Finance minister backs Gaelic-only housing schemes

CONTROVERSIAL plans to create exclusive Gaelic-speaking communities in Scotland have been backed by a senior SNP minister.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has i ndicated she is ‘ very supportive’ of the proposals, despite accepting there are issues with ‘equalities legislation’ and ‘discrimination’.

In response to her comments, critics have described her support for the idea as ‘ill-focused and unhelpful’.

When asked for her view on proposals for housing developments or estates where residents must speak Gaelic or commit to learning it, Miss Forbes, 30, said: ‘This is probably the most controversial thing I’ll say to you – I would be very supportive of that.’

She is reported to have given the example of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college, which she said tried to introduce such a scheme for its Kilbeg housing development in Skye.

She told The Herald: ‘There are big issues in terms of conflict with equalities legislation, because of perceived discrimination. But we need to take increasingly positive action and intervene in trying to support Gaelic-speaking communities.’

Responding to Miss Forbes’s comments, Scottish Tory housing spokesman Alexander Stewart said: ‘Housing should be available on a needs basis, not on if you speak English or Gaelic. With the SNP Government on track to miss their affordable housing target, the focus should be on roofs over people’s heads rather than unhelpful ideas.’