Caithness signs row after Viking heritage claim

Councillor says the gaelic policy should not apply in his area

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A Caithness councillor has claimed that the Highland Council’s bilingual sign policy should not apply in his area because the heritage of Caithness is more Viking than Gaelic.

The Caithness opposition is being organised by Councillor John Rosie who did not want to comment in detail, beyond saying: “Gaelic is not part of the Caithness heritage. Our area is more Viking than Gaelic.”

It is understood that Mr Rosie is pressing for Caithness to be excluded from the implementation of the policy, and says that, while Gaelic should be visible on welcome signs outside the main towns such as Thurso and Wick, the signs should go no further.

Councillor Hamish Fraser, chairman of the council’s Gaelic committee, said the policy should be implemented throughout Highland without exception.

He said: “I am very sorry that they take the view that this policy is not for them, because the council agreed it would apply to the whole area. It is time that the Caithness area was told by the council to put this policy into effect.”

A challenge against Inverness having bilingual street signs is also being planned, it is understood.

Mr Fraser said: “As for Inverness, it is ridiculous that the Highland capital should refuse to show its Gaelic heritage. Bilingual signs are used throughout the world without this fuss. What is really behind all this? Just what are their real reasons for opposing this policy?”

Caithness councillors have maintained their area has more links with a Viking heritage rather than a Gaelic heritage, but Councillor Fraser said: “There is as much Gaelic heritage in Caithness as there is in any other area of the Highlands. You just have to look at a map of the area and most of the hills and rivers, as well as many of the villages show that their names are of Gaelic origin.”

Councillor Fraser said the Caithness area was hosting the Royal National Mod in 2010 and that parents fought for years to get a Gaelic medium unit in the area.

He said: “Is it the case that if a Gaelic initiative will bring money into the area, that is acceptable, but that some of the councillors are unwilling to do anything to promote Gaelic?

“Gaelic does bring a lot of economic benefits in its wake when it is promoted, whether that is increased tourist interest, or as happened in the case of Sleat in Skye where it rejuvenated the whole economy of the area.

“Perhaps if they considered these benefits, they might give more support for the language.”