Latest news with #Gaelic-medium
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scottish Languages Bill to give parents right to request new Gaelic-medium schools
Parents across Scotland are to be given the right to request that a Gaelic medium school be established in their area, the Scottish Government has confirmed. Legislation being taken forward by ministers would see local councils required to assess if requests are practical and affordable, with the government then able to direct the authority to proceed with the establishment of a new Gaelic school if assessments show that it would be viable. The plans have been confirmed by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes MSP, who is also Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, during a visit to Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness Gaelic Primary School). The announcement coincides with the 40th anniversary of Gaelic medium education in Scotland. The proposed Scottish Languages Bill is expected to be considered by MSPs on Tuesday 17 June. As well as establishing the right of parents to request new Gaelic-medium schools, the Bill will allow for the creation of 'areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities which the government says will enable ministers to 'better target policies to support the language's growth.' The new law will also establish both Gaelic and Scots as official languages, introduce specific education standards for Gaelic and Scots, and enable parents across Scotland to apply for Gaelic-medium nursery provision for their children. Recent census statistics revealed that more than 130,000 people in Scotland have some Gaelic skills, a significant increase from the levels found in 2011. The number who understand or use Scots had also risen considerably. A world-first assessment and accreditation model for Gaelic learners is also due to be introduced in Scotland following development by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture. A new strategy to support the development of Gaelic outside of school classrooms is also in development. However, there is a significant drop-off in uptake of Gaelic between primary and secondary school levels, and experts have previously warned that more must be done to promote the 'value of Gaelic' to parents and young people. READ MORE Scottish Government confirms extra £2m funding for new Glasgow Gaelic primary school 'We want to see Gaelic thriving': Council to launch free Gaelic language courses Dictionary detailing origins of every Gaelic word secures share of £500,000 During the visit to Inverness, Ms Forbes said: 'This Bill aims to build a strong foundation to support Gaelic's continued growth following an encouraging increase in Gaelic speakers and learners across Scotland. It would boost Gaelic education provision throughout Scotland and better establish Gaelic and Scots as national languages. 'Gaelic medium education enriches communities and offers good value for money. Gaelic medium schools frequently demonstrate above average performance with some local authorities showing better grades across all qualification levels despite costs being no greater than English medium schools. 'To support the growth of Scotland's indigenous languages, we are also providing an additional £5.7 million to promote Scots and Gaelic this year.' The Bill and its provision are also supported by Scotland's Makar (national poet) Dr Peter Mackay, who writes in both English and Gaelic: 'It's fantastic to have seen the growth of Gaelic medium education over the last 40 years: it's something we should be very proud of. 'It's vital that there's ongoing support to maintain and develop Gaelic as a community language in the Highlands and Islands and to give people all over the country every chance to learn and speak it – and also to encourage Scots speakers and communities across Scotland."
The Herald Scotland
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Parents to be given right to request new Gaelic schools
The plans have been confirmed by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes MSP, who is also Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, during a visit to Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness Gaelic Primary School). The announcement coincides with the 40th anniversary of Gaelic medium education in Scotland. The proposed Scottish Languages Bill is expected to be considered by MSPs on Tuesday 17 June. As well as establishing the right of parents to request new Gaelic-medium schools, the Bill will allow for the creation of 'areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities which the government says will enable ministers to 'better target policies to support the language's growth.' The new law will also establish both Gaelic and Scots as official languages, introduce specific education standards for Gaelic and Scots, and enable parents across Scotland to apply for Gaelic-medium nursery provision for their children. Recent census statistics revealed that more than 130,000 people in Scotland have some Gaelic skills, a significant increase from the levels found in 2011. The number who understand or use Scots had also risen considerably. A world-first assessment and accreditation model for Gaelic learners is also due to be introduced in Scotland following development by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture. A new strategy to support the development of Gaelic outside of school classrooms is also in development. However, there is a significant drop-off in uptake of Gaelic between primary and secondary school levels, and experts have previously warned that more must be done to promote the 'value of Gaelic' to parents and young people. READ MORE During the visit to Inverness, Ms Forbes said: 'This Bill aims to build a strong foundation to support Gaelic's continued growth following an encouraging increase in Gaelic speakers and learners across Scotland. It would boost Gaelic education provision throughout Scotland and better establish Gaelic and Scots as national languages. 'Gaelic medium education enriches communities and offers good value for money. Gaelic medium schools frequently demonstrate above average performance with some local authorities showing better grades across all qualification levels despite costs being no greater than English medium schools. 'To support the growth of Scotland's indigenous languages, we are also providing an additional £5.7 million to promote Scots and Gaelic this year.' The Bill and its provision are also supported by Scotland's Makar (national poet) Dr Peter Mackay, who writes in both English and Gaelic: 'It's fantastic to have seen the growth of Gaelic medium education over the last 40 years: it's something we should be very proud of. 'It's vital that there's ongoing support to maintain and develop Gaelic as a community language in the Highlands and Islands and to give people all over the country every chance to learn and speak it – and also to encourage Scots speakers and communities across Scotland."
