CalMac Ferries Ltd (Trading as Caledonian MacBrayne) GAELIC LANGUAGE PLAN

Transcription

1 CalMac Ferries Ltd (Trading as Caledonian MacBrayne) GAELIC LANGUAGE PLAN This plan has been prepared in accordance with Section 3 of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.

2 FOREWORD CalMac is proud of its long association with and service to the Gaelic communities of Scotland. The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act of 2005 and the early work of Bòrd na Gàidhlig have given a new impetus to the language and culture and this plan sets out how it aims to play its part and make a worthy contribution. Anyone travelling by ferry will know that Gaelic signage is very evident on vessels and in our ports, and for many visitors to Scotland this will be their first exposure to the Gaelic language. They may also be hearing it spoken for the first time through Gaelic welcome messages when they board. This highly visible sign of our commitment to Gaelic is, however, only the tip of the iceberg. CalMac s support for Gaelic goes much deeper than this. Gaelic is routinely used in printed material, on the website and in displays and promotions. CalMac is also proud to directly support Gaelic culture in a number of ways. Although outwith the remit of the Language Plan, CalMac has been the main commercial sponsor of the Royal National Mòd for many years and also supports the Cearcall na Gàidhlig or Gaelic Rings initiative. Around ten per cent of staff are fluent Gaelic speakers and use it day to day with customers in port offices and on ferries, but CalMac is keen to increase usage of Gaelic among staff and all employees are being given the opportunity to learn Gaelic as beginners or to refresh their language skills. While CalMac has achieved much in integrating the use of Gaelic into many aspects of its operations, it accepts it can always do more, and this plan not only identifies areas where Gaelic is being used, it also specifies areas where we acknowledge there is scope for improvement This plan is therefore very much a working document and CalMac will be regularly assessing progress to ensure the significant momentum already generated within the company is not lost. Philip Preston Managing Director 1

3 Contents Summary Chapter 1 Introduction Description of the public authority Gaelic in the authority s area of operation Approval of our Gaelic Language Plan Chapter 2 Core Commitments Identity Communications Publications Staffing Chapter 3 Policy Implications for Gaelic: implementing the National Plan for Gaelic Language Acquisition Language Usage Language Status Language Corpus Chapter 4 Implementation and Monitoring Contact Details 2

4 Summary Caledonian MacBrayne recognises that Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland s heritage, national identity and cultural life. It is committed to the objectives set out in the National Plan for Gaelic and to playing a role in ensuring that Gaelic has a sustainable future in Scotland. Caledonian MacBrayne recognises that the position of Gaelic is extremely fragile and if Gaelic is to be revitalised as a living language in Scotland, a concerted effort on the part of government, the public and private sectors, community organisations and individual speakers is required to: enhance the status of Gaelic; promote the acquisition and learning of Gaelic; encourage the increased use of Gaelic. This document is Caledonian MacBrayne s Gaelic Language Plan prepared within the framework of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act It sets out how it will use Gaelic in its operations and how it will promote and develop Gaelic. Caledonian MacBrayne s Gaelic Language Plan has been prepared in accordance with statutory criteria set out in the 2005 Act, and having regard to the National Plan for Gaelic and the Guidance on the Development of Gaelic Language Plans. 3

5 Structure The key components of the Gaelic Language Plan are: Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter provides the background and context relating to the preparation of Gaelic Language Plans under the 2005 Act and the structure of Caledonian MacBrayne s main areas of operation. Chapter 2 Core Commitments This chapter sets out how Caledonian MacBrayne will use, and enable the use of Gaelic in relation to its main business functions. Chapter 3 Policy Implications for Gaelic: implementing the National Plan for Gaelic This chapter sets out how Caledonian MacBrayne will help implement the National Plan for Gaelic. Chapter 4 Implementation and Monitoring This chapter sets out how the implementation of our Gaelic Language Plan will be taken forward, and how implementation and outcomes will be monitored. 4

