PROPOSALS to secure the status of the Gaelic language in the Wee County will go before elected members tomorrow.

Councillors will hear about the progress so far in implementing the Gaelic Language Act in the area, and are set to agree proposals going forward.

The council's corporate logo is already bilingual and key high-profile signage is being updated to demonstrate equal respect for both Gaelic and English, locally.

There are currently limited services to enable Gaelic speakers to engage with the council; however, plans are to further develop opportunities by offering a translation service for attendance at public meetings or when speaking to services.

Reception staff will also receive awareness training while plans are to make key forms bilingual.

Current figures show that the Wee County does not have a large Gaelic speaking community, with the 2011 census finding just 180 people who understand, but do not speak, read or write the language.

At that time, there were 134 recorded as speaking, reading and writing Gaelic and the upcoming 2021 census will be an opportunity to gather fresh figures and a better understanding on the proportion of the population who do converse in the language.

Council papers to be tabled at Kilncraigs said: "Despite relatively low use of Gaelic in Clackmannanshire, there are clear indications of Gaelic origins in the county.

"The names Clackmannanshire, Coalsnaughton, Tillicoultry and Muckhart all have Gaelic origin, with [the] Muckhart Primary School badge showing a boar's head image, reflecting the translation of 'pig height' of the settlement name.

"Currently, a small number of pupils attend Gaelic education from Clackmannanshire. These pupils currently attend Riverside primary in Stirling."

Gaelic is seen as an important part of Scotland's heritage and the local authority's language plan will play an important role in sustaining and developing it.

For those interested, there is a pre-school group called Croileagan Clach Mhanainn, based in Menstrie, where children are introduced to the language through song and play.

Elsewhere, a multi-level language class runs term-time at the Ben Cleuch Centre in Tillicoultry.