The National
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The National
Why speaking Gaelic is the perfect skill to learn
However, you can change all that this summer with an immersive five-day Gaelic course on the Isle of Skye. Aimed at complete beginners with no prior knowledge of the language, the course will be held at the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (National Centre for Gaelic Language) in the south of the island. As well as fostering a stronger connection to Scottish culture, this type of intensive language tuition can have real benefits for your brain. In just one week of practice, you may notice sharper concentration, enhanced memory and greater creativity in problem-solving. And if you are going to learn a language, Gaelic is a good place to start – UNESCO has listed it as an endangered language, raising concerns it could disappear. The story of Gaelic mirrors a global crisis facing thousands of languages, many of which are predicted to vanish within the next hundred years. By learning Gaelic you will not only help preserve this linguistic tradition but also tap into our collective ancestral roots. Once spoken across Scotland, from the largest cities to the smallest islands, Gaelic was gradually replaced as the primary language of government by Scots and then, subsequently, English. However, there has been a renaissance in recent years, with Bòrd na Gàidhlig established in 2005 to help promote the language, the BBC Alba TV channel launching in 2008 and bilingual road and rail signs now found throughout Scotland. There has been a push to incorporate Gaelic into schools, too, with more than half of the local authorities in Scotland now delivering Gaelic-medium education. A key player in this Gaelic education has been Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Founded in 1973 in the old farm steadings at Ostaig, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig's mission is to contribute to the revitalisation of the Gaelic language and culture. It runs a huge number of courses, from postgraduate study to evening classes done over Zoom. Held from June 30 until July 6, the Summer Short Course will take place from 9.30am until 4.30pm (with an early finish on the Wednesday and a half day on the Friday). You'll learn how to talk about everyday activities, work and other actions, such as how to ask where someone is from. You can also expect to develop a basic understanding of grammar, practise conversational skills and expand your vocabulary and language techniques. Best of all, you'll be spending the week in the stunning Sleat Peninsula, a spot that boasts ruined castles, the Torabhaig Distillery and countless scenic walks. Accommodation at the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig can be added to the price of the course, or you can find your own place to stay at one of the many options nearby. Standout choices include the elegant Toravaig House Hotel, boasting enviable views of the Sound of Sleat, or the Scandi-style self-catering cottage Skye Lair, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows to make the most of the surroundings. Gur math a thèid leibh! (All the best!) The five-day Summer Short Course, held on campus at the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, costs £305 (or £215 for students)
The Herald Scotland
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Herald Scotland
Why speaking Gaelic is the perfect skill to learn
As well as fostering a stronger connection to Scottish culture, this type of intensive language tuition can have real benefits for your brain. In just one week of practice, you may notice sharper concentration, enhanced memory and greater creativity in problem-solving. And if you are going to learn a language, Gaelic is a good place to start – UNESCO has listed it as an endangered language, raising concerns it could disappear. The story of Gaelic mirrors a global crisis facing thousands of languages, many of which are predicted to vanish within the next hundred years. By learning Gaelic you will not only help preserve this linguistic tradition but also tap into our collective ancestral roots. Once spoken across Scotland, from the largest cities to the smallest islands, Gaelic was gradually replaced as the primary language of government by Scots and then, subsequently, English. However, there has been a renaissance in recent years, with Bòrd na Gàidhlig established in 2005 to help promote the language, the BBC Alba TV channel launching in 2008 and bilingual road and rail signs now found throughout Scotland. There has been a push to incorporate Gaelic into schools, too, with more than half of the local authorities in Scotland now delivering Gaelic-medium education. A key player in this Gaelic education has been Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Founded in 1973 in the old farm steadings at Ostaig, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig's mission is to contribute to the revitalisation of the Gaelic language and culture. It runs a huge number of courses, from postgraduate study to evening classes done over Zoom. Held from June 30 until July 6, the Summer Short Course will take place from 9.30am until 4.30pm (with an early finish on the Wednesday and a half day on the Friday). You'll learn how to talk about everyday activities, work and other actions, such as how to ask where someone is from. You can also expect to develop a basic understanding of grammar, practise conversational skills and expand your vocabulary and language techniques. Best of all, you'll be spending the week in the stunning Sleat Peninsula, a spot that boasts ruined castles, the Torabhaig Distillery and countless scenic walks. Accommodation at the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig can be added to the price of the course, or you can find your own place to stay at one of the many options nearby. Standout choices include the elegant Toravaig House Hotel, boasting enviable views of the Sound of Sleat, or the Scandi-style self-catering cottage Skye Lair, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows to make the most of the surroundings. Gur math a thèid leibh! (All the best!) The five-day Summer Short Course, held on campus at the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, costs £305 (or £215 for students)
The Herald Scotland
03-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
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.'
