Tag: gaelic

Strengthening Gaelic and Scots education

LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN LANGUAGE SUPPORT

Parents across Scotland will be able to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area as part of legislation being taken forward by the Scottish Government.

Under the plans, local authorities would be required to assess if the request was practical and affordable. After taking advice, ministers may direct local authorities to proceed with the establishment a new Gaelic school if the authority’s assessment considers it to be viable. 

Other provisions of the Scottish Languages Bill include:

  • introducing educational standards for Gaelic and Scots
  • establishing Gaelic and Scots as official languages
  • supporting the creation of areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities so that ministers can better target policies to support the language’s growth
  • enabling parents in every part of Scotland to apply for Gaelic nursery and early years places for their children

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes set out the measures on a visit to Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness Gaelic Primary School). She was joined by Scotland’s first Gaelic speaking national poet, Dr Peter Mackay, who is also known as the Makar.

The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary year of Gaelic medium education in Scotland.

Ms Forbes said: “This Bill aims to build a strong foundation to support Gaelic’s continued growth following an encouraging increase in Gaelic speakers and learners across Scotland. It would boost Gaelic education provision throughout Scotland and better establish Gaelic and Scots as national languages.

“Gaelic medium education enriches communities and offers good value for money. Gaelic medium schools frequently demonstrate above average performance with some local authorities showing better grades across all qualification levels despite costs being no greater than English medium schools.

“To support the growth of Scotland’s indigenous languages, we are also providing an additional £5.7 million to promote Scots and Gaelic this year.”

Dr Mackay said: “It’s fantastic to have seen the growth of Gaelic medium education over the last 40 years: it’s something we should be very proud of.

“It’s vital that there’s ongoing support to maintain and develop Gaelic as a community language in the Highlands and Islands and to give people all over the country every chance to learn and speak it – and also to encourage Scots speakers and communities across Scotland.” 

Background

Stage 3 of the Scottish Languages Bill is expected to be considered by MSPs on Tuesday 17 June.

Census statistics show that 130,161 people in Scotland had some Gaelic skills in 2022, an increase of 43,105 people from 2011. The census shows that 2,444,659 people in Scotland had some Scots skills in 2022, an increase of 515,215 from 2011.

The latest version of the Scottish Languages Bill is available online.

A’ neartachadh foghlam Gàidhlig agus Albais

Reachdas gus taic-chànain a neartachadh.

Faodaidh pàrantan air feadh Alba iarraidh gun tèid sgoil Ghàidhlig a stèidheachadh anns na sgìrean aca, mar phàirt de reachdas a tha ga thoirt air adhart le Riaghaltas na h-Alba.

Fo na planaichean, dh’fheumadh ùghdarrasan ionadail measadh a dhèanamh air so-dhèantachd agus reusantachd cosgaisean an iarrtais. Às dèidh dhaibh comhairle a ghabhail, faodaidh ministearan iarraidh air ùghdarrasan ionadail a dhol air adhart le stèidheachadh sgoil Ghàidhlig ùr, ma cho-dhùineas measadh an ùghdarrais gun gabh a dhèanamh.

Am measg chumhachan eile ann am Bile nan Cànan Albannach:

  • thèid bun-tomhasan foghlaim a thoirt a-steach do Ghàidhlig agus do dh’Albais
  • thèid Gàidhlig agus Albais a stèidheachadh mar chànain oifigeil
  • thèid taic a chumail ri cruthachadh sgìrean cànain sònraichte ann an coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig, airson ’s gum faod ministearan poileasaidhean a thaghadh nas fheàrr leis an gabh an cànan a leasachadh
  • faodaidh pàrantan ann an gach ceàrn de dh’Alba tagradh a chur airson àitichean sgoil àraich agus tràth-ìre Gàidhlig fhaighinn dhan cuid chloinne

Chaidh na ceumannan a mhìneachadh leis an Leas-Phrìomh Mhinistear agus Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit airson na h-Eaconamaidh agus na Gàidhlig, Ceit Fhoirbeis, ’s i a’ tadhal air Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis. Còmhla rithe bha a’ chiad bhàrd nàiseanta Gàidhlig ann an Alba, an Dotair Pàdraig MacAoidh, ris an canar cuideachd am Makar. Bha iad a’ tadhal aig an aon àm ris a’ 40mh ceann-bliadhna de dh’fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig ann an Alba.

