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Gaelic 'part of nation's landscape'
12/10/2007
Culture Minister Linda Fabiani today attended the opening of this year's Royal National Mod 2007 in Fort William.
Ms Fabiani said:
"The Scottish Government promotes a vibrant, diverse and confident cultural life in Scotland We are proud of all the good things that Scotland has to offer and should show these off to the rest of the world.
"Gaelic is part of our nation's landscape and we should be glad to celebrate it.
"The Mod gives our singers, dancers and musicians the opportunity to shine. It strengthens the distinctive cultural life of Scotland, and is a reminder of our country's rich linguistic and musical heritage. Its continued success benefits us all, ensuring Gaelic is promoted and passed on to new speakers.
"In recent times Gaelic has enjoyed a revival but there is still much to be done if we are to secure a sustainable future for the language and its users. That is why the Scottish Government is commited to developing and promoting the Gaelic language, education and culture in Scotland and abroad.
"We will work to make progress in all the key areas of development: we want to expand Gaelic-medium education; work towards the launch of a Gaelic digital TV service; ensure the implementation of Bòrd na Gàidhlig's National Plan for Gaelic; promote the Gaelic arts and generally raise the profile and visibility of Gaelic."
The Royal National Mod is Scotland's premier festival of the Gaelic language, arts and culture The Mod is a competition-based festival which celebrates the Gaelic language and culture through music, dance, drama, arts and literature. First held in Oban in 1892, and regularly attracts visitors and competitors from throughout the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada and the USA.
The Mod is managed and organised by An Commun Gàidhealach, and is hosted by a different town or city in October each year. An Comunn Gàidhealach is a voluntary membership organisation, with charitable status, founded in Oban in 1891 as a vehicle for the preservation and development of the Gaelic language. An Commun Gaidhealach's patron is HM The Queen and members of the Royal Family regularly attend the event.