The chief executive of the Gaelic development agency Bord na Gaidhlig resigned yesterday less than a year after taking up the job, amid reports of serious staff shortages.
The chief executive of the Gaelic development agency Bord na Gaidhlig resigned yesterday less than a year after taking up the job, amid reports of serious staff shortages.
The Bord announced the appointment of Kenneth Murray as its new chief executive last August.
Although Mr Murray was described at the time as having "a high-profile role" as Parliamentary and Cultural Programmes Manager for Forest Enterprise Scotland, and the Forestry Commission's Gaelic language policy officer, his appointment did raise a few eyebrows as he had not been prominent in the mainstream of language development.
Yesterday it was announced he had vacated the post, "a decision taken jointly by Mr Murray and the Bord".
Mr Murray issued a statement saying: "I was honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead Bord na Gaidhlig at an important stage in its development. I would like, most sincerely, to thank the team at Bord na Gaidhlig for their support."
The body was set up by the former Scottish Executive to ensure a sustainable future for the Gaelic language, and is responsible for the direction and management of the National Plan for Gaelic. Part of this work is to help public bodies implement plans for the use of Gaelic in their everyday work.
Bord interim chairman, Arthur Cormack, said: "Arrangements will be put in place to ensure stability within the Bord until a new chief executive is appointed. We will continue to progress implementation of the National Plan for Gaelic, building relationships with our partner organisations and engaging with Gaelic communities in a positive way."
The Bord is also due to appoint a new chairman.
When asked about staff shortages Mr Cormack said: "There are eight staff employed by Bord na Gaidhlig. Over the past year they have been working on implementing the National Plan for Gaelic and managing the development and launch of Gaelic Language Plans.
"The Scottish Government has recently released £148,000 to the Bord for additional staff and improvements which will be a priority in the weeks ahead.
"In the meantime, Rosemary Ward, the Bord's education manager, has been appointed interim chief executive."
In June it was announced by Linda Fabiani, minister for Gaelic, that six more public bodies have been notified by Bord na Gaidhlig to prepare Gaelic Language Plans.
