Listen
Bòrd na Gàidhlig
25/02/2009
Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution Michael Russell today announced the reappointment of members to Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
The reappointed members are:
Michael Foxley (60), from Fort William, is a General Practitioner and is Leader of Highland Council.
John Angus Mackay (60), from Lewis, is Chair of NHS Western Isles, a public appointment for which he is paid £26,364 per annum. He is also a board member of the Gaelic Arts Strategic Development Group.
Alasdair MacLeod (55), from Lewis, is a former headteacher and now a Gaelic Development and Policy Officer with Sgioba na Gàidhlig, based within the Chief Executive's office of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Mr MacLeod is involved with various community projects in Lewis including the Mòd nan Eilean 2011 Committee, the Gearrannan Trust, An Sulaire Trust and the Rudhach newspaper.
Annie MacSween (59), from Lewis, is Head of Gaelic at Lews Castle College and is a member of the Scottish Qualification Authority's Gaelic Assessment Panel.
These reappointments will be for three years and will run from February 13, 2009 to February 12, 2012.
These posts are part-time and attract a remuneration of £6,200 per annum for a time commitment of three days per month, in addition to bi-monthly meetings of the Bòrd.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig is the lead agency responsible for Gaelic language development. It has statutory duties relating to the National Plan for Gaelic and works with other public bodies on development and implementation of their Gaelic language plans. The Bòrd takes a lead in promotion of Gaelic language, culture and education both in Scotland and internationally.
This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice.
All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity within the last 5 years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public. Michael Foxley declared membership of the Scottish Liberal Democrat Party and is Leader of Highland Council. Alasdair MacLeod declared himself a non-active member of the Scottish Labour Party. John Angus MacKay and Annie MacSween declared no political activity.