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Members Appointed to Bòrd na Gàidhlig

Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland's Languages recently announced the appointment of four new Members to Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig is the national language body.  It is a statutory Non Departmental Public Body established under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and is responsible for safeguarding the future of Gaelic in Scotland, for promoting the use and understanding of the Gaelic language and for developing and supporting Gaelic education and culture.

The new Members are June Graham, Coll MacDonald, Shona MacLennan and Kenneth Nicolson.

June Graham is originally from Glasgow and has family connections with Skye.  She has a PhD in Meteorology and has worked on climate change projects for the Canadian government as well as the University of Bern in Switzerland.  Since 2009, she has been living in Lewis with her husband and three children.  Her children are in Gaelic medium education and she has helped to start up a Gaelic parent and toddler group in Stornoway.  June brings to the Bòrd knowledge of language situations internationally; enthusiasm for Gaelic in the field of education; and creative ideas for the future activities of the Bòrd.

Coll MacDonald is a native Gaelic speaker who was brought up on the Isle of Skye and educated through Gaelic medium before studying accountancy at Aberdeen University.  Coll is a qualified Chartered Accountant and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants for Scotland.  He is currently employed by a firm in Inverness.  He has been actively involved in the Gaelic community and has taught fiddle at Fèisean throughout Scotland. Coll brings to the Bòrd an enthusiasm for the Gaelic language and it’s development; a good knowledge of educational issues; and a range of financial skills and experience.   

Shona MacLennan is originally from Spean Bridge and now lives in Kintail.  She learnt Gaelic as an adult, beginning at university in Edinburgh.  She has her own consultancy business, working with a range of private, public and community organisations.  Shona has recently served on the Board of MG Alba, and was previously a non-executive director of Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd, Grampian TV and UHI Ltd.  She has been involved in a range of Gaelic initiatives and developments, including working for Comunn na Gàidhlig.  Shona brings extensive governance and strategic planning experience to the Bòrd as well as a sound knowledge of community development.

Kenneth Nicolson is a fluent Gaelic speaker from Ranish in Lochs on the Isle of Lewis.  After graduating from UHI (Lewis Campus) in Gaelic Language and Culture he went on to complete his PGDE in primary education at Strathclyde University and took up his current teaching post on the Isle of Tiree in 2009.  From a young age, Kenneth has been involved in local music festivals, local Mods and the Royal National Mod.  He is a renowned Gaelic singer and has performed not only throughout Scotland but more widely also.  Kenneth brings to the Bòrd a passionate commitment to Gaelic and Gaelic education and a willingness to put his skills to practical use.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig Interim-Cathraiche Elizabeth McAtear said: "I am delighted to welcome the four new members who have been appointed to Bòrd na Gàidhlig.  They bring to the board a range of specialised skills and expertise which include financial and community development skills, practical knowledge in Gaelic education and language learning.  These will strengthen Bòrd na Gàidhlig as we prepare to deliver on the aims set out in the National Language Plan for 2012 -2017, which we anticipate will be launched soon by the Scottish Government.  We look forward to working with our new board colleagues in the coming months."

These appointments will be for three years and will run from April 2, 2012 to April 1, 2015.

These appointments are part-time and attract a remuneration of £6,200 for a time commitment of three days per month. 

No other Public appointments are held by any of the new members.

These Ministerial public appointments were made in accordance with the code of practice published by the Public Appointments Commissioner for Scotland

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.  The four new members have not declared any political activity.