6 Introduction The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 was passed by the Scottish Parliament with a view to securing the status of the Gaelic language as an official language of Scotland commanding equal respect to the English language. One of the key features of the 2005 Act is the provision enabling Bòrd na Gàidhlig to require public bodies to prepare Gaelic Language Plans. This provision was designed to ensure that the public sector in Scotland plays its part in creating a sustainable future for Gaelic by raising its status and profile and creating practical opportunities for its use. Consultation on a draft Gaelic Plan: The 2005 Act requires public bodies to give interested parties an opportunity to comment on their Gaelic Language Plan and Caledonian MacBrayne has done so by placing copies in English and Gaelic on its website. Since comments were invited from interested parties in November 2009, the plan has been downloaded 309 times 121 times in Gaelic and 188 in English however no comments have been received as a result. In addition, a presentation about CalMac s plan and the online Gaelic language courses being created for staff, was made at two major staff conferences. Approval of Caledonian MacBrayne s Gaelic Language Plan: Caledonian MacBrayne s Gaelic Plan will be submitted to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for approval by May 20,

7 Overview of the functions of Caledonian MacBrayne and the use of Gaelic within its area of operation Background CalMac Ferries Ltd., which was incorporated in May 2006, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of David MacBrayne Ltd, which is wholly owned by Scottish Ministers. (Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL). These names are used under licence from Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). The lion rampant device is used by CFL with the permission of CMAL.) As a result of corporate restructuring which took place in October 2006 as part of the preparation for the tender process for the Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Services, CalMac Ferries Ltd. took over operation of these services as successor to Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. As a separate element of this corporate restructuring, Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd had its name changed to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. (CMAL) and retained ownership of the vessels and piers which are required for the operation of the Clyde & Hebrides Ferry services. Under these arrangements, CalMac Ferries Ltd, as operator of the Clyde & Hebrides Ferry services, leases the vessels and piers from CMAL, which is also wholly owned by Scottish Ministers. All of the services currently operated by CalMac Ferries Ltd require by way of subsidy, an operating grant, as the normal operation of market forces would not ensure a sufficient service level to the communities all the year round at acceptable fares levels. This level of grant, established by an open tendering procedure, is provided to support approved services which, in the opinion of Scottish Ministers, are necessary to maintain the economic or social conditions in the Highlands and Islands. In 2008/09 it was 53 million. CalMac Ferries Ltd currently charters a fleet of 29 vessels from CMAL to provide passenger, vehicle and shipping services to the islands off the West Coast of Scotland and in the Clyde estuary. Two other vessels are retained on separate charters. 6

8 Gaelic within Caledonian MacBrayne s area of operation. CalMac serves rural and island communities across the West Coast of Scotland, from Arran in the Firth of Clyde to Lewis and Harris in the far north west. According to the 2001 UK Census this encompasses some of the main Gaelic language speaking communities found in Scotland. In 2001, over 92,000 people in Scotland (just under 2 per cent of the population) had some Gaelic language ability and almost half of these people lived in Eilean Siar, Highland or Argyll & Bute.These communities include the Western Isles (61.1% Gaelic speaking) and Skye and Lochalsh (with 34%). Argyll & Bute has 4.7% overall but in some places 28% are Gaelic speaking and Tiree is 47.8%. There are around 2,500 primary and secondary schoolchildren in Gaelic-medium education (GME) nationally at present, with a further 700 children in Gaelic-medium nurseries. The following Gaelic-related organisations operate within Caledonian MacBrayne area: Acair Based in the Western Isles, Acair Earranta publish a wide range of Gaelic, English and Bilingual books. An Comunn Gàidhealach An Comunn Gàidhealach is a voluntary, charitable organisation which was founded in 1874 in order to promote the Gaelic language and culture. They also organise the Royal National Mod the main Gaelic cultural festival. An Lòchran An Lòchran is Glasgow s Gaelic Centre which serves the city s Gaelic and Highland community, and those who have an interest in the Celtic culture. Clì Gàidhlig Clì Gàidhlig is the Gaelic access and promotion organisation which works to: promote the learning and national status of Gaelic; to disseminate information on Gaelic and Gaelic matters; and to act as the voice of learners and non-native speakers. Colaisde a Chaisteil Lews Castle College is a Higher Education Institute which is part of the UHI Millennium Insitute, and it offers a number of Gaelic courses (including degree programmes). Colmcille Colmcille supports the promotion of Gaelic and Irish in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and it strengthens the ties between these countries. The organisation is funded by the governments of the three areas. 7

