CalMac Ferries Ltd Launches Gaelic Plan

Graphic version of this page | Change how these pages look

CalMac Ferries Ltd Launches Gaelic Plan
Back

21 March 2007

CalMac has previously welcomed the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act of 2005 and the subsequent notification by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, under Section 3 of the Act, requiring Caledonian MacBrayne to work with the Bòrd to prepare and implement a Gaelic Language Plan in 2007/08.

The Gaelic plan was launched tonight (Wednesday, March 21) in Islay, where the Board of Directors was holding its meeting, prior to a public meeting tomorrow night to discuss the new ferry scheduled for Islay in 2010.

While the plan is being submitted by CalMac Ferries Ltd., it also applies to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and associated companies, CalMac HR (UK) Ltd, CalMac Crewing (Guernsey) Ltd, Cowal Ferries Ltd and Rathlin Ferries Ltd.

The Invitation to Tender (ITT) to provide lifeline ferry and associated harbour services issued by Scottish Ministers in December 2006 included a specific reference to language requirements. It is CalMac’s intention not only to meet these requirements, but also to exceed the ones pertaining to Gaelic.

Speaking after the launch of the Plan, Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “As a company, operating lifeline ferry services on the west coast of Scotland, CalMac has had a long and extensive association with the cultural, social and economic milieu of the Gaelic community. We identify closely with the aims and aspirations of Bòrd na Gàidhlig. We believe that the synergy of culture, economy, geography, history, tradition, combined with our own continuation of valuable service, places CalMac, as a public commercial entity, in a strong position to make a positive and meaningful contribution to Gaelic, particularly in initiatives such as the promotion of cultural tourism and enhanced contact with the community. It is important to the company that its customers perceive it to have a bilingual corporate identity.”

The Gaelic Language Plan has been discussed and approved by CalMac’s Regional Managers and Board of Directors. The Introduction to CalMac’s Gaelic Plan states: “While the symbolic dimension of a language is important as a measure of identity, we attach greater significance to its enhancement as a communications function. In other words, our plan, while modest, is not a half-hearted exercise in tokenism but a sincere effort to support the aims and aspirations of Bòrd na Gàidhlig. We recognise that offering language choice to the public constitutes good practice, not a gratuitous concession. We welcome the opportunity to normalize Gaelic within our operation, particularly in customer interface on our vessels and in terminals and ports in Gaelic-speaking areas.

We are also cognisant that while words like “development” and “fostering” in the context of linguistic duality are terms that call for action and change, there are boundaries to what can be realistically and effectually accomplished.”

This plan is submitted as Phase 1 of an ongoing process. This phase, which received significant financial support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the agency that was established to promote and develop Gaelic, will be substantially complete by 31 March 2007.

Copies are available from CalMac Ferries at the address below and the company would welcome feedback on its proposals for the implementation of its plan. The Gaelic Plan is being posted on the CalMac website and a Gaelic version of that site is currently under preparation.

The following are key extracts from the CalMac Gaelic Plan:

Delivery of Services

We aim to provide an equally effective standard of service in English and Gaelic.

We aim to provide a credible, consistent and reliable service to Gaelic speakers.

The Company recognises that customers and others may wish to express their views and needs and to seek communication services in their preferred language.

We will seek input from Area Ferry Forums regarding services which they would wish to be provided in Gaelic.

Internal Operations

The Company recognises the need to employ sufficient Gaelic-speaking employees to be able to operate the plan, particularly in the area of regular customer contact.

The Company will identify the locations, positions and duties where the ability to speak Gaelic is necessary or desirable and will formulate job descriptions accordingly. This requirement may be defined as within the sphere of the workplace or team rather than being applied to a particular job.

The Company will maintain a list of Gaelic speakers or learners in order to monitor its linguistic resources on an ongoing basis. Regular audits will be carried out to inform the Gaelic Planning process.

Gaelic versions of recruitment posters and leaflets have been prepared and will be updated as required.

Staff Training and Development

The Company will encourage and support members of staff who wish to learn Gaelic or improve their knowledge of Gaelic, through internal and external support.

· Training priority will be given to staff in areas of service delivery where there is frequent contact with Gaelic-speaking customers.

When recruiting new staff, onshore and at sea, the linguistic requirements of the post will be taken into consideration. It is hoped that this will also be taken into consideration with respect to recruitment of CalMac Ferries Ltd Board Members.

External Relations

Gaelic facilities will be offered to agencies referred to in the Company Communications Plan, which lists the external organizations with which CalMac Ferries Ltd routinely communicates. Gaelic will be used, where and when applicable, in these communications.

Communications

Written Correspondence

CalMac responses will be in the language of the original

correspondence.

The Company will arrange to keep a database of persons and

organisations who prefer to correspond or communicate in Gaelic.

Face to Face

Gaelic speaking staff at reception desks and in other customer contact areas will be identified by badges. This will be included in a Resource Audit.

CalMac would be interested to hear from any individuals or organisations with comments to make about the plan.

Ends.

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, CalMac Ferries Ltd. Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk

Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited.

Issued: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 1700.

Home
| Privacy Policy | Website Credits | Disclaimer |

Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited (SC302282)