Latest news with #ScottishLanguagesBill
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
Fresh investment in Gaelic will propel Scottish pupils to success
I consider it an honour to champion the Gaelic language, and I've been thankful that recent years have seen significant progress on Gaelic language and culture policy. Among these is the Scottish Languages Bill, which is progressing through parliament and, if passed by MSPs, will ensure there is a more robust legal framework for Gaelic's promotion, particularly in education and public life. Adding to this is the overall trend of recent years in public finance, which reflects continued investment in the language and its culture. We've seen sustained funding increases that recognise Gaelic language as a valuable asset that strengthens our national identity. READ MORE: Patrick Harvie: Increased UK defence spending only makes war more likely But to me, the most encouraging sign of Gaelic's growing cultural success is our booming Gaelic schools. Being a recipient myself of Gaelic medium education (GME), I have first-hand experience of its value and effectiveness, having first learned the language while studying in GME in the Highlands. Learning through Gaelic undoubtedly instilled in me a deep appreciation for Scotland's rich culture, and the importance of preserving it for future generations. It was a joy to further strengthen Gaelic medium education this week with an announcement of funding for a new Gaelic primary school. Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a' Challtainn (Calton Gaelic Primary School) will become Glasgow's fourth Gaelic language primary school, following a £2 million investment from the Scottish Government. The school will have space for 416 pupils and will meet growing demand for Gaelic primary education in the city. Census figures published last year show a 45% increase in the number of people with some Gaelic skills in Glasgow compared to 2011. 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. This exciting growth appears to be representative of the nationwide picture, with demand for places in Gaelic schools frequently outpacing supply – a problem we're delighted to have, as it demonstrates the genuine enthusiasm families have for bilingual education. Data from the Scottish Government tells us that in 2009, there were 2206 pupils in GME, compared with 5417 for the year 2022-2023. This represents an increase of 145%! The national picture for GME uptake is one of steady and encouraging growth. Perhaps this should be unsurprising, given the numerous and well-studied benefits of bilingualism in children. Evidence shows that bilingual children can demonstrate improved problem-solving, better attention and enhanced memory. There are also huge personal and confidence benefits that come from the knowledge and respect gained for Gaelic culture. There is a beautiful richness to be discovered in Gaelic songs, stories, traditions and history. It's not uncommon to hear concerns that Gaelic medium children will somehow be left behind compared to the majority who learn in English medium settings. But here, yet again, the evidence shows these fears to be unfounded. Children who go through Gaelic medium education match or exceed the levels of attainment of their monolingual contemporaries in English medium education. Gaelic medium education enriches communities and offers good value for money, providing better grade averages across all qualification levels despite costs being no greater than average. There are a multitude of reasons to embrace Gaelic medium education, and the evidence highlights that GME comes with a wealth of additional benefits for individuals and communities around the country. The announcement of funding for Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a' Challtainn in Glasgow came alongside a host of other projects set to benefit from the Gaelic Capital Fund, with initiatives around the country gaining an additional £5.7m this year. Schools in locations such as Skye, Paisley, East Kilbride, Cumbernauld and Forfar will, among other things, receive new learning equipment, Gaelic signage and much sought-after upgrades to facilities. There's never been a better time to believe in Gaelic medium education. As a representative of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, a constituency where 12% of the population has skills in Gaelic, I've never been prouder of the SNP majority government that is investing in Gaelic language and culture. It's my sincere hope that generations to come will look back with thankfulness on these definitive years for the Gaelic language, seeing them as a turning point. I'm convinced that for this to be the case, bolstering support for GME will play a crucial role. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: if we don't recognise and protect our national languages, nobody else will!
The National
5 days ago
- General
- The National
Scottish city to open fourth Gaelic primary school after £2.4m funding
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes announced the investment as part of a £2.4 million package to support Gaelic schools and cultural initiatives across Scotland at the site in Calton today. The funding will complete the refurbishment and extension of the former St James' Primary School building to establish Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a' Challtainn (Calton Gaelic Primary School). Glasgow is home to the third largest number of children and young people in Gaelic education in Scotland with 740 primary pupils in 2023. READ MORE: 200 fans cram into Scottish trad pub for surprise Tide Lines set Census statistics from 2022 showed that 17,380 people in Glasgow had some Gaelic skills, an increase of 7911 people from 2011. The £2.4m funding will also support: the construction of a second classroom at West Primary School in Paisley the expansion of two Gaelic cultural centres in the Highlands cultural events through An Comunn Gàidhealach who will host this year's Royal National Mòd in Lochaber On a visit to the site of the new school, 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.' READ MORE: 5 lost Gaelic words and phrases rediscovered in Scotland The new school, with space for 416 pupils, will be managed by Glasgow City Council. It meets a growing demand for Gaelic primary education in the city. Census figures published last year show a 45% increase in the number of people with some Gaelic skills in Glasgow compared to 2011. 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.'