9 Comunn na Gàidhlig Comann na Gàidhlig is a Gaelic development agency which works in a number of areas to develop Gaelic, however, they are particularly involved in initiatives involving the community, education, younger people and strategies and promotion. Comhairle nan Leabhraichean Comhairle nan Leabhraichean is the main organisation which supports authors and the publication, marketing and sale of Gaelic books. It is involved with many of the successes in the Gaelic literary world. Fèisean nan Gàidheal Fèisean nan Gàidheal is an independent umbrella organisation for many of the Gaelic teaching festivals in Scotland. Fèisean nan Gàidheal gives support funding and delivers training programmes, and they are involved in many initiatives which promote the Gaelic language and its culture. Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle Ionad Chaluim Chille is a Gaelic and cultural centre in Islay which offers learning and educational opportunities in Gaelic. Pròiseact nan Ealan Pròiseact nan Ealan is the principal national development agency for the Gaelic arts in Scotland, they are based in Storonoway in Lewis and they are involved in numerous projects connected with the Gaelic arts. Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is a Higher Education Institute which offers a range of Gaelic courses (including degree programmes), and it is situated on the Isle of Skye. They have short courses in addition to part- and full-time courses. Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig was established to co-ordinate the production and distribution of resources for Gaelic education. The organisation provides resource support for statutory education at all levels and for lifelong learning through specific projects. Tobar an Dualchais Tobar an Dualchais is involved in the archiving of thousands of recordings in digital format which will be available online. This heritage project gives people the chance to listen to the voices of Gaelic speakers through the years. Gaelic Language Promotion Trust The Gaelic Language Promotion Trust was established in 1977 to encourage and promote the teaching, learning and use of the Gaelic language and the study and cultivation of Gaelic literature, history, music and art. 8

10 Gaelic within Caledonian MacBrayne: A staff survey in 2008 showed that of those that responded 100 were Gaelic speakers - roughly 10 per cent of all staff - and that 73 were sufficiently fluent to be able to deal with Gaelic-speaking customers. As the vast majority of speakers are from Gaelic-speaking areas (as opposed to learners) the presumption has been made that they can also read and write Gaelic. Almost all respondees believed that CalMac has a role to play in supporting and promoting the Gaelic language, and 147 non-speakers expressed an interest in learning. In September 2010, CalMac launched its online toolkit which is tailored to meet the needs of staff working for a ferry company. This innovative approach to making Gaelic training available to a significant number of people (c 1700) is considered an exemplar in the field and the approach is being copied by the Scottish Government, Forestry Commission and Scottish Natural Heritage. It was funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, and developed by the Skye-based online learning company Cànan specifically for Caledonian MacBrayne. It is widely hailed as a leader in its field, and this was amply demonstrated when Cànan were invited to submit an academic paper on the project as an example of vocational online training, and to present it to a prestigious international online learning conference in Italy in November Caledonian MacBrayne co-authored the paper, and co-presented it at the conference, which was attended by around 200 online learning experts from across the world. The toolkit was launched by Education Minister Michael Russell at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in September, and 80 staff have so far registered for the course. Efforts to encourage more staff to participate are ongoing and the company is now turning its attention to how the resource might be used outwith the company, for tourists for example, through the website or on vessels and in ports, subject to funding being available. Gaelic-related activity by Caledonian MacBrayne: Caledonian MacBrayne has a long and proud association with the Royal National Mod. Several trophies have been awarded in CalMac s name over the years, most notably the CalMac Cup for junior choirs. Since 2002, Caledonian MacBrayne has been the principal commercial supporter of the Mod, and this arrangement is in place for the duration of CalMac s contract up to the 2012 Mod. CalMac invests significant time and resource in the Royal National Mod, where its support is recognised and appreciated by the organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach and participants alike. 9

