Decision details

The Council, at its meeting on 30 June 2022 had considered proposals recommended by Bòrd na Gaidhlig to amend the Council’s Gaelic Language Plan and had decided not to agree an amendment to the Council’s Gaelic Language Plan which would have committed the Council to establishing a Gaelic school.  The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the Council’s Gaelic language Plan following referral to Scottish Ministers for a final decision.

Decision

The Council –

1.    noted that this matter had been referred to Scottish Ministers in June 2022 under section 5(5)(c) of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, as there had been no agreement between the Council and Bòrd na Gaidhlig on the proposed amendment regarding the establishment of an all-Gaelic School;

2.    noted that engagement between officers from the Council and from Scottish Government took place to inform Scottish Ministers of the Council’s position and subsequently a decision by Scottish Ministers was sent to the Council on 16th December 2022. This decision stated that Ministers would approve the Plan subject to the modification already agreed by Council regarding L2 or L3 and the following alternative approach to the matter of a Gaelic School:

“Action 2.11 Argyll and Bute Council will engage fully and constructively with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, as adviser on Gaelic education, and other stakeholders (including parents and parent representatives) with a view to bringing forward, within the next 2 years, a consultation to ascertain the demand for an all-Gaelic School within the local authority area.”; and

3.    noted the position that the decision of the Scottish Ministers was one that, subject to any considerations in relation to judicial challenge, is binding on the Council and Bòrd na Gaidhlig.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services dated 18 January 2023, submitted)