Demand for new print run of family Gaelic learning

Packs of Gaelic songs and nursery rhymes have proved so popular with families that the Scottish Government is investing an extra £25,000 to reach thousands more households.

Minister for Scotland’s Languages Alasdair Allan made the announcement on the opening day of the Royal National Mὸd as thousands of competitors and spectators arrive in Inverness.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig will use the funding to produce around 7,000 new packs after the original 10,000 were snapped up by parents across Scotland eager to develop their language skills and find out about the Gaelic medium education available to them.

Dr Allan said: “Our greatest success in promoting Gaelic has been seen among younger speakers, with the latest census showing significant growth in this area and halting the historic decline. As more young people are introduced to Gaelic, we also have the opportunity to reach out to parents and family members who want to learn along with them in a fun way.

“Today’s announcement takes the total investment in these parent packs to £46,000 and will reach 17,000 households. It is shining a light on the excellent work being done across Gaelic early year’s providers and schools and, along with the range of other online and multimedia resources, are underpinning the sustainable expansion of Gaelic among young people.”

As well as a CD of nursery rhymes, the colourful packs include DVDs on the benefits of bilingualism, leaflets about resources available in Gaelic-medium education and contacts to organisations and groups that can provide support for each stage of Gaelic education.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig Ceannard (CEO), John Angus MacKay said: “The educational choices you make for your child are among the most important that parents will ever have to make. Gaelic-medium education is open to everyone, whether you are coming from a Gaelic speaking background or not.

“The first print run of the packs was very popular amongst parents looking to find out more about what their options and benefits of bilingual education are. These additional Fios is Freagairt packs will help reach even more families with an interest in Gaelic culture.”

The packs will be distributed through all Local Authorities currently offering Gaelic education, through Comann nam Pàrant’s Parental Advisory System and from the Bòrd’s own education officers.

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