Bookbug sessions help families learn the basics of Gaelic

A new generation of native language speakers are learning the basics thanks to Gaelic Bookbug sessions for families across Fife.

Mums and babies attending an event in the Rothes Halls library in Glenrothes were joined by Fife Council’s community and housing services committee convener, Judy Hamilton, to mark the launch of a consultation on a new Gaelic language plan for the kingdom.

The plan outlines what Fife Council, working with the Gaelic community, will do over the next five years to promote the language, making it accessible to anyone who wants to learn.

It is estimated that there are now around 3,000 users across Fife, meaning that around 5% of all Gaelic users in Scotland live here.

Councillor Hamilton is encouraging anyone who might be interested in learning another language to consider giving Gaelic a go and having their say on the new Gaelic plan.

“Fife is taking a very progressive approach to promoting Gaelic in our communities and making the language accessible to everyone,” she said.

“Funded by the Scottish Government, we are using Gaelic as a tool to help people engage and connect through classes, events and celebrating our heritage.

“In fact, the Fife Gaelic Development Group is purely a community-based group and always looking for new members with new ideas of how we can make Gaelic more accessible to you.

“It’s important that we celebrate our diversity in Scotland. The new Gaelic language plan supports this work and I would urge anyone interested to have their say over the next few weeks.”

The plan is available via www.fifedirect.org.uk

Councillor Judy Hamilton joined parents and children at the Gaelic Bookbug session in Rothes Halls library.