This is the second British Sign Language (BSL) Plan, covering a six-year period from 2024 to 2030. It aligns with the Scottish Government’s National BSL Plan 2023 to 2029 and is a requirement of the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015.
The plan outlines actions to promote and support BSL in Highland. Its key aims are to:
- enhance awareness and understanding of BSL in Highland; and
- improve access to information and services for local BSL users.
This plan is a joint effort with NHS Highland, reflecting shared areas for action and a collaborative approach to delivery.
It was developed following engagement with the Deaf community and BSL users. The actions within the plan respond to identified priorities from this engagement.
We also consulted other local public bodies to gather views from BSL users to inform the plan’s development.
We will monitor progress and report outcomes regularly.
In this context, the term BSL users includes deaf people whose first or preferred language is BSL, as well as Deafblind individuals who receive BSL tactually due to sight loss.
Contact for comments and further information
We welcome feedback on the Highland Council’s BSL Plan at any time. To comment or for more information, email equal.opportunities@highland.gov.uk.
BSL users can also access support through Contact Scotland BSL.