This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Appointment to Gaelic Development Agency
11/10/2002
Duncan Ferguson, Rector of Plockton High School, has been
appointed the first Chair of Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba - the new
Gaelic Development Agency.
Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba will have responsibility for the
strategic overview of Gaelic development and for co-ordinating
and funding the activities of various Gaelic organisations. It
is expected to meet for the first time in January 2003.
Announcing the appointment, Mike Watson, Minister for
Tourism, Culture and Sport - with responsibility for Gaelic
- said:
"Duncan Ferguson has a strong record of achievement and is
highly regarded within the Gaelic community. I know that as
Chair he will provide the necessary leadership to oversee the
Bord's establishment.
"I am confident he has the commitment and management
abilities required to drive the agenda for the new body and
ensure that Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba operates effectively to
promote and protect Gaelic language and culture.
"Gaelic is a central part of Scotland's cultural heritage,
and a clear strategy is needed if Gaelic is to survive as a
living community language. Led by Duncan Ferguson, the Bord
will have the responsibility and considerable challenge of
developing the priority I have identified of increasing the
number of teachers in Gaelic Medium to meet the demand of
parents. This is key to securing the future of the
language."
Mr Ferguson has been Rector of Plockton High School since
April 1992. He is a fluent Gaelic speaker, a native of Islay,
and has been very active in the support of Gaelic, in
particular Gaelic-medium education. He is a Member of the
National Council of Headteachers' Association of Scotland.
Previously he has served as President of the Highland Secondary
Headteachers' Association.
Mr Ferguson has been involved in the work of a wide range of
Gaelic organisations: he is a Director of Comataidh Craolaidh
Gaidhlig, the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee, and has served on
the Boards of Commun na Gaidhlig and CLI (the Gaelic Learner's
Association). He was a Director of Skye and Lochalsh Local
Enterprise Company from 1993 to 2002.
He holds no other Ministerial positions. He has declared
that the only political activity in the last five years was
canvassing for the Liberal Democrats in the last election. The
appointment as Chair of Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba is for a four
year term from 1 December 2002 to 31 November 2006 and carries
remuneration of £12,000 p.a.
This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance
with guidance issued by the Office of the Commissioner of
Public Appointments (OCPA). A statement of validation from the
Independent Assessor appointed by OCPA has been obtained. This
confirms full compliance with the OCPA Code of Practice at each
stage of the appointments process.
Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba is a Non-Departmental Public Body
(NDPB) and the Board is appointed by, and accountable to
Scottish Ministers. The Chair and Members of Bòrd Gàidhlig na
h-Alba will have a duty to promote the Gaelic language, to draw
up plans for Gaelic and to co-ordinate activities in support of
Gaelic. Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba will receive annual funding of
some £2 million from the Scottish Executive.