Uistman takes over the helm as Comunn na Gàidhlig Chair

Comunn na Gàidhlig (CnaG) has appointed a new chairman. He is Iain Macaulay, from Back, Lewis, but originally from North Uist. Iain, retired earlier this year from his post as Director of Social and Community Services at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and takes over from Coinneach `Mòr' Maciver, who has been CnaG Chairman since 2012.

Iain was brought up in North Uist and educated at Dunskellar and Paible Schools, North Uist, and then at Inverness Royal Academy before graduating in Social Work from Robert Gordon’s in Aberdeen in 1981. Iain is a fluent Gaelic-speaker and is married to Anne and has a family of two, Marion, who is currently a teacher in Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu and Andrew, who has recently taken up a post as a social worker team-leader, with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

In standing down as chairman of CnaG, Coinneach “Mòr” MacIòmhair said: “I have been a member of the CnaG, board of directors for 9 years, the past 4 as Chairman. I have enjoyed my time there immensely. CnaG’s role, of creating and providing services to young people in communities across Scotland is both interesting and important, and over the years, we get very positive feedback from both young people and parents as to how CnaG’s work has helped them learn Gaelic, improve fluency and most important of all, has given them the confidence to use the language with their peers.

A time when there are huge pressures on public funding creates uncertainty from year to year, but I leave CnaG in a strong position, with an excellent Board of Directors and a team of loyal, diligent staff. This fills me with confidence for the future and I extend my best wishes for continuing success to CnaG and to the new chair, Iain Macaulay.

Iain Macaulay said: “I am very much looking forward to working with CnaG and all the key stakeholders in supporting Gaelic and make a positive contribution to the current work being undertaken in revitalising the language and increasing both the numbers using the language and also the levels of usage on a day to day basis.

I recognise there will be many challenges, however, a lot of good work across the Gaelic community is being done and the forthcoming National Plan for Gaelic provides a great platform and opportunity in promoting the Gaelic language in our communities.”