Thuirt a’ Bh-uas. Fhoirbeis:

“Tha a’ Bhile seo ag amas air bun-stèidh dhaingeann a thogail gus taic a chumail ri fàs leantainneach na Gàidhlig, às dèidh àrdachadh brosnachail ann an luchd-labhairt agus luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig air feadh Alba. Chuireadh i gu mòr ri solar foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig air feadh Alba, ’s i a’ daingneachadh na Gàidhlig agus na h-Albais mar chànain nàiseanta.

“Tha foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig a’ cur beairteas ri coimhearsnachdan agus tha deagh luach an airgid na lùib. Is tric a bhios coileanadh sgoiltean Gàidhlig nas fheàrr na chìthear sa chumantas, ’s cuid a dh’ùghdarrasan ionadail a’ sealltainn chomharran nas fheàrr thar gach ìre teisteanais ged nach eil cosgaisean nas àirde na cosgaisean sgoiltean tro mheadhan na Beurla.

“Gus taic a chumail ri fàs nan cànan a tha dùthchasach do dh’Alba, tha sinn cuideachd a’ toirt seachad £5.7 millean a bharrachd gus Albais agus Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh am-bliadhna.”

Thuirt an Dotair MacAoidh:

“Tha e air leth math gum facas mar a dh’fhàs foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig thairis air na 40 bliadhna a dh’fhalbh: bu chòir dhuinn a bhith gu math moiteil à rud mar seo. Tha e riatanach gum bi taic leantainneach ann airson a’ Ghàidhlig a chumail suas agus a leasachadh mar chànan coimhearsnachd air a’ Ghàidhealtachd agus anns na h-Eileanan, agus airson gach cothrom a thoirt do dhaoine air feadh na dùthcha an cànan ionnsachadh agus a bhruidhinn – agus cuideachd airson luchd-labhairt agus coimhearsnachdan na h-Albais a bhrosnachadh thar Alba.”

Cùl-fhiosrachadh

Thathar an dùil gum beachdaich BPA air Ìre 3 Bile nan Cànan Albannach Dimàirt, an 17mh latha dhen Ògmhios.

Tha àireamhan a’ chunntais-shluaigh a’ sealltainn gun robh beagan sgilean Gàidhlig aig 130,161 neach ann an Alba ann an 2022, àrdachadh de 43,105 neach bho 2011. Tha an cunntas-sluaigh a’ sealltainn gun robh beagan sgilean Albais aig 2,444,659 neach ann an Alba ann an 2022, àrdachadh de 515,215 neach bho 2011.

Tha an dreachd as ùire de Bhile nan Cànan Albannach ri fhaotainn air loidhne.

Forderin Gaelic and Scots education

Legislation tae uphaud the leids

Parents aw ower Scotland will be able tae speir for a Gaelic schuil tae be set up whaur they bide as pairt o legislation bein taen forrit by the Scots Government.

Unner the plans, it wad be necessar for local authorities tae luik intae gin the speirin wis practical and affordable. Efter takkin advice, ministers micht caw upon local authorities tae gang forrit wi the settin up o a new Gaelic schuil if the authority’s ettles shaw it tae be daeable. 

Ither provisions o the Scottish Languages Bill include:

  • settin oot educational staunards for Gaelic and Scots
  • settin forrit Gaelic and Scots as official leids
  • uphaudin the settin oot o areas o muckle linguistic mense in Gaelic communities sae that ministers can better ettle at policies tae uphaud the growin o the leid
  • allouin parents in ilka pairt o Scotland tae speir efter Gaelic nursery and early years places for their bairns

Depute First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes set oot the meisures on a visit tae Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness Gaelic Primary School). She wis jyned by Scotland’s first Gaelic spikkin national poet, Dr Peter Mackay, wha is kent forby as the Makar. The visit gangs alang wi the 40th anniversary year o Gaelic medium education in Scotland.

