Staff at a regional airport will undergo “Gaelic awareness” training as part of moves to promote the language in Scotland.
Senior managers at Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) took part in a course which reinforced how embedded Gaelic was in the communities served by the operator and are “taking steps to ensure that our airports and services reflect this”.
The course reflects on the history of the language, its place in modern Scotland and how HIAL’s corporate strategy and Gaelic Language Plan might tie-in. It is thought there are about 60,000 Gaelic speakers in Scotland.
Lorna Jack, chairwoman of HIAL, said the company was in a privileged position to be “welcoming a significant number of Scotland’s tourists and visitors and of often being their first experience of Highland or island life”.
“I took part in the course and I know that we all appreciated the chance to learn more about Gaelic’s cultural history. It was also refreshing to see how many people of all ages still truly value the language and music.” Jack said her company was encouraging Gaelic speakers to join its board when the opportunity arises, and Gaelic speakers were welcome to apply for all roles within the organisation.
Advertisement
Customer-facing staff in particular will be eligible for language awareness training and specific vocabulary resources for airport staff.
Delivered by Fèisean nan Gàidheal, the session was part-funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
Inglis Lyon, HIAL managing director, said: “The Gaelic language has always played a significant role in our customer interactions and the communities we serve; however, we acknowledge that we can and should go further in ensuring that all our colleagues, irrespective of whether they are Gaelic or not, have a greater understanding of its cultural significance and importance.”
HIAL is wholly owned by Scottish ministers, which owns and operates 11 regional airports including Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall and Stornoway.