Gaelic will now be designated as the principal language of instruction in about a quarter of Western Isles primary schools under a move to boost the islands’ native tongue, it was announced today.
The move reflects increasing uptake of Gaelic medium education locally.
First Gaelic status for six schools
6 February 2015
Nearly half of Western Isles five-
The majority of pupils in the six newly classified rural schools are already taught lessons through Gaelic so the designation will not cause any upheaval.
English medium provision will continue as an option in all the schools -
The move has already been given a £500,000 boost from the Scottish Government. The investment will be used to improve facilities in schools, provide IT infrastructure and strengthen the language.
Gaelic minister and Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan, visited Breasclete School in Lewis
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Alasdair Allan said Breasclete was a “trailblazer” since it launched Gaelic medium classes some 29 years ago.
He added: “The Scottish Government has been happy to provide the capital support to the project and hopes that other schools will see the benefit from the status that Gaelic can bring.
"This is a milestone in the delivery of Gaelic primary education in Scotland, which has an important role in developing future generations of speakers.
“Great things are happening at Breasclete and all of the six schools, with Gaelic taking its place at the heart of the curriculum, strengthening pupils’ bond with Gaelic language, culture and bilingualism.”
Catriona Stewart, Western Isles education chairperson, said, "I am delighted that six of our schools have decided to go ahead with Gaelic School Status.
“The council remains committed to strengthening Gaelic in the Western Isles and although we realise there is much work to do, there are also some very encouraging signs, not least that 47% of pupils in P1 are in Gaelic Medium Education."