A university graduate from the Isle of Lewis has been appointed to a new post aimed at encouraging young people in the Western Isles to learn the Gaelic language.

The position was created as a result of a new venture between Comunn na Gàidhlig (CNAG) and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and aims to provide parents with an information and advisory service on Gaelic medium education as well as co-ordinating initiatives for youngsters in their communities.

Anna Campbell, who has been appointed to the post of Gaelic information and development officer, comes from the village of Back and has just completed her MA Honours Degree in Gaelic at Aberdeen University.   She is based at CNAG's offices in Stornoway.

Kristine Kennedy, Director of Youth Services and Publicity with Comunn na Gaidhlig welcomed the joint approach to the appointment and commented:

"We are very happy to be co-operating in this field with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and look forward to progressing this project in a serious attempt to increase the number of our Gaelic speaking youngsters in the Western Isles, as well as creating opportunities for them outwith the formal curriculum.  The 2001 Census figures have provided us with an interesting challenge and we see this project as one way of addressing this challenge."

Alex MacDonald, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar also welcomed the partnership working:

"The Comhairle is delighted that the partnership approach has resulted in another crucial post being created in the Western Isles. We are confident that this will go some way towards addressing the challenging issue of fostering a belief in the bilingual approach to education, by increasing the uptake of Gaelic Medium Education."