50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GAELIC BOOKS COUNCIL

That this House congratulates the Gaelic Books Council on celebrating its 50th anniversary; understands that the inaugural meeting of the Gaelic Books Council, chaired by Derick Thomson, took place in December 1968 at the University of Glasgow; recognises that, in the subsequent 50 years, the Gaelic Books Council has worked tirelessly to forward its aims of supporting the development of Gaelic writing, stimulating interest in Gaelic books and other related materials, supporting Gaelic authors by awarding grants and commissions, supporting the Gaelic publishing industry, and increasing the range, quality and impact of Gaelic literature; notes that the Gaelic Books Council has produced the booklet, "CNL@50", which details the history of the organisation and its work; and thanks and commends the Gaelic Books Council and its staff for their continued efforts to support and develop Gaelic literature and looks forward to another 50 years of excellent work by it.