Ferry company Caledonian MacBrayne has welcomed the Scottish Executive�s commitment to legislate to secure the status of Gaelic in Scotland, through the Gaelic Language Bill launched by the First Minister at the Royal National Mod in Oban, in October 2003.

In its submission to the Executive on the Draft Bill, lodged in Gaelic and English today (Wednesday, January 7) the company states that as a lifeline ferry operator connecting many communities on the western seaboard where Gaelic is still the language of business and day to day use, it is self-evident that the company would wish to support initiatives which would secure the future of the language. This is particularly true given the significant proportion of Gaelic-speaking staff employed by the company.

The company also recognises the need to create a sustainable future for the language and supports the Executive aims in publishing this Draft Bill and facilitating this consultation process. The company also endorses the Ministers� view that legislation in itself will not be enough to do this.

The company�s submission, made by Chairman Dr Harold Mills, states that: �While Caledonian MacBrayne as a ferry operating company may appear to have no direct role in language development, the company clearly supports the aspirations of the Gaelic community throughout Scotland, seeing the language as a distinct and valuable national cultural asset. We also see the language in the context of an economic stimulus, not only to economic development at a local level but also to tourism specifically. These issues are obviously very relevant to Caledonian MacBrayne as a lifeline ferry service operator.�

The company notes that the aspirations of the Gaelic community appear not to be met with respect to issues relating to broadcasting and education in particular and other matters covered in the Meek and Macpherson reports.

It is also acknowledged that the Gaelic community wishes that responsibility and accountability for Gaelic should rest with the Scottish Executive and that Bord na Gaidhlig should not be merely seen as its surrogate.

CalMac comments as follows on specific aspects of the Draft Bill:

1 A National Gaelic Plan is a pre-requisite of any further proposals. 2 There is a clear need to place a duty on appropriate public organisations to produce Gaelic language plans in relation to the services they offer. 3 These bodies and plans should be subject to scrutiny, at the very least in terms of the proposals in the Draft Bill. 4 A clear timeframe and resource plan is required for the implementation of the proposals. 5 Caledonian MacBrayne supports inclusion of the company in Schedule 2 of the Draft Bill, as one of the organisations required to prepare Gaelic language plans.

In summary, Caledonian MacBrayne is fully supportive of proposals which will lead to a sustainable future for the Gaelic language. Dr Mills states: �There is a great deal to be gained on a national basis through the development of reasonable and practicable solutions which would lead to the normalisation of Gaelic throughout Scotland.

Caledonian MacBrayne already goes a long way towards achieving many of the aims and aspirations of the Gaelic community through the naming of ships (both in visual and conceptual terms), signage at terminals and offices, letterheads and business cards and through the encouragement of front-line staff to use the language. The company also conducts its business in Gaelic where appropriate.

The company believes that it already goes beyond the commitment to Gaelic displayed by many other equivalent agencies and we would be willing to advise/consult with other agencies/bodies aspiring to the same level of Gaelic service. Customers using the language in written form or through conversation are also offered Gaelic responses. Where staff are spoken to in Gaelic, they are encouraged to respond in Gaelic where possible.�

Caledonian MacBrayne, as an arm of the Scottish Executive, regards the participation and support of public agencies for the Gaelic language as crucial to its survival. The company regards the proposals enshrined in the Draft Gaelic Bill as a significant indication of progress to be made and will continue to develop its Gaelic policy accordingly.

Copies of the submission are being made to the Executive in Gaelic and English and will be posted on the company�s website www.calmac.co.uk in both languages.

ends For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Public Affairs Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne. Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk

Issued: Wednesday, January 7, 2003