11 CalMac has also been an active participant in the Cearcaill na Gàidhlig (Gaelic Rings) initiative and in the past supported Gàidhlig air a Bhàta (Gaelic on Board.) The company also enjoys a positive working relationship with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comunn na Gàidhlig and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and is open to developing further Gaelic related initiatives subject to operational and financial constraints. 10

12 Core Commitments Identity Corporate identity Signage CalMac has an English and Gaelic version of its logo, which appears in stationery and printed and online display material Bilingual signage is deployed extensively in port offices and onboard vessels. In addition, all vessels have bilingual names, which are displayed prominently. Communications Reception Telephone Gaelic-speaking staff in Gaelic-speaking areas can greet and serve Gaelicspeaking customers. In non-speaking areas, staff are being encouraged to learn and use basic Gaelic greetings as required. Whenever possible Gaelic-speaking customers telephoning CalMac offices in Gaelic-speaking areas will be addressed and helped by Gaelic speakers. Publications Public Relations and media Bilingual news releases are issued whenever possible and Gaelic speakers are provided for TV and radio interviews where possible ie Mod or Gaelicrelated events such as the launch of the Gaelic toolkit. Printed material Website The majority of promotional printed material is targeted at non-gaelic speaking tourists and visitors, but if we believe there is an opportunity to publish in Gaelic in whole or in part we will do so. For example, printed material for our Meet the Managers sessions at the Mod was done so in Gaelic as well as English. A guide to useful Gaelic phrases is published in our main brochure Explore. Relevant sections of the CalMac website have been reproduced in Gaelic, and we are investigating ways of introducing some limited Gaelic language tuition, to enhance the experience of visitors to the site. 11

13 Exhibitions CalMac holds a selection of exhibition and display material in Gaelic which are used wherever possible ie display material used at the Royal National Mod is in Gaelic. Staffing Language learning Recruitment Advertising All staff are being given the opportunity to learn or improve their Gaelic through online language courses, which are tailor-made to meet the requirements of CalMac employees. Posters promoting seasonal positions are published in English and Gaelic and applications from bilingual staff for public facing posts will be encouraged. Gaelic is used as an advertising tool wherever appropriate, eg the Gaelic Rings (Cearcall na Gàidhlig) initiative. 12

14 Section 1 - Identity Rationale: The presence of Gaelic in the corporate identity and signs of a public authority greatly enhances the visibility of the language, increases its status and makes an important statement about how Gaelic is valued and how it is given recognition. Developing the use of Gaelic through signage can also enrich the vocabulary of Gaelic users, raise public awareness of the language and contribute to its development. Caledonian MacBrayne recognises the importance of extending the visibility of Gaelic and increasing its status. Development Function Corporate Identity: Current practice Key areas of development Actions Targets Performance Indicators Lead Officer Timescale While the Caledonian MacBrayne brand is owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd, CalMac routinely uses the brand in both English and Gaelic in ports, on vessels and in printed material including stationery. Its use is governed by a trademark licensing agreement under the CHFS contract. We will continue to seek and identify opportunities for using the bilingual brand To use the bilingual logo wherever possible or appropriate The bilingual brand is evident Marketing Manager Ongoing Signage (internal and external): Current practice All ports and vessels display bilingual signage, in addition each vessel s name is displayed in English and Gaelic Key areas of development Marketing Manager Ongoing We will continue to seek and identify opportunities for using bilingual signage To display bilingual signage wherever possible as a matter of course Bilingual signage is evident 13

