The 30th anniversary of the start of Gaelic medium education in Western Isles schools has been marked.
The first Gaelic unit opened in 1986 in Breasclete School on the west coast of Lewis when four pupils embarked on their educational journey, being taught through the medium of the language.
The school was given official Gaelic status last year and now over 80% of its pupils are educated through Gaelic.
Bernard Chisholm, Director of Education and Children’s Services said the event was a "real celebration, not only for Breasclete School, but also for the authority as a whole.
"The drive shown by parents in those early days must be noted and without the commitment shown by educational leaders such as Dr. Finlay MacLeod, John Murray and others together with those involved in the Van Leer project we would not be in the position we are in today."
He added: "They fought, at national level, to build a network and gain resources which enabled the Comhairle to progress Gaelic Medium Education. Gaelic is now the principle language of instruction to nearly half of all pupils in the Western Isles and we have ten schools which have official Gaelic Status."
He said the council remains "committed and passionate" on the delivery of a first class educational experience in the islands' native tongue and retaining Gaelic as the living language in its culture and communities.
The Comhairle will celebrate the thirty-
Plans are underway for a Gaelic Day in November at departmental level. It’s not just within the schools that Gaelic will be promoted but in all educational settings and with the workforce of the department.
Uilleam MacDonald, head of education commented: "We have come a long way, not only in the Western Isles, but at national level, since 1986.
"The comhairle is always looking to increase the numbers enrolling in Gaelic medium education and we are consistently promoting the benefits of bilingualism.”
Celebrations mark 30 years of Gaelic medium education
28 August 2016
Education officials join Breasclete pupils in celebrations