Gibson calls for increased languages provision at Culloden centre

News release
Immediate release

20/03/08

Rob Gibson has written to the National Trust for Scotland to ask why the new story of the Jacobite Rising at the Culloden centre is not in a wide range of languages.

The Highlands and Islands SNP MSP said:

"I visited the new centre and was very impressed by the displays and use of Gaelic in oral interactive displays. But I was surprised and shocked that the huge range of languages spoken by the surge in visitor numbers expected at the new Culloden centre is not matched by oral explanations on head sets but only on a series of summary leaflets in about ten languages.

"I recall the old centre's film presentation which you could appreciate in many tongues. It is surely a backward step that the new centre requires you to speak English or Gaelic to follow the state of the art displays.

"I previously met the NTS to ensure the full use of Gaelic in the new centre and I am full of praise for its use there. I was severely non-plussed when I asked to be told that most people who visit can speak English or Gaelic and that the summary leaflets were considered appropriate for people who spoke a range of world languages such as French, Japanese and Russian etc.

"I am now asking the NTS if there are plans to meet that need, if they have enough cash to achieve it and if this is in hand before the official opening this April on the battle's anniversary. As a welcoming nation Scotland has to show we can speak to other people in their own languages.


ENDS