Gaelic On-line Forum Opened Via Videoconference - your views welcome!

[John_Gray]

Scottish Government Minister Launches Gaelic On-line Forum Via Videoconference - your views welcome!

A new on-line forum, encouraging discussion on topical Gaelic issues, was launched by The Highland Council. Meeting in the Highland Capital of Inverness, Members of the Council's Gaelic Working Group linked up by videoconference to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh where Mike Watson, Scottish Executive Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, posted the opening message.

The Gaelic forum is accessible from the Council's home page ( http://www.highland.gov.uk )*.

Allan Beaton, Chair of the Council's Gaelic Working Group, said the on-line forum aimed to increase the public's access to topical Gaelic issues and enhance the consultative and democratic process in the Highlands. ?The forum provides a platform for individuals, organisations and communities to communicate and connect with each other using an innovative and exciting channel of communication, in which Gaelic is adapting to the IT age of the 21st Century. It is not exclusively for Gaelic speakers or for people living in the Highlands.?

THE COUNCIL SEEKS THE VIEWS FROM ANYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN GAELIC ISSUES!

Mr Watson said: "This innovative approach offers an excellent opportunity for individuals, groups and organisations to debate issues and concerns wherever they are based in both English and Gaelic. ?The Scottish Executive recognises the importance of Gaelic in communities and has developed a substantial programme involving organisations, broadcasting and Gaelic-Medium education. The programme receives over £13 million per year.?

For further information contact The Highland Council's Gaelic Development Officer, Morag Anna MacLeod gaelic@highland.gov.uk or + 44 01478 613835.

Regards

John

John Gray
Chief Executive's Office
The Highland Council
Glenurquhart Road, Inverness,
Highland, IV3 5NX
SCOTLAND, EU

Tel No: 01463 702706, Fax No: 01463 702830, E-mail: john.gray@highland.gov.uk

( http://www.highland.gov.uk )* ( http://www.hi-ways.org )* ( http://www.think-net.org )*

*Moderator's note: I have edited this post to activate the links provided in the text.

[Edited by Neil_Caple on 22nd January 2002 at 19:07]