Minister defends Gaelic support

The Mod is considered to be Gaelic's "premier" event

The Scottish Government has defended its commitment to Gaelic following the opening of the Royal National Mod.

Disappointment was expressed that Linda Fabiani, the minister for Gaelic, did not use the ceremony to make a major announcement.

But she said the government's Gaelic plan, which is being prepared by the Gaelic Development Agency, would be a "benchmark" for others to follow.

A spokeswoman added that the government strongly supported the language.

The opening ceremony in the Nevis Centre in Fort William included the reading of a letter written in Gaelic passing on the best wishes of Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The audience at the opening of the Royal National Mod would have been looking for a more positive and firmer approach from the minister John MacLeod An Comunn Gàidhealach Snapshot of the Mod

It was the first time there had been such a gesture from 10 Downing Street.

John MacLeod, president of Gaelic organisation An Comunn Gàidhealach, did not believe the letter was spin.

However, Mr MacLeod said he had been disappointed that Ms Fabiani had not used the opening ceremony in the Nevis Centre in Fort William to make a significant statement.

He said: "The Nationalist government had a very positive manifesto prior to the election and we have yet to see how that will develop and be demonstrated with practical legislation.

"But the audience at the opening of the Royal National Mod would have been looking for a more positive and firmer approach from the minister, particularly considering we have a new government."

Ms Fabiani said signage at Holyrood had been rebranded to include Gaelic.

Future policy

She also challenged the UK government to fulfil its promise after signing up to the European Charter on Minority Languages.

The minister said Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Gaelic Development Agency, would help shape future policy.

She said: "Once I get the government's Gaelic plan organised, because Bòrd na Gàidhlig have been charged with doing the national plan for Gaelic, we have to make sure our Gaelic plan is something of a benchmark for others to follow."

More than 500 people attended the opening ceremony, which was performed by Len Goucher, minister for tourism, culture and heritage with the Nova Scotia Provincial Government.

Fort William is hosting the 104th Gaelic Mod, with competitions in song and music.