Gaelic is represented.
More detail on how the Scottish Government is helping support Gaelic through our work is identified in Section 3.
Target Date
by end 2025
Responsibility
Education/Corporate/Gaelic and Scots Division/Communications
Promoting a positive image of Gaelic
High-level Aim
The Scottish Government will establish a Gaelic Language Plan Implementation group which will include representation from across SG Directorates.
Current Practice
The Gaelic and Scots Division currently promote the commitments in the Gaelic Language Plan.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
The Scottish Government will establish a Gaelic Language Plan Implementation Group with representatives from across Directorates. It is expected that members will be champions for the language in their respective areas.
A Terms of Reference for the Group will be created and outcomes will be included on the Gaelic pages on the Corporate website.
Target Date
2023 and annually thereafter
Responsibility
Gaelic and Scots Division/other Directorates
Corporate Service Aims
This is the Scottish Government's third reiteration of our Gaelic Language Plan and since 2010 we have taken incremental steps to support Gaelic through our corporate services.
Previous commitments will continue unless there is a change to corporate delivery and where this occurs we will consider how Gaelic can be supported in this change.
Status
Desired Outcome
Signage
Prominent signage will include Gaelic and English as part of any renewal process.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government has Gaelic bilingual logo signage at all sites. In addition, Victoria Quay also has bilingual signage throughout the building
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
Gaelic signage will continue to be updated on a replacement basis. The Scottish Government will include a level of Gaelic signage in our hub offices as these are developed.
Target Date
2024 and annually thereafter
Responsibility
Facilities Management
Desired Outcome
Logo and brand
Render the corporate logo and branding in both Gaelic and English at the first opportunity and as part of any renewal process. The logo should demonstrate equal prominence for both languages.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government has a bilingual logo that is used in all settings. Guidelines are available to staff on its use.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
The bilingual logo will continue to be used in all settings across our activities and we will highlight the guidelines to staff via our corporate Gaelic pages.
Target Date
Guidance to be published 2022
Responsibility
Communications/Gaelic and Scots Division
Communicating with the Public
Desired Outcome
Promotion
Positive message that communication from the public in Gaelic is always welcome.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government has an active offer and welcomes correspondence in Gaelic. This is promoted on our website.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
We continue to welcome communications in Gaelic and promote this service on our public engagement platforms.
We will also reply to this correspondence in Gaelic.
Guidance will be prepared for colleagues on handling and this will be published on our intranet.
Target Date
2023 and annually thereafter
Responsibility
Public Engagement Unit
Desired Outcome
Written Communication
Written communication in Gaelic is always welcome (post, email and social media) and replies will be provided in Gaelic in accordance with the general policy.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government welcomes correspondence in Gaelic and any correspondence that is received in Gaelic is responded to in Gaelic.
The Gaelic and Scots Division continue to provide support across the Scottish Government and provide translation services for colleagues.
Our automatically generated text such as email disclaimers are bilingual.
A Gaelic version of our Complaints leaflet is available online.
The Gaelic and Scots Division work with the Public Engagement Unit to ensure bilingual letter templates for Ministers, Directorates and Divisions are provided.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
The Scottish Government has a newly developed correspondence system and we will work to:
Ensure that the generic acknowledgements are bilingual.
New Ministerial, Directorate and Divisional templates will continue to be provided and all staff will be encouraged to use these.
Online Guidance on the use of the correspondence system will incorporate advice on Gaelic.
We will encourage staff to adopt a bilingual signature to promote the language and create greater visibility.
The complaints procedure is currently being reviewed. This will include a Gaelic introduction.
Target Date
2023
Responsibility
Public Engagement Unit and Gaelic and Scots Division
Desired Outcome
Reception and phone
Where Gaelic-speaking staff can provide this service, they are supported to do so, and the service is promoted to the public.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government has Gaelic welcomes in our reception and Gaelic signage in Victoria Quay.
Our front of house and Central Enquiries Unit staff receiving enquiries (telephone, mail or email) in Gaelic can pass these on to the Gaelic team where a fluent Gaelic speaker can respond to their queries.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
This commitment will remain in place with new staff having access to Gaelic through our induction and Gaelic pages of our corporate website. We will encourage these staff to use the Gaelic phrases on the website when approached by members of the public.
Media should use the agreed protocols and written media enquiries are accepted in Gaelic.
