Council agrees minor changes to Gaelic Plan
The Highland Council has agreed minor changes to its Gaelic Language Plan to provide greater consistency and clarity in the implementation of bilingual signage. Amended wording to the Plan will be forwarded to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for their consideration.
In May 2008, the Council was the first in Scotland to have its plan formally approved by Scottish Ministers.
The amendments make it clear that the Council will consider the views of Ainmean Aite na h-Alba (AAA), the organisation set up to establish correct and consistent forms of Gaelic place names for signage and general use, as advisory and not definitive.
The Council is also to establish a procedure for resolving disputes through a Gaelic Names Sub-Committee consisting of 10 members (cross-party, with 3 members from the Gaelic Committee).
Bi-lingual directional road signs will only be erected where there is a true Gaelic name – since a bilingual sign can only be meaningful where there is both a Gaelic and an anglicised name.
The Council will allow local consultation on (a) new street name signs while stressing that bi-lingual signs should be encouraged, and (b) on replacement street signs as the Plan, as it stands, is not consistent and that these should be treated in the same way as new street name signs.
Specific guidance on signage is as follows: -
Building Signs: The responsibility for ensuring that the requirements of the Gaelic Plan are implemented, in relation to signs on Council buildings, lies with the Ward Manager. Within the Gaelic Plan there is a clear commitment that these signs will be bilingual where an authentic Gaelic translation exists.
Road Signs: The responsibility for ensuring that the requirements of the Gaelic Plan are implemented, in relation to road signs, lies with the appropriate Area Roads and Community Works Manager. Within the Gaelic Plan there is a clear commitment that these signs will be bilingual where an authentic Gaelic translation exists. Statutory highways signs e.g. Give Way will not be produced bilingually.
Street Signs: The responsibility for ensuring that new street names are identified in line with established procedures lies with the appropriate Ward Manager. The Ward Manager is responsible for undertaking consultation with Ward Members at the Ward Business Meeting and, where appropriate, with the relevant Community Council. When the new street name has been agreed the responsibility for ensuring that the sign is included within the Road Construction Consent issued to developers, lies with the Area Roads and Community Works Managers.
Other Signage: The Plan does not require other signage to be bi-lingual and Ward Managers will consult Ward Members at Ward Business Meetings and, where appropriate, the relevant Community Council, on the use of Gaelic on these signs.
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