Moray Council unveils updated Gaelic Language Plan
Moray Council has unveiled an updated five-year plan to promote and preserve the use of Gaelic across the region.
The Moray Council Gaelic Language Plan (2025-2030) charts several key action points and priorities.
Under national legislation, all Scottish councils must produce plans to support the language's continued use.
Although Moray is not commonly regarded as a Gaelic heartland today, the language was widely spoken in the area until the late 18th century, and many place names still reflect its influence.
Chair of Moray Council's Education, Communities and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: "This plan ensures we meet our statutory responsibilities while recognising the historical presence of Gaelic in Moray. It sets out practical steps to support awareness and access where appropriate, including in education."
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn, added: “An Comunn Gàidhealach is delighted to see Moray Council developing a Gaelic Language Plan to support the development of Gaelic in the region. We hope that the plan will serve as a catalyst for establishing a local Mòd in the area.”
Michael McClafferty, Chair of the Moray Gaelic Language Group, agreed: “They say that every language has its soul and this is very true of Gaelic here. As volunteers we are indebted to everyone who helps with the resurgence of Gaelic awareness and through this are seeing a real appetite for learning the language and associated cultural activities with the pleasure this brings.”
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Comhairle Mhoireibh a’ foillseachadh Plana Gàidhlig ùraichte
Tha Comhairle Mhoireibh air plana còig bliadhna ùraichte fhoillseachadh gus cleachdadh na Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh agus a ghleidheadh air feadh na sgìre.
Tha Plana Gàidhlig Comhairle Mhoireibh (2025-2030) a’ stèidheachadh grunn phrìomh puingean gnìomh agus prìomhachasan.
Fo reachdas nàiseanta, feumaidh gach comhairle ann an Alba plana ullachadh gus taic a chumail ri cleachdadh leantainneach a’ chànain.
Ged nach eilear a’ coimhead air Moireibh mar as trice mar phrìomh sgìre Ghàidhlig san latha an-diugh, bha a’ chànan ga bruidhinn fad is farsaing san t-siorrachd gu deireadh an 18mh linn, agus tha mòran ainmean-àite fhathast a’ sealltainn a buaidh.
Thuirt Cathraiche Comataidh Foghlaim, Coimhearsnachdan agus Seirbheisean Cur-seachad Comhairle Mhoireibh, An Comhairliche Kathleen Robertson: "Tha am plana seo a’ dèanamh cinnteach gun coilean sin na dleastanasan reachdail againn agus sinn cuideachd ag aithneachadh làithreachd eachdraidheil na Gàidhlig ann am Moireibh. Tha e a’ cur air adhart ceumannan practaigeach gus taic a chumail ri mothachadh agus ri ruigsinneachd far a bheil sin iomchaidh, a’ gabhail a-steach ann am foghlam."
Thuirt Seumas Greumach, Àrd Oifigear a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich: “Tha an Comunn Gàidhealach ro thoilichte gu bheil Comhairle Mhoireibh air plana Gàidhlig a chruthachadh gus taic a chumail ri leasachadh na Gàidhlig san sgìre. Tha sinn an dòchas gum bidh am plana seo na mheadhan gus Mòd ionadail a stèidheachadh san sgìre."
Dh’aontaich Mìcheal McClafferty, Cathraiche Buidheann Ghàidhlig Mhoireibh: “Bithear ag ràdh gu bheil anam aig gach cànan agus tha seo fìor a thaobh na Gàidhlig an seo.” Mar shaor-thoilich, tha sin fada an comain a h-uile duine a bhios a’ cuideachadh leis an leudachadh mòr ann am mothachadh air a’ chànan agus mar thoradh air seo, tha sinn a’ faicinn fìor mhiann airson a bhith ag ionnsachadh a’ chànain agus ann an gnothaichean cultarach co-cheangailte agus leis an toileachas a bheir seo do dhaoine.