Ms Forbes said:

“This Bill ettles tae big strang foonds tae uphaud Gaelic’s ongawin growth follaein a hertenin increase in Gaelic spikkers and lairners aw ower Scotland. It wad forder Gaelic education provision throughoot Scotland and set forrit mair siccarly Gaelic and Scots as national leids.

“Gaelic medium education maks communities mair strang and gies guid value for siller. Gaelic medium schuils aft kythe better-than-average ootcomes, wi some local authorities reportin better grades athort aw qualification levels, for aw that costs are nae mair muckle than English medium schuils.

“Tae forder the growin o Scotland’s hamelt leids, we’re forby pittin forrit an extra £5.7 million tae uphaud Scots and Gaelic this year.”

Dr Mackay said:

“It’s braw tae hae seen the growin o Gaelic medium education ower the last 40 years: thon’s a thing we should be gey prood o. It’s vital that there’s ongawin uphaudin tae heeze up and forder forrit Gaelic as a community leid in the Hielans and Islands and tae gie fowk aw ower the country ilka chance tae lairn and spik it – and forby tae herten Scots spikkers and communities aw ower Scotland.” 

Backgrund

Stage 3 o the Scottish Languages Bill is expectit tae be taen tent o by MSPs on Tuesday 17 June.

Census statistics report that 130,161 fowk in Scotland had some Gaelic skills in 2022, an increase o 43,105 fowk syne 2011. The census reports that 2,444,659 fowk in Scotland had some Scots skills in 2022, an increase o 515,215 syne 2011.

The latest version o the Scottish Languages Bill is set furth online.

Scotland’s first Gaelic Poetry Path launches on the Isle of Skye

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, has launched Scotland’s first-ever Gaelic Poetry Path. Slighe nam Bàrd will provide a poetic pathway around the Isle of Skye, aiming to introduce local, national, and international visitors to a taste of Gaelic heritage, song, and poetry. 

From the 21st of March (World Poetry Day), tourists will be able to collect a free Slighe nam Bàrd – Poetry Paths pamphlet and accompanying map from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, located in Sleat in the Isle of Skye.*

The pamphlet will provide a detailed guide around Skye’s stunning landscape, stopping at seven major locations connected to a Gaelic song or poem. A QR code for each location provides a recording of the poem/song to enable people to listen to the Gaelic audio in the environment that inspired the creative piece.

SMO Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye, April 2023

Abigail Burnyeat, Head of Research at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture: “People often come to Skye for its beautiful scenery, but the aim of Slighe nam Bàrd is to showcase the connection between Gaelic culture and Skye’s mesmerising landscape.

“Through Slighe nam Bàrd, tourists will be able to engage with the landscape whilst listening to Gaelic poems and songs that add to our understanding of the locations on the trail, giving people an opportunity to experience for themselves the Gaelic culture and history at the heart of the Isle of Skye.”

Meg Bateman, Professor in Gaelic Language and Culture at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Bàrd a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich: “Slighe nam Bàrd provides a one-day poetic road-trip around the Isle of Skye, allowing people to engage with local Gaelic poetry whilst immersed in the Skye landscape.

“The pathway consists of seven poems/songs, each one carefully chosen to represent a range of locations, centuries, styles, and subjects to give a full flavour of Skye’s poetic Gaelic landscape.

“From Somhairle MacGill-Eain to Màiri Mhòr nan Òran, the pathway will guide people from the south of the island to the very north, discovering Gaelic poetry along the way.”

Chris Taylor, VisitScotland Regional Destination Development Director, said: “Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Poetry Path provides a unique way to tell Skye and Scotland’s story and is an immersive entry-point for visitors to experience the Gaelic language.

“We know that visitors, especially international, think Gaelic enhances their holiday. With that in mind, Slighe nam Bàrd may even inspire them to try out a course at Scotland’s National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture.

