Gaelic plea to South Lanarkshire Council

Jamie Wallace (30) recently received one of Glasgow University's first Gaelic Awards for making a notable contribution to the language at the university.

Since July last year Jamie has tried to contact South Lanarkshire Council to find out who is dealing with the language plan, which is due to be completed by October this year.

But nine months down the line he has yet to receive a response.

He said: "I'm disappointed with the council and shocked that it doesn't already have a Gaelic officer. All I want to do is offer my support."

The National Plan for Gaelic is aimed at preserving the language in Scotland.

In 1881, there were over 250,000 Gaelic speakers in Scotland.

According to the 2001 Census that figure was less than 60,000.

A council spokeswoman said: "We apologise that Jamie Wallace has not received a response from the council.

"We have met with Bord na Gidhlig on a number of occasions and involved them fully when setting up our Gaelic Language Working Group."

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.