Gaelic Research Intern

About the organisation

The Cairngorms National Park was established in September 2003 and the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) became fully operational at the same time – taking on the statutory powers necessary to ensure successful and sustainable development of the area.

The CNPA is designed to be an enabling organisation, promoting partnership working, and giving leadership to all those involved in the Cairngorms. The Park Authority does not duplicate the work of other organisations, such as the enterprise agencies or Scottish Natural Heritage, but is here to ensure there is a joined-up approach to projects and initiatives that help to meet the four aims of the Park. Our Communications & Engagement Strategy sets out how we will achieve this. With a staff of 67, plus 19 board members, the Park Authority has several statutory duties including managing outdoor access in the Park, planning and development management, the production of a Local Development Plan and the publication of a National Park Partnership Plan.

The four aims of the CNPA are:

1. To conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area
2. To promote sustainable use of the natural resources of the area
3. To promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public
4. To promote sustainable economic and social development of the area’s communities

For more information on the National Park and the CNPA please visit the website (http://cairngorms.co.uk/)

About the post 

The CNPA’s Gaelic Language Plan aims to increase the use of Gaelic across the Park, particularly through visitor interpretation and experiences. As the CNPA do not engage directly with visitors via an online service, ‘Gaelic as an Asset’, which provides advice and support for tourism businesses and local community groups that do engage with the public to increase the use of Gaelic, needs to be developed. This project would suit a Gaelic Language student looking to apply their skills and knowledge to promote the use of Gaelic in the tourism industry.

This project will involve research into available resources that promote ‘Gaelic as an Asset’ particularly in terms of heritage, tourism, visitor interpretation, and experiences within the Cairngorms National Park. Working with HIE, HES, VS, Creative Scotland and other public bodies this will feed into the creation of an online web resource that helps CNP businesses and community groups increase the use and visibility of Gaelic to enhance the visitor experience.

Reporting to the Head of communications and Engagement, the main aim of the post will be to produce a webpage with support and advice on the use of ‘Gaelic as an Asset’.

Therefore your main tasks in this role will be as follows:

• Through Bòrd na Gàidhlig (BnaG) contact public sector partners to identify what resources/tools are available to promote ‘Gaelic as an Asset’ in the tourism industry and to support the increased use and visibility of Gaelic through visitor interpretation & experiences within the Cairngorms National Park
• Carry out an audit of existing Gaelic Experiences being delivered in the Park (via the VisitScotland Gaelic schemes)
• Carry out an audit to identify what Gaelic Language skills & expertise are available within the Park (via BnG and other Gaelic groups in the Park)
• Research/identify Gaelic events/stories linked to the Park which could be developed into Gaelic experiences for visitors
• Working with CNPA staff produce a methodology/guidance for the use of Gaelic in visitor facing publications and on visitor websites (best practice)
• Working with CNPA staff produce advice & guidelines re. use of Gaelic in heritage interpretation e.g. Gaelic place names
• Working with CNPA staff promote HIE ‘Gaelic as an Asset’ resources & VS Gaelic schemes via the CNP website

Requirements

The ideal candidate for the post will be a graduate from a tourism development related background, who is enthusiastic about the potential for the use of Gaelic to expand and develop the Scottish tourism industry.

You should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Fluency in the Gaelic Language
• Qualifications or experience in tourism, visitor interpretation and communication, website/online resource development and community engagement preferred
• Well organised
• Able to work unsupervised and to own initiative
• Experience of research
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) – to produce web/online guidance and advice and ability to communicate well with external partners & CNPA staff

Application 

Closing date for applications is 3 January 2018, 12 noon.

Please submit a CV and covering letter through the AAI – Adopt An Intern online application form on our website. All applications must be submitted by 12 noon on the closing date. State A) your availability and B) relevant information on your skills/experience pertaining to the job specifications. We do NOT accept email applications unless otherwise stated.

Successful candidates must, by the start of the employment, have permission to work in the UK.