The Scottish Police Authority (the Authority) has today (Thursday 20 April) launched its Gaelic Language Plan for 2023 to 2028.

The document sets out how the Authority, as a public body, will help create a sustainable future for Gaelic in Scotland. The Authority’s high level aims over the next five years are:

• The Authority, in acting in the public interest, will encourage and include the views of Gaelic users and communities to inform its scrutiny of policing and of policing issues.
• Integrate Gaelic awareness and language skills training into SPA Corporate and Forensic Services induction and training.
• As part of its ongoing cycle of governance and oversight of policing, the Authority will examine policing’s contribution towards delivery against the National Gaelic Language Plan in public session.
• Establishing a Gaelic language plan development and implementation group with senior representation from all SPA functions including Forensic Services.

Scottish Police Authority Chief Executive Lynn Brown said:

“Gaelic is an important element of the Scottish society and culture and the Authority is committed to supporting its promotion and recognition as part of our heritage and as a living language. The second edition of our Gaelic Language Plan seeks to support delivery of the objectives outlined in the National Gaelic Language Plan and to meet the duties laid out in the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.

“The Authority sought feedback from our stakeholders, workforce and the public and this has been incorporated into the version of the plan published today. The plan sets achievable aims aligned to our business priorities and is focused on enhancing understanding and use of Gaelic within our organisation.”