Short Life Working Group on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic: report

4 Implementing the group's recommendations

The group was tasked with considering recommendations and where these recommendations should be directed. It was not tasked with producing a plan to implement its recommendations. This report is not an alternative to the National Gaelic Language Plan.

The question arises, then, how will the group's recommendations be delivered?

Most of the recommendations involve a lead body working with others, so a suite of mini-plans between the lead and other organisations may be a possibility. Some of the group's recommendations may already align with the 2023-28 National Gaelic Language Plan. If not, they could be incorporated if the timeframe allows for such in advance of its approval by Ministers.

Yet another possibility, and perhaps the most likely, is that the Gaelic and Scots Division in the Scottish Government, along with colleagues in the Economic Development Directorate, will create an action plan around the group's recommendations, maintain an overview of input from other bodies and ensure delivery.

The group very much wants to see its recommendations delivered, with transparency over progress, and it is hoped an approach can be found which causes the minimum of disruption to Gaelic organisations and public bodies already involved in delivering a range of plans and initiatives. Adding to their workload cannot be avoided, however, and it is important to acknowledge that fact in submitting the group's recommendations.

The group would welcome further discussion on implementation if that would be useful.