The organisation that is the official champion of Gaelic has been rapped by auditors over its leadership and decision-making.
Audit Scotland warned significant improvements are required at Bord na Gaidhlig in a damning report issued yesterday.
Auditor General Caroline Gardner has delved into the spending and management of public body after a wide range of issues were highlighted by an external auditor over the past 12 months.
These included ineffective leadership, inadequate workforce planning, a lack of clarity over roles and responsibilities, poor relationships and organisational culture and a lack of transparency in decision-making.
Ms Gardner said: “Gaelic is an important part of Scotland’s culture.
“But all public bodies, irrespective of their size, must demonstrate clear and effective governance and make key decisions in an open and transparent way.
“The Bord’s leadership team and board must deliver significant improvements in the issues raised to establish the trust and confidence of staff and stakeholders, including the Parliament and the public.”
Bord na Gaidhlig is based in Inverness and employs around 19 staff. Over the 2018/19 period, its net expenditure stood at £5.3million.
Mairi MacInnes, Bord na Gaidhlig interim chairwoman, said the organisation must review and “make changes where necessary” to grow and accomplish commitments outlined in its corporate plan spanning 2018 to 2023.
She added the organisation remains “committed to completing our programme of change, to help Gaelic flourish in Scotland and for Gaelic communities to continue to grow and thrive.
“We all want Bord na Gaidhlig to be a success story – taking on board this report’s findings will help us work towards that goal.”
Bord na Gaidhlig has said the review “is the most in-depth audit the organisation has ever undergone”.
They have said their programme to implement the changes is already underway, boasting more than 50% of the actions recommended being implemented within four months of receiving the report.
Bord na Gaidhlig added that the remaining 50% is “on target” to be completed by the end of the current financial year.
Ms MacInnes added that the public body has developed new initiatives to coincide with the key commitments of the National Gaelic Language Plan.
Bord na Gaidhlig has developed new three-year funding agreements which they argue will enable “increased planning, development and efficiency for the main community organisations involve in using and promoting Gaelic.”
