Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is aiming to put in place an ambitious Gaelic plan which it hopes will embed Gaelic as a defining feature of the Highlands and Hebrides and as a core element of the region's development over the years to come.

The commitment was revealed in a presentation to the HIE board at its regular board meeting which was held in Orkney this week. The network's Gaelic policy manager Alasdair MacLeòid delivered a draft of the organisation's Gaelic language plan, which is currently the subject of public consultation.

HIE, which plans to invest more than £2m to support Gaelic this year, is one of six public sector organisations required by the Scottish Executive to draft and implement a plan towards securing a sustainable future for the language.

The draft Gaelic plan for HIE focuses partly on current Gaelic-speaking communities and islands, but also looks to promote the Gaelic identity of the Highlands and Hebrides as a whole and demonstrate equal respect to both Gaelic and English - a key element of the recent legislation protecting the language and the rights of its speakers.

 An important element of the plan is a commitment to capitalise on the significant opportunities arising from the language's growth in taking forward the development of the HIE area - including projects such as the new Fàs centre for the cultural and creative industries being constructed at the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig campus in Skye.

Members of the public can read the plan and take part in consultation online at www.hie.co.uk/gaelic-plan until Wednesday, September 5. The final version will be sent for consideration by Bord na Gàidhlig on October 1.

The HIE board also gave final approval for £402,500 assistance to Raasay Outdoor Centre on Skye for equipment and furnishings. The centre is based in Raasay House which a local community Trust is acquiring from HIE.

While on Orkney, members of the HIE board visited a number of companies and initiatives such as Scotrenewables, Aquatera, the European Marine Energy Centre, and Orkney College. Board members also met those serving on the Orkney's Young People's Panel which approves grant applications to the Big Lottery's Young People's Fund.