Scottish Languages Bill to give parents right to request new Gaelic-medium schools
Legislation being taken forward by ministers would see local councils required to assess if requests are practical and affordable, with the government then able to direct the authority to proceed with the establishment of a new Gaelic school if assessments show that it would be viable.
The plans have been confirmed by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes MSP, who is also Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, during a visit to Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness Gaelic Primary School). The announcement coincides with the 40th anniversary of Gaelic medium education in Scotland.
The proposed Scottish Languages Bill is expected to be considered by MSPs on Tuesday 17 June. As well as establishing the right of parents to request new Gaelic-medium schools, the Bill will allow for the creation of 'areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities which the government says will enable ministers to 'better target policies to support the language's growth.'
The new law will also establish both Gaelic and Scots as official languages, introduce specific education standards for Gaelic and Scots, and enable parents across Scotland to apply for Gaelic-medium nursery provision for their children.
Recent census statistics revealed that more than 130,000 people in Scotland have some Gaelic skills, a significant increase from the levels found in 2011. The number who understand or use Scots had also risen considerably.
A world-first assessment and accreditation model for Gaelic learners is also due to be introduced in Scotland following development by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture. A new strategy to support the development of Gaelic outside of school classrooms is also in development.
However, there is a significant drop-off in uptake of Gaelic between primary and secondary school levels, and experts have previously warned that more must be done to promote the 'value of Gaelic' to parents and young people.
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During the visit to Inverness, 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.'
The Bill and its provision are also supported by Scotland's Makar (national poet) Dr Peter Mackay, who writes in both English and Gaelic:
'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."
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