15 Section 2 Communications Rationale: The use of Gaelic at the initial point of contact that members of the public have with a public authority increases the visible and audible presence of the language, and contributes to the sense that the use of Gaelic is possible and welcome. In addition to raising the profile of the language, it also creates opportunities for its practical use and encourages members of the public to use Gaelic in subsequent dealings with the public authority. The use of Gaelic in interactions with the authority is important in creating practical opportunities for the use of the language, and in contributing to the sense that its use is possible and welcome. The presence of Gaelic in a wide range of bilingual forms can also greatly enhance the visibility and prestige of the language. Caledonian MacBrayne recognises the importance of creating opportunities for the practical use of Gaelic in a wide range of everyday situations and is committed to increasing its level of provision in this area. Development Function Reception: Current Practice Key areas of development Actions Targets Performance Indicators Lead Officer Timescale In Gaelic-speaking areas Gaelic-speaking customers can be greeted and assisted by a Gaelic speaker Staff undergoing Gaelic language Staff in as many Staff use Gaelic Public Affairs Ongoing training will be encouraged to use places as possible when greeting Manager the language wherever possible will be able to Gaelic speakers when dealing with Gaelicspeaking greet Gaelic customers. Signage will speakers in Gaelic be provided to advise customers where Gaelic is spoken by staff. 14

16 Development Function Telephone: Current practice Key areas of development Actions Targets Performance Indicators Lead Officer Timescale In Gaelic-speaking areas Gaelic-speaking customers telephoning port offices will be assisted by a Gaelic speaker Staff undergoing Gaelic language Staff in as many Staff use Gaelic Public Affairs Ongoing training will be encouraged to use places as possible when speaking Manager the language when answering will be able to greet on the telephones in Gaelic-speaking Gaelic speakers in telephone to areas. (However, as calls are Gaelic Gaelic speakers managed via a virtual call centre and could be answered anywhere in the network it is not possible to advise customers when they will reach a Gaelic speaker. However, if the caller speaks Gaelic initially, then suitably trained staff will be able to reply.) Recorded Announcements: Current practice Welcome messages are broadcast in Gaelic on board vessels on routes serving Gaelic communities (as set out in the Scottish Government s Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service contract ( *) Key areas of development We are reviewing current recordings to see if an update is required. Public Manager Affairs Ongoing Gaelic-speaking officers will be encouraged to do live welcome announcements in Gaelic To ensure recorded welcome messages are of an appropriate standard 15 Gaelic welcome messages heard on appropriate routes *The routes identified within the CHFS contract as being those on which bilingual announcements are appropriate are listed below. Please note that due to Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) rules, all announcements related to safety or in an emergency must be in English.

17 Stornoway - Ullapool Uig - Lochmaddy & Tarbert (Harris) Oban - Craignure Oban - Colonsay Oban Colonsay Port Askaig - Kennacraig Oban Castlebay - Lochboisdale Oban Coll & Tiree (including inter-island links to Barra) Islay - Kennacraig Berneray - Leverburgh Aird Mhòr - Eriskay Sconser - Raasay Oban - Lismore Tobermory - Kilchoan & Fishnish - Lochaline Portavadie - Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Mallaig - Armadale, Rum, Eigg & Muck 16

18 Section 3 Publications Rationale: The use of Gaelic in a range of printed material can assist Gaelic development in a variety of ways. It helps increase the visibility of the language, it enhances Gaelic s status by being used in high profile publications, and it can help develop new and enhance existing terminology. The use of Gaelic in the media helps demonstrate a public authority s commitment to making important information available through the medium of Gaelic, as well as enhancing the visibility and status of the language. As more people access information about public authorities through their websites, making provision for the use of Gaelic can significantly enhance the status and visibility of the language. Caledonian MacBrayne is committed to increasing the use of Gaelic in areas where the subject matter is of most interest to the general public or relates specifically to Gaelic issues. Development Function Printed Material: Current practice Key areas of development Actions Targets Performance Indicators Wherever appropriate Gaelic is used in printed material The majority of printed material is To use Gaelic in targeted at non-gaelic speaking printed material tourists and visitors, but if we whenever possible believe there is an opportunity to publish in Gaelic in whole or in part we will do so. For example, printed material for our Meet the Managers sessions at the Mod was done so in Gaelic. We will continue to seek and identify opportunities for using Gaelic in printed material Gaelic in use in relevant printed material Lead Officer Marketing Manager Timescale Ongoing 17