Our switchboard will have updated automated messages in Gaelic.
We will commit to expanding advertisement of our CEU posts, where possible, to try and attract Gaelic-speaking individuals with the required skillset to join the CEU team.
Consideration shall be given to establishing a separate contact number for Gaelic callers to use. If delivered, this will be published and promoted.
Consideration will be given to the impact of any technology refresh of the systems in use by the CEU to improve the service to Gaelic speakers wherever possible.
Target Date
2024
Responsibility
ITECS/Facilities Management/Communications
Desired Outcome
Public meetings
Opportunities to hold public meetings bilingually or in Gaelic are regularly explored and promoted.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government encourages the use of Gaelic at public meetings in areas where there are a high percentages of Gaelic speakers or which are on the subject of Gaelic.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
We will develop particular content in relation to the Scottish Government's Gaelic Language Plan to ensure staff have the knowledge that they require to deliver our duties of support for the Gaelic Language.
Target Date
Guidance to be published in 2022.
Responsibility
All Directorates/Gaelic and Scots Division
Information
Desired Outcome
Media
High profile news releases and all news releases related to Gaelic are circulated in both Gaelic and English.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government issues news releases on a range of issues that impact those who use the Gaelic language in both English and Gaelic. Upon request, we provide Ministerial quotes to third parties in Gaelic.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
We will continue to issue news releases in Gaelic to Gaelic media outlets. We will take further steps and issue news releases in Gaelic to Gaelic media outlets on very high profile matters that affect Gaelic-speaking communities.
We will also provide written comment in Gaelic on any issue upon request.
Target Date
2022 and annually thereafter
Responsibility
Communications (News)
Desired Outcome
Social Media
Gaelic content distributed regularly through social media, guided by the level of actual and potential users.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government uses Gaelic in our social media feeds.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
We will continue to promote Gaelic through our dedicated Gaelic Twitter account and promote the work of others through this account.
In addition, we will look to expand the Gaelic content by using Gaelic more frequently on @scotgovedu and consider how this could be rolled out to other portfolio twitter channels.
Target Date
2022 and annually thereafter
Responsibility
Communications/Gaelic and Scots Division
Desired Outcome
Website
Gaelic content should be available on the public authority's website, with emphasis given to the pages with the highest potential reach.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government has Gaelic content on its website.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
We will increase Gaelic presence on the Scottish Government corporate website on the basis of the principle of equal respect, visibility and usability of Gaelic.
We will develop particular content in relation to the Scottish Government's Gaelic Language Plan to ensure staff have the knowledge that they require to deliver our duties of support for the Gaelic Language.
Target Date
Guidance to be published in 2022
Responsibility
Communications/Gaelic and Scots Division
Desired Outcome
Language utility
A process is in place to ensure that the quality and accessibility of Gaelic language in all corporate information is high.
Current Practice
All Directorates have access to high quality advice and translation services to ensure the quality of resources meets a recognised standard.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
We will develop particular content in relation to the Scottish Government's Gaelic Language Plan to ensure staff have the knowledge that they require to deliver our duties of support for Gaelic.
Target Date
2022
Responsibility
Gaelic and Scots Division
Desired Outcome
Corporate Publications
Produced in Gaelic and English, with priority given to those with the highest potential reach.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government recognises the value of using Gaelic in our publications.
We will ensure that consultations are issued bilingually where appropriate, and responses in Gaelic are encouraged. Consultation responses received in Gaelic will be responded to in Gaelic.
In addition, Gaelic translations of Scottish Government printed materials are available on request.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
We will continue to produce Gaelic publications and summaries. Guidance to staff will include advice on this in the proposed Gaelic corporate pages to ensure staff have the knowledge that they require to deliver our duties of support for the Gaelic Language.
We will raise with other Public Bodies in the G'Mor (Gaelic Language Plans Group) opportunities to share information on translators.
Target Date
2023 and annually thereafter
Responsibility
All Directorates/Gaelic and Scots Division
Staff
Desired Outcome
Internal audit
Conduct an internal audit of Gaelic skills and training needs through the life of each plan.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government undertook a staff survey in 2010.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
The Scottish Government will undertake a staff audit of Gaelic language and skills.
Target Date
2023
Responsibility
Gaelic and Scots Division/Learning Analysis
Desired Outcome
Induction
Knowledge of the public authority's Gaelic Language Plan included in new staff inductions.