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Long-forgotten Scottish Gaelic words rediscovered as language funding announced
The meaning of three long-lost Gaelic expressions have been revealed. An online dictionary has rediscovered lost Gaelic phrases and words. The meanings of the long-forgotten expressions have also been revealed. Faclair na Gàidhlig seeks to provide a better understanding of Gaelic's history and culture. Translating to 'the Historical Dictionary of Scottish Gaelic', it is the first dictionary of the language that seeks to detail the origins and meanings of every known Gaelic word. According to the Scottish Government, compilers predict that the dictionary will contain more than 100,000 entries. It is one of 12 projects set to benefit from new government funding. As part of the initiative, researchers have investigated historical manuscripts that date back to the 12th century. Among the rediscovered phrases and words are 'Ciod fo na rionnagan', 'peur stobach', and 'uircean'. The phrase 'Ciod fo na rionnagan' translates to 'what under the stars '. It was initially used in the early 20th century to emphasise a point, similar to the modern-day phrase 'what on Earth'. Meanwhile, 'peur stobach' is the Gaelic word for prickly pear fruit. Its first usage came in 1900, when it was seen within a letter that documented a visit to Saint Helena. Finally, 'uircean' is the Gaelic word for 'piglet'. According to the experts, it was also used to mean 'whale calf' in the 19th century. The £17,500 investment from the Scottish Government will build on 20 years of work by Faclair na Gàidhlig. It is hoped that it will help the online dictionary to reach new Gaelic learners, researchers, writers, and speakers. Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes, announced the funding as part of a larger £500,000 package to support the growth of Gaelic across Scotland. The investment will also support the publication of Gaelic language books, local mòd events throughout Scotland, and Gaelic cultural activities such as a summer school and musical events. In addition to Faclair na Gàidhlig, other organisations that will benefit from funding include the National Association of Scottish Gaelic Arts Youth Tuition Festivals, the Gaelic Book Council, and the Islay Gaelic Centre. Gaelic Place-Names of Scotland, Ceòlas, and Comunn na Gàidhlig will also receive funds. Forbes commented: "The dictionary initiative is providing researchers, writers, speakers and learners of Gaelic with new insight into the language and it will be a valuable resource for future generations. "Gaelic is a core part of Scotland's culture, heritage and history. To support the language's growth across Scotland, I am announcing funding for a range of Gaelic publishing, education, arts and community projects today. "This will build on measures set out in the Scottish Languages Bill to strengthen Gaelic education provision and our investment of £35.7million in initiatives to promote the language in 2025-26." Senior Editor of Faclair na Gàidhlig Ola Szczesnowicz added: "Faclair na Gàidhlig will be the most comprehensive dictionary of Scottish Gaelic compiled on historical principles, similar to the Oxford English Dictionary. This is a big undertaking, and we welcome the Scottish Government's funding to help continue our work. "Our dictionary entries are already going online, freely available to Gaelic speakers and everyone interested in the language." More information can be found on the Scottish Government website. Meanwhile, Faclair na Gàidhlig is available to read online.
The National
13-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Over £35 million announced to help promote Gaelic
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said £35.7 million would be invested into initiatives to promote the language in 2025-26, alongside the introduction of the proposed Scottish Languages Bill. Ahead of a visit to Stornoway as she marked one year as Scotland's first Gaelic Secretary, Forbes said: 'The Scottish Government recognises that urgent action is needed to grow the Gaelic language in communities where it is traditionally spoken.' The Scottish Languages Bill — which is still awaiting its third reading in the Scottish Parliament — aims to strengthen support for Gaelic and Scots by requiring national language strategies, enhancing education provisions, setting standards for public authorities and recognising areas of linguistic significance. READ MORE: John Swinney pledges to give Scotland 'option of independence under my leadership' Alongside this multi-million pound investment, additional funding has been allocated to Gaelic projects in the Hebrides. MG Alba (The Gaelic Media Service) will receive a grant of £110,000 to modernise studios used by BBC Alba whilst a Stornoway Gaelic cultural centre, An Taigh Ceilidh (The Ceilidh House), will receive £10,000 to purchase musical instruments and renovate the space. Forbes added: 'This investment will support Gaelic community events in Stornoway and ensure that Gaelic broadcasters can continue to develop high-quality programmes. 'This follows the success of BBC Alba's crime thriller series An t-Eilean (The Island).' The investments have been made available through the 2024-25 Gaelic Capital Fund allocations. Independent research showed MG Alba supports more than 300 jobs in Scotland, including 160 across the Scottish islands.