19 Development Function Actions Targets Performance Indicators Lead Officer Timescale Public Relations and Media: Current practice News releases are made available in Gaelic and Gaelic speakers are provided for interviews as appropriate Key areas of development We will continue to seek and identify opportunities for using To use Gaelic in news releases News releases issued in Gaelic Public Affairs Manager Ongoing Websites: Current practice Key areas of development Gaelic in news releases Gaelic-speaking staff will be trained to give radio & TV interviews for non-controversial subjects. whenever possible To create a group of Gaelic speaking staff who are able to give interviews as appropriate Recognised group of staff with broadcast training skills A Gaelic language website is provided at To extend the range of information To continue to seek Increased use available in Gaelic on the website. and identify of Gaelic on eg we are investigating ways of opportunities for website as introducing some limited Gaelic using and appropriate language tuition, to enhance the promoting Gaelic experience of visitors to the site. on the website Public Affairs Manager Marketing Manager/ Public Affairs Manager Ongoing Ongoing Exhibitions: Current practice Key areas of development Bilingual material is displayed as appropriate ( at Mòd for example) We will continue to seek and To use Gaelic in Gaelic used in identify opportunities for using display material display material Gaelic in display material whenever possible whenever possible Marketing Manager Ongoing 18

20 Section 4 Staffing Rationale: In order to deliver services through the medium of Gaelic, it is necessary to develop the requisite job skills and language skills of staff. The provision of language learning for staff helps promote adult Gaelic learning and promotes Gaelic as a useful skill in the workplace. The identification of jobs in which Gaelic is a designated skill will contribute greatly to the status of the language and to identifying it as a positive skill to acquire. The use of Gaelic in advertising also helps recognise that Gaelic should be used in public life and that Gaelic speakers have an important role to play within a public authority. Whatever the level of Gaelic skills required it is important that authorities ensure that Gaelic is a genuine occupational requirement. Authorities should adopt and apply objective criteria to ensure appointments are made in each case on a fair and consistent basis, and reflect the identified skills needs of the post. Caledonian MacBrayne recognises the importance of seeing Gaelic as a useful skill and of identifying situations in which its use is desirable. Caledonian MacBrayne also recognises the importance of enabling staff to develop their Gaelic skills if they wish to do so. Development Function Actions Targets Performance Indicators Lead Officer Timescale Language Learning: Current practice On-line Gaelic language training is available to any member of CalMac staff regardless of location whether beginners or speakers who need a refresh Key areas of Public Affairs Ongoing development Manager Due to restraints imposed by geography and work patterns this is in employees own time. One additional advantage to this approach is that staff are encouraged to include family members, thus broadening its reach further. To have staff in as many places as possible who will be able to communicate in Gaelic 19 Increase in the use of Gaelic by staff

21 Development Function Recruitment: Current practice Key areas of development Actions Targets Performance Indicators Posters promoting seasonal positions are published in English and Gaelic We will continue to seek and To use Gaelic in Gaelic used in identify opportunities for using recruitment recruitment Gaelic in recruitment material as material whenever material appropriate, however, CalMac possible whenever does not consider any of its posts possible to be Gaelic essential. In addition, the operating contract specifies that English is the business language of CalMac. However, it does accept that in some locations it is desirable that staff are bilingual. Lead Officer HR Manager Timescale Ongoing Advertising: Current practice Key areas of development Gaelic is used as an advertising tool as appropriate, eg the Gaelic Rings (Cearcall na Gàidhlig) initiative The majority of advertising is To use Gaelic in Gaelic used in Marketing Manager Ongoing targeted at non-gaelic speaking advertising material advertising tourists and visitors, but if we whenever possible material believe there is an opportunity to whenever advertise in Gaelic in whole or in possible part we will do so. We will continue to seek and identify opportunities for using Gaelic in advertising material 20