“At VisitScotland we recognise that Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland’s heritage, identity, and culture. It can provide an extra layer to the authentic Scottish experience and to our many visitors.”

The Slighe nam Bàrd project was funded by: the University of the Highlands and Islands KE/ Innovation Challenge Fund.

Scottish government announces funding support for Gaelic heritage

New projects announced

The original manuscript of a Gaelic love song written during the Battle of the Somme is to be housed at a new cultural centre.

North Uist Historical Society will receive £165,000 of Scottish Government funding to convert Carinish Old School and showcase items from its collection, many of which are currently kept in storage.

These include an original copy of Gaelic love song “An Eala Bhàn” (The White Swan). The song was written by a former pupil of the school during the Battle of the Somme and performed by local musician Julie Fowlis at a commemorative service at the Thiepval Memorial in France to mark the centenary of the Battle in 2016. It will be available for centre visitors to view.

Other items include historical artefacts from St Kilda, war memorabilia from local soldiers and press cuttings, posters and photographs from Gaelic rock band Runrig. The centre will also operate as a tourist information point and offer tours to the site of the Battle of Carinish and the ruins of Trinity Temple.

A further £200,000 will be made available to support the construction of an auditorium for Gaelic lectures and music events at Cnoc Soiller in South Uist.

Deputy First Minister and Gaelic Secretary Kate Forbes said: “Protecting and promoting the Gaelic language can attract tourists into the country, grow the economy and contribute to community wellbeing.

“This funding will enable people to learn about Uist’s Gaelic heritage from the Middle Ages up to modern day.

“To support the growth of the Gaelic language, we have allocated an additional £5.7 million for Gaelic in the draft Budget for next year.

“The Scottish Languages Bill will also create a system to enable all parents to apply for Gaelic early learning and childcare services and introduce measures to strengthen the provision of Gaelic education.”

Musician Julie Fowlis said: “I am delighted that North Uist Historical Society has been awarded this funding support.

“The organisation and the wider community have collected and made safe hundreds, if not thousands, of precious items pertaining to cultural life in North Uist and the wider Island community. It is only right and proper that these artefacts are brought home to this building, which has been at the heart of the community for decades. 

“It was a great honour and privilege for me to be asked to sing An Eala Bhàn by local bàrd Dòmhnall Ruadh Chorùna, at the 100 year memorial of the Battle of the Somme in Thiepval”.

This investment is being delivered through the £4 million Gaelic Capital Fund.

A’ cur taic ri dualchas Gàidhlig

Pròiseactan ùra air am foillseachadh.

Thèid an làmh-sgrìobhainn air an deach òran gaoil Gàidhlig a sgrìobhadh aig àm Blàr an Somme a thaisbeanadh aig ionad cultarail ùr.

Gheibh Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath £165,000 de mhaoineachadh bho Riaghaltas na h-Alba gus seann taigh-sgoile Chàirinis a leasachadh mar thaigh-tasgaidh far an urrainn dhaibh stuthan bhon tasglann aca a thaisbeanadh, agus an t-uabhas dhiubh sin an-dràsta air an stòradh.

Nam measg tha a’ chiad dreachd den òran “An Eala Bhàn”. Chaidh an t-òran a sgrìobhadh aig àm Blàr an Somme le fear a bha na sgoilear aig Sgoil Chàirinis. Bha e air a sheinn le Julie Fowlis aig seirbheis cuimhneachaidh aig Carragh-chuimhne Thiepval san Fhraing – gus ceudamh ceann-bliadhna a’ Bhlàir a chomharrachadh ann an 2016. Bidh e air a thaisbeanadh do dhaoine a tha a’ tadhal air an ionad.

Cuideachd air an taisbeanadh bidh stuthan eachdraidheil à Hiort, cuimhneachain cogaidh le saighdearan às an sgìre agus pìosan naidheachd, postairean is dealbhan leis a’ chòmhlain-ciùil roc Albannach, Runrig. Bidh an t-ionad cuideachd air a chleachdadh mar ionad-fiosrachaidh do luchd-turais is thèid tursan a thabhann gu làraich Blàr Chàirinis agus tobhtaichean Teampull na Trionaid.

