Northern Times
'OUR lead story last week on Highland Councillor Deirdre Mackay's views on the local authority's spending on Gaelic education and roadsigns, has provoked a huge response - one of the highest amount of correspondence on one issue received by the NT.'...
'And he is to meet with Deirdre Mackay to discuss the issue. Speaking to the NT on Wednesday, Mrs Mackay said: "Arthur Cormack, chair of Bord na Gaidhlig, was in touch with me and I have accepted an invitation to meet with him and I look forward to a constructive meeting.
"It's disappointing that when questions are asked about Gaelic, it is immediately perceived as that person being anti-Gaelic. This is unfortunate and stands in the way of sensible debate.
"And I do have to say, honestly, that I have had tremendous support from both within the community and as far afield as the Isle of Lewis itself, where people are voicing their concerns.'
Tuilleadh an seo:
http://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/fu ... ponse.html
agus litrichean san NT - and letters in the Northern Times:
'Councillor Mackay also seems to have total disregard for the benefits of Gaelic to tourism. One reason people travel is to sample different cultures.
As Gaelic is central to ours it can only benefit tourism but if Councillor Mackay and her allies succeed in wiping it out this will have the knock on effect of a reduction in tourism in this area.
Arthur Cormack has written an excellent response to Councillor Mackay pointing out the true facts on how little Gaelic Medium actually costs the Highland Council. We hope this will have the same prominent position on the front page of this week's paper as the article on Councillor Mackay.
Why can't we celebrate our heritage instead of constantly knocking it down?'
tuilleadh
http://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/fu ... tage_.html
'However I realise that she herself comes from Caithness where her father vociferously opposes Gaelic signs etc.
I wish to add that the National Mod, which is being staged in Thurso later this year, will generate quite a lot of money for the whole area and create a possible spin-off in parts of Sutherland.
Let us not forget this.'
tuilleadh:
http://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/fu ... money.html
''I am highly surprised at the lack of argument and information presented by Councillor Mackay to members of the Brora Community Council, not to mention her chosen platform for delivering her personal agenda. Gaelic is far from a "luxury" in Highland Council spending... the development of Drummuie on the other hand... well, let us not dwell on the past!
Yes, Highland Council has to make budget cuts of £60m, don't we know it, but I am afraid that Gaelic is not the scapegoat, and education and culture should be encouraged, not diminished.
I am sure we would all love to know when Highland Council was "awash with money" and where exactly the money was drained away to?'
tuilleadh:
http://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/fu ... uture.html