 First Minister Jack McConnell on the front page of Gazeta z Highland |
A bi-lingual newspaper has been launched for the Highlands' growing Polish community in what is believed to be a first for Scotland. The free Gazeta z Highland has been published by Golspie-based weekly the Northern Times.
The 16-page full colour tabloid-sized quarterly carries articles in Polish and English.
More than 5,000 Poles live in the Highlands and work in many of the region's industries.
Alison Cameron, deputy editor of the Northern Times, said having articles in both languages would help locals understand issues affecting the Polish community and help Poles learn English.
Polish journalist Joanna Napiorowska, who lives in Inverness, will be writing for the Gazeta z Highland.
The newspaper was officially launched on Friday.
Ms Cameron said: "It is very exciting to see it come off the press.
"It is surprising how much it seems to have caught the imagination of people. I even had a call from someone from Warsaw."
Ms Napiorowska said that as well as news, Gazeta z Highland carried telephone numbers for the police, health services and key phrases.
The Polish journalist and Ms Cameron both came up with the idea for the newspaper and it finally rolled off the printing presses after 18 months of development.
Voting rights
Poles have made a huge impact on the Highlands and there is already a website sponsored by Highland Council - www.polness.org.uk.
Political parties have also been urging the residents from overseas to get involved in the Scottish elections.
EU citizens are allowed to register for local government elections which also entitles them to vote in the Scottish polls, but not the General Election.
SPL club Inverness Caley Thistle have tried to woo fans from the community by running adverts in Polish to promote their games.
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It is surprising how much it seems to have caught the imagination of people
Highlands & Islands
