SCOTLAND’s skiing industry has been given a Gaelic makeover as an extensive programme of bilingual signage gets underway at Highland ski centres.
This week sees the completion of stage one of the programme with both The Lecht Ski Centre and Glenshee Ski Centre formally launching their new Gaelic signage and fully bilingual piste map.
As part of the initiative both ski centres have prepared Gaelic Language Plans which will ensure that the bilingual approach is continued in the future and that Gaelic will have a much enhanced profile at the locations.
The Lecht and Glenshee Ski Centres have delivered the new signage and maps through a partnership between Comunn na Gàidhlig, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Highlands & Islands Enterprise with Bòrd na Gàidhlig providing financial support for the initiative.
The important role played by skiing in the Scottish economy and its appeal to all ages means that a whole new audience is now able to access Gaelic and be informed on the many opportunities available through the language.
Acting Chief Executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Rosemary Ward said: “We are very pleased to be able to support both The Lecht and Glenshee to promote and use Gaelic in their daily business. This is the first time that Gaelic Language Plans have been implemented in the private sector and we very keen to draw attention to the extensive range of employment opportunities available though Gaelic.”
Comunn na Gàidhlig (CnaG) provided practical support for the ski centres and supplied the bilingual piste maps.
Archie Maclean, Chief Executive of CnaG, said that all businesses in the Highlands and Islands are able to access financial and practical support to use bilingual signs. "We provide support to a range of businesses and are actively seeking other companies who might wish to introduce bilingual signs.”
Speaking about the developments at Glenshee Ski Centre, Graham McCabe, Managing Director commented: “We are really pleased with the new signs and visitors to the ski centre have already expressed great interest in Gaelic. We will be continuing with this approach in the future.”
The Lecht and Glenshee projects will be followed by similar developments at other ski centres during the winter. Comunn na Gàidhlig wishes to encourage feedback on the initiative and has set up a dedicated email address for people to contact them. [email protected]