Councillors fail in move to block Gaelic plan

A bid to stall the introduction of a Gaelic plan for Moray failed today after councillors were told they would be breaking the law.

Members of Moray Council’s policy and resources committee had been asked to approve a final version of the plan prior to its submission to Bòrd na Gàidhlig which was established under the Gaelic Language Act to encourage the use and understanding of Gaelic.

The Act gives the bòrd the legal power to require public bodies in Scotland, including councils, to prepare a Gaelic plan.

However, Councillor George Alexander, seconded by Councillor John Cowe, moved that the council should hold back on the implementation of the plan, citing the costs involved and Moray’s tenuous links with the Gaelic language.

Councillor Alexander said that with the council “on its knees financially,” any money spent on implementing the plan would have to be found from somewhere else.

But Councillor Gordon McDonald questioned whether the motion was competent given that the plan stemmed from an Act of Parliament.

After seeking legal guidance, committee chairman Councillor Stewart Cree ruled that the motion was incompetent since it would bring the council “in direct conflict” with the duties imposed by an Act of Parliament.

He moved instead that “with our hands firmly tied”, the committee approve the plan for submission to the bòrd.

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 95,510 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.