Current Practice
There has been little or no Gaelic in our induction process for new staff.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
The Scottish Government will introduce a Gaelic section in to our induction pack for new staff.
We have an open offer to provide Gaelic sections for any local induction packs.
The Gaelic and Scots Division to provide support at welcome events for staff which will include advice on this edition of the Plan and a history of the language.
Target Date
2022
Responsibility
People Development/Gaelic and Scots Division
Desired Outcome
Language training
Gaelic language skills training and development offered to staff, particularly in relation to implementing the public authority's Gaelic Language Plan.
Current Practice
Language learning is available to all staff that wish to undertake this.
Training budgets are provided at a local level which enables staff the opportunity to consider the right training that they require to deliver their roles.
Advice on courses is available from the Gaelic and Scots Division and People Development.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
The Scottish Government will continue to promote Gaelic language learning opportunities.
We are developing a new Learning Experience Platform and we will ensure Gaelic is incorporated to maximise the learning opportunities for staff.
We will develop interactive materials on the Gaelic Language Plan.
We will include details on the courses available for staff to learn Gaelic on our guidance pages.
Target Date
2023 and annually thereafter
Responsibility
People Development/Gaelic and Scots Division
Desired Outcome
Awareness training
Gaelic awareness training offered to staff.
Current Practice
In addition to the Gaelic awareness sessions included in our induction events, the Gaelic and Scots Division offer awareness sessions to other Divisions.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
We will continue to provide the offer for Gaelic awareness sessions and will consider Gaelic awareness contents for the new Learning Experience Platform to maximise the learning opportunities for staff.
We have an open offer to provide awareness sessions to all staff and this will be promoted on the Gaelic guidance being produced.
We expect that this will help promote the language and language learning, including platforms such as Speak Gaelic.
Target Date
2022 and annually thereafter
Responsibility
People Development/Gaelic and Scots Division
Desired Outcome
Recruitment
Recognising and respecting Gaelic skills within the recruitment process throughout the public authority.
Current Practice
Level of Gaelic skills required for certain posts will be considered where necessary and specified when recruiting to these posts. This will include posts for which Gaelic skills are essential.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
This commitment will continue and advice on this will be part of our corporate website.
Target Date
2024
Responsibility
HR Policy and Delivery
Desired Outcome
Recruitment
Bilingual or Gaelic-only job adverts for all posts where Gaelic is an essential skill.
Current Practice
Gaelic posts are advertised bilingually.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
Gaelic posts will continue to be advertised bilingually. Advice will feature on our Gaelic corporate pages.
Target Date
2022
Responsibility
HR Policy and Delivery
Desired Outcome
Recruitment
Gaelic named as an essential and/or desirable skill in job descriptions in order to deliver the Gaelic Language Plan and in accordance with Bòrd na Gàidhlig recruitment advice.
Current Practice
Consideration is given to posts and whether Gaelic is essential or desirable.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
Posts will continue to be considered Gaelic essential or desirable. Level of Gaelic skills considered when recruiting to certain posts as necessary.
Target Date
2022
Responsibility
HR Policy and Delivery
Gaelic language corpus
Desired Outcome
Gaelic Orthographic Conventions
The most recent Gaelic Orthographic Conventions (GOC) will be followed in relation to all written materials produced by the public authority.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government has regard for the Gaelic Orthographic Conventions.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
We will continue to follow the Gaelic Orthographic Conventions.
We will include details regarding GOC in our Gaelic corporate website to ensure staff have the knowledge that they require to deliver our duties of support for the Gaelic Language.
Target Date
2023
Responsibility
Gaelic and Scots Division
Desired Outcome
Place-names
Gaelic place name advice from Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba (AÀA) is sought and used.
Current Practice
The Scottish Government works closely with AÀA to ensure that correct details and advice is acquired.
We are also a member of AÀA's committee.
Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan, 2022-27
We will continue to work with Ainmean Àite na h-Alba (Gaelic Place Names of Scotland) to ensure consistent orthography of Gaelic in placenames.
We will include details regarding AÀA's work in our Gaelic corporate website to ensure staff have the knowledge that they require to deliver our duties of support for the Gaelic Language.
Target Date
2023
Responsibility
Gaelic and Scots Division
Contact
Email: niall.bartlett@gov.scot
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