22 Chapter 3 Policy Implications for Gaelic: implementation of the National Plan for Gaelic Policy implications for Gaelic Caledonian MacBrayne recognises that the various priority areas identified in the National Plan for Gaelic will be primarily implemented through our Gaelic Language Plan but that opportunities may arise in the future to promote and develop the language. Caledonian MacBrayne will therefore examine current commitments to identify areas where Gaelic can be pro-actively incorporated and the priorities of the National Plan for Gaelic initiated through additional methods. We see this development as corresponding to the normalisation principle which aims to include Gaelic as an everyday part of life in Scotland. Overview of the National Plan for Gaelic The National Plan for Gaelic identifies four interlinking aspects of language development which need to be addressed, and within them sets out a number of priority action areas: 1. Language Acquisition Increasing the number of Gaelic speakers by ensuring the language is transferred within families and by securing effective opportunities for learning Gaelic, through: increasing the use and transmission of Gaelic in the home increasing the number of children acquiring Gaelic in the home increasing the uptake and availability of Gaelic-medium education increasing the number of adult Gaelic learners progressing to fluency CalMac contributes to these aims through its online Gaelic toolkit 2. Language Usage Encouraging greater use of Gaelic, providing opportunities to use the language, and promoting access to Gaelic forms of expression, through: increasing the use of Gaelic in communities increasing the use of Gaelic in tertiary education and places of work increasing the presence of Gaelic in the media increasing the promotion of Gaelic in the arts increasing the profile of Gaelic in the tourism, heritage and recreation sectors 21

23 CalMac contributes to these aims through its online Gaelic toolkit and support of the Royal National Mod, Cearcall na Gàidhlig etc 3. Language Status Increasing the visibility and audibility of Gaelic, enhancing its recognition and creating a positive image for Gaelic in Scottish public life, through: increasing the number of bodies preparing Gaelic Language Plans increasing the profile and prestige of Gaelic increasing the visibility and recognition of Gaelic CalMac contributes to these aims through the adoption of the items within this plan 4. Language Corpus Strengthening the relevance and consistency of Gaelic and promoting research into the language, through: increasing the relevance and consistency of the Gaelic language increasing the quality and accessibility of Gaelic translations increasing the availability of accurate research information CalMac contributes to these aims through ensuring that any translations meet the requirements of Gaelic Orthographic Conventions and Ainmean Aite na h- Alba. Commitment to the Objectives of the National Plan for Gaelic Caledonian MacBrayne is committed to ensuring that the National Plan is implemented, and to playing its part wherever practicable in achieving that aim. 22

24 CHAPTER 4 IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING Timetable This Gaelic Language Plan will formally remain in force for a period of 5 years from this date or until a new plan has been put in place. However, it should be noted that CalMac currently provides ferry services within the terms of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) contract which is in operation until September 30, 2013 and cannot make any commitments beyond that date. Publicising the Plan Caledonian MacBrayne s Gaelic Language Plan has been published bilingually on Caledonian MacBrayne s website. In addition, we shall: make the plan known to employees; make copies available on request. Administrative Arrangements for Implementing the Gaelic Language Plan This plan is the policy of Caledonian MacBrayne and has been endorsed both by our senior management team and Board members. Overall Responsibility: The Managing Director will be responsible ultimately for ensuring that Caledonian MacBrayne delivers on the commitments set out in this Plan. Individual Staff members: Staff will be advised via and intranet of the Gaelic Language Plan and their role in its delivery. Resourcing the Plan Caledonian MacBrayne is grateful for the support it has received from Bòrd na Gàidhlig in implementing many of the objectives identified within this plan. Monitoring the Implementation of the Plan The Board of CalMac Ferries Ltd will receive regular reports of progress towards achieving the aims of this plan and annual progress reports will also be submitted to Bòrd na Gàidhlig. 23

25 Contact details The senior officer with operational responsibility for overseeing preparation, delivery and monitoring of Caledonian MacBrayne s Gaelic Language Plan is: David Cannon Group Public Affairs Manager David MacBrayne Ltd (On behalf of CalMac Ferries Ltd) Ferry Terminal Gourock PA19 1QP Tel david.cannon@davidmacbrayne.co.uk Queries about the day-to-day operation of the plan should be addressed to: As above 24