A Gaelic language development contract, worth £340,000 has been awarded to Comunn na Gaidhlig (CNAG) by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The move coincides with the announcement of HIE's new Gaelic policy.

Supporting Gaelic has always been at the heart of HIE's remit for social and community development in the Highlands and Islands, with much of the day to day activity being devolved to Comunn na Gaidhlig through the annual development contract.

This year's contract, the latest in a long-term development effort, takes place against a background of considerable change within the arena of Gaelic support and development - during which it is important to maintain a close focus on delivering existing and successful programmes.

The agreement between CNAG and HIE provides a series of clearly identified targets and achievements designed to ensure value for money for the public investment.

HIE's director of strengthening communities Stuart Black said: "Across much of the HIE area it is impossible to over-estimate the strength of the links between Gaelic and community confidence and this contract with CNAG has formed the cornerstone of HIE's Gaelic development work for some time. It has produced demonstrable results and has made a significant contribution to the language development effort.

"It is also worth noting that this investment doesn't represent the total Network support for Gaelic language and culture. Through the Local Enterprise Companies we also support a range of other initiatives."

The targets detailed in this current contract with CNAG include:

* Participation in initiatives to raise the profile of Gaelic, both nationally and internationally;

* Organise and stage the 2001 Comhdhail (Annual Congress);

* Co-ordinate a comprehensive review of the Gaelic publishing sector;

* Promote ten Gaelic projects within Iomairt aig an Oir (Initiative at the Edge) areas;

* Promote the need for Gaelic medium education and teacher recruitment and help initiate new Gaelic medium primary units;

* Devise a youth development plan and source funding for the Sradagan (Gaelic youth clubs) activities throughout Scotland;

* Increase the number of 'Gaelic Energy Centres' and extend existing ones.

Another key element of the contract is levering in other funding to match HIE's investment. At an expected ratio of 3:1 this could see over £1.3 million (pounds) being spent on Gaelic development.

At the same time as awarding the new CNAG contract HIE have announced the adoption of their revised and updated Gaelic policy. This is intended to underline the agency's commitment to the language as a fundamental part of the area's social fabric as well as recognising its importance as a generator of economic activity.

The basic aim of the policy, which applies particularly to localities where Gaelic is in everyday use, is to improve and develop HIE's communications with the Gaelic speaking community. This means; an increased use of the language in publications and the internet, where that is appropriate; consideration be given to knowledge of Gaelic as an additional attribute during recruitment; encouragement for staff to develop their own Gaelic language skills; and use of bi-lingual signage and advertising in relevant areas.

Stuart Black said: "This policy does not in itself represent a 'sea-change' in HIE's attitudes and support for Gaelic. We have for many years communicated our aims and objectives through Gaelic and fulfilled many of the elements of the Policy. What it does do is explicitly acknowledge the importance of the language to both HIE and the Highlands and Islands."

CNAG chief executive Allan Campbell said: "This will be the 8th year of the HIE / CNAG Agreement and we are obviously delighted at the continuing success of our partnership in Gaelic development. This success is clearly reflected in this renewal of the contract for 2001-02.

"HIE's support to Gaelic development continues to be vitally important and we are most grateful to them for the funding, and the personal commitment at the most senior levels, to our work for Gaelic.

"Comunn na Gaidhlig are also delighted to note the publication of HIE's Gaelic policy reinforcing their confidence and belief in the future of the language."