Extra funding to ensure completion of new Glasgow primary school
The new money will support the refurbishment and extension of the former St James' Primary School in Calton area of the city, which has lain derelict for more than a decade. Although originally planned for completion in December 2025, the school is now expected to be handed over to the council towards the end of 2026.
Once opened, Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a' Challtainn (Calton Gaelic Primary School) will become the fourth Gaelic-medium primary school in Glasgow and will have space for a total of 416 pupils. The most recent census shows that the number of Gaelic-speakers in Glasgow has increased by more than 80 percent since 2011.
The school is being funded via the Scottish Government's Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), which is intended to support the development of schools across the country and ensure that children are learning in environments that are fit for purpose. Councils have been able to apply for help to rebuild or refurbish schools, and in some cases create new education services, with dozens of projects approved since the first round of awards in 2019.
Councils are responsible for the upfront costs of each programme, but can recoup up to half from the Scottish Government over a twenty-five year period.
However, a significant number of existing projects are now running late and at least one – the Doon Valley Campus in East Ayrshire – has been cancelled due to escalating costs, and major concerns have been raised about the proposed new school on the Isle of Mull.
Asked if the Scottish Government would consider providing further support for other LEIP projects, the Deputy First Minister did not rule out the possibility.
In addition to the funding for the school refurbishment, the government also announced support for twelve further educational and cultural projects. The money will be provided via the Gaelic Capital Fund and will allow for developments including expanded teaching spaces and upgraded equipment in schools, as well as initiatives such as a two-day Gaelic music event in South Uist, the extension of a Gaelic cultural centre in Skye, and the transcription of historic Gaelic recordings.
Speaking during her visit to the school site, Kate Forbes said:
'This school will build on the encouraging surge we have seen in the number of Gaelic speakers and learners in Glasgow and support the language's growth into the future.
'Gaelic medium education enriches communities and offers good value for money by providing better grade averages across all qualification levels despite costs being no greater than average.
'To support Gaelic's growth across Scotland, we are providing an additional £5.7 million for Gaelic initiatives this year. We are also progressing the Scottish Languages Bill which, if passed by MSPs, will introduce measures to strengthen the provision of Gaelic education.'
Alison Richardson, headteacher of Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a' Challtainn, said:
'With Gaelic medium education continuing to flourish in Glasgow, our pupils and parents are excited and proud to be moving Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a' Challtainn into its very own repurposed school located in the East End.
'We look forward to supporting Gaelic's growth in the Calton area, where many spoke it in the past, and for the school to become a real focal point and asset to the local community.'
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