Full council vote sees Gaelic school left on backburner

A councillor’s plea for Argyll and Bute Council to look into a demand for a fully Gaelic school in the area has failed.

The authority has come under pressure from the Bord Na Gaidhlig to commit to establish a school in the area speaking the language fully.

But a report for a full council meeting recommended no changes to the council’s draft Gaelic plan, previously agreed by the community services committee.

Oban North and Lorn SNP councillor Julie McKenzie claimed that going with the recommendation would be ‘throwing the baby out with the bathwater’ and called for council officers to provide a report on reasons for Bord Na Gaidhlig’s proposal.

But at the council meeting on Thursday June 30, the recommendation was narrowly voted through on a roll call vote.

Councillor McKenzie asked: ‘Can I ask if any work has already taken place to explore the development of a standalone Gaelic medium school in Argyll and Bute?’

Executive director Douglas Hendry replied: ‘Yes – there has been engagement by council officers on an ongoing basis going back to before Covid in relation to the Oban and Lorn area. A proposal came forward which was quite innovative in that land could be made available to the council by a third party.

‘That suggestion would look at the construction of a school on that land. Another suggestion was a long-term agreement.

‘Unfortunately there have been a number of factors which have meant it has not been possible for that proposal to be taken forward. There are issues around road access and planning.

‘What we have said is that if there is a material change in circumstances, we would look at any further possibility.’

Councillor McKenzie then said: ‘It has been very unfortunate that many things, including this, have had to go on the backburner, but that doesn’t mean there is no will in the community to see this progress. If we go with the recommendation, I think we would be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.’

Mr Hendry added: ‘I am wary about giving commitments we may not be able to deliver. Hopefully I made it clear that if further progress came up for the provision of a Gaelic school, we would engage on it.’

The council was recommended to agree no further change to the authority’s view on a Gaelic school as part of its draft plan.

However, Councillor McKenzie moved an amendment requesting officers provide a comprehensive report outlining Bord Na Gaidhlig’s rationale for requesting the amendment to the plan.

After a vote the recommendation was passed by 18 votes to 14. South Kintyre independent councillor Donald Kelly registered no vote.

A spokesperson for Comman nam Pàrant an Òbain said it was pleased to see the issue of a standalone Gaelic school for Oban being raised and supported by many councillors.

‘We intend to continue with the many years of work we have invested in this alongside Argyll and Bute Council and Bòrd na Gaidhlig.’

‘We intend to continue with the many years of work we have invested.’