Ann an Uibhist a Deas bidh £200,000 eile air a thoirt seachad gus cuideachadh le bhith a’ togail talla aig Cnoc Soilleir far an tèid òraidean Gàidhlig is tachartasan ciùil a chumail.

Thuirt an Leas-Phrìomh Mhinistear is Rùnaire na Gàidhlig Ceit Fhoirbeis:

“’S e a bhith a’ dìon is a’ brosnachadh Gàidhlig rud as urrainn luchd-turais a thàladh don dùthaich, a bhith a’ fàs na h-eaconamaidh is a bhith a’ cur ri math choimhearsnachdan. Bidh am maoineachadh seo a’ cuideachadh dhaoine gus ionnsachadh mu dhualchas Gàidhlig Uibhist bho na Meadhan Aoisean chun an latha an-diugh.

“Gus taic a chur ri fàs na Gàidhlig, tha sinn air £5.7 millean a bharrachd a chur ris a’ Ghàidhlig anns an dreachd dhen Bhuidseat airson na h-ath-bhliadhna.

“Tro Bhile nan Cànan Albannach thèid cuideachd siostam a chruthachadh far an urrainn do phàrantan uile cur a-steach airson seirbheisean tràth-ionnsachaidh is cùraim-chloinne Gàidhlig is far an tèid foghlam Gàidhlig a neartachadh.”

Thuirt an neach-ciùil is seinneadair Julie Fowlis:

“Tha mi air mo dhòigh glan gun d’ fhuair Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath an taic-airgid seo. Tha a’ bhuidheann agus daoine eile sa choimhearsnachd air ceudan, no fiù ’s mìltean, de nithean prìseil a chruinneachadh is a ghleidheadh, nithean a tha a’ buntainn ri cultar Uibhist a Tuath agus cultar muinntir Uibhist air fad. Tha e air leth freagarrach gu bheil na rudan sin gu bhith air an taisbeanadh san togalach seo, a bha aig cridhe na coimhearsnachd fad iomadach bliadhna.

“B’ e urram glè mhòr a bh’ ann nuair a chaidh iarraidh orm an Eala Bhàn le Dòmhnall Ruadh Chorùna a sheinn aig Thiepval gus 100 bliadhna a chomharrachadh bho thachair Blàr an Somme.”

Cùl-fhiosrachadh

Tha an taic-airgid seo air a lìbhrigeadh tron Mhaoin-chalpa Ghàidhlig aig a bheil luach uile-gu-lèir de £4m.

Creating a robust future for Gaelic and Scots? Consultation launched

A commitment to ensure the long-term growth of Gaelic and Scots is at the heart of a new public consultation launched today.

The consultation seeks views on how to raise the profile of Scots, a new strategic approach to Gaelic medium education (GME) and the creation of a Gàidhealtachd, areas with a higher percentage of Gaelic speakers. It also covers the structure and function of Bòrd Na Gàidhlig – the principal public body promoting Gaelic in Scotland.

This feedback will help develop the forthcoming Scottish Languages Bill.

The 2011 census indicated that 57,375 people spoke Gaelic and 87,100 said they had some Gaelic skills and over 1.5 million people identified themselves as Scots speakers.

Launching the consultation during a visit to the GME unit at Goodlyburn Primary in Perth, Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Gaelic and Scots are a significant part of Scotland’s culture and we want to ensure they thrive and grow.

“The situation for Gaelic speakers is an improvement on ten years ago as there are increased numbers in Gaelic medium education and more initiatives in place to support Gaelic in Scotland.

“We now need to build on what is in place and this consultation will show how we can make our measures more effective, ensuring Gaelic medium education continues to grow and provides a high quality education, that Bòrd na Gàidhlig operates effectively in the promotion of Gaelic, and consideration is given to the creation of a Gàidhealtachd.

“Scots is spoken throughout Scotland, but has never benefited from formal support through legislation and it may be time to consider this to help promote, strengthen and raise the profile of the language.”

The consultation will run until 17 November.