£1.25 million for plans to establish Gaelic community learning hub in Western Isles

The Scottish Government has warded £1.25 million to help deliver a community learning centre at Lionel Primary School on Lewis.

William Macdonald, the comhairle’s education director, said the local authority is “delighted” to work with the Scottish Government to being forward in “this exciting project.”

“Working with local and national partners this development has huge potential in using Gaelic in everyday contexts in the community.”

The development of five Gaelic education and community initiatives to receive investment.

It includes development of the world’s first indigenous language virtual immersive hub on Islay. The new hub will utilise state-of-the-art technology, including virtual, immersive and mixed reality, as part of a unique Gaelic learning experience. Phase one of the project is expected to be completed in October this year.

Funding will also be allocated towards the establishment of the first ever Gaelic education unit at Thornliebank Primary School in East Renfrewshire.

In addition, four new classrooms will be created to meet increasing demand at Glasgow Gaelic School and a further two at Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “There is clearly increasing demand for Gaelic medium education across Scotland, and the projects chosen ensure that support is there to meet that demand.

“It’s really exciting to see the world’s first virtual immersive hub for indigenous language being built on Islay. Modern, innovative technologies such as virtual reality will be used for the first time to get people involved in learning more about Gaelic and will be a huge boost to the island.

“We will build on the successes in Gaelic education when we present the Scottish Languages Bill to the Scottish Parliament during the current parliamentary term.”

£1.25 million for plans to establish Gaelic community learning hub in Western Isles

19 June 2023