£3 million investment in Gaelic

Girl looking out over a Scottish loch from a hilltop
Alan Robertson
Friday 28 October 2022 - 12:21

The Gaelic Capital Fund, which is now in its 14th year, will help support the growth of a number of projects over the coming year with almost £3 million investment as part of plans to expand the reach of the language across Scotland.

These will include:

  • developing Gaelic school units in Tain and Skye
  • supporting the development of Gaelic on Barra
  • improving facilities at Glasgow Gaelic School
  • delivering a new classroom at Tong Primary School on the Isle of Lewis

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“Gaelic is a vital part of Scotland’s cultural identity and we are determined that it continues to flourish by improving access for people to both learn and use the language at every opportunity possible.

“The Gaelic Capital Fund has helped to deliver a number of key projects since its launch in 2008, including the establishment of seven new Gaelic schools".

Chair of The Highland Council’s Education Committee Councillor John Finlayson said:

“I am delighted that the Scottish Government recognises the importance of Gaelic Education in Highland by supporting the development of two Gaelic departments in the council area at Broadford and Tain"

BACKGROUND

The Gaelic Capital Fund 2022-2023 will provide:

  • £54,000 for a new classroom at Tong Primary School in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
  • £1 million to support the Gaelic development as part of the Castlebay Education and Health Hub in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
  • £465,000 to Glasgow City Council to develop facilities at Glasgow Gaelic School
  • £594,000 to The Highland Council for the Gaelic Unit at Broadford Primary School
  • £800,000 to The Highland Council for the delivery of 3-18 Gaelic Unit at Tain Academy
  • £24,449 to Renfrewshire Council for development of facilities for new Gaelic unit at West Primary School, Paisley
  • £62,152 to Gaelic College (ICCI), Islay, for education and community lead projects and education

The Scottish Government consultation on Gaelic and Scots and the Scottish Languages Bill runs until 17 November 2022.