Gaelic Language Plan aims to revive the ancient tongue

Launch: Details of the £160,000 initiative are being kept under wraps

A new strategy is being drawn up to swell the dwindling number of Gaelic speakers in Perth and Kinross.

The local authority’s Gaelic Language Plan will go out to public consultation next week.

Around £160,000 has already been secured for the five-year scheme, which will involve a push for increased Gaelic education in schools and a roll-out of more bilingual road signs.

Specialist taster sessions will be held to get more frontline council staff learning the ancient Celtic tongue.

Details of the 2018-22 plan are being kept under wraps until next week’s launch.

The first plan was passed in 2012 and has proved controversial.

Councillor Willie Robertson earlier this year welcomed proposals to concentrate on areas with historical ties with the language, while pointing out that most of Kinross-shire had not spoken Gaelic since the middle ages.

It has also emerged that the number of secondary pupils taking up Gaelic as a subject at Perth Academy had actually fallen since the start of the original plan five years ago.

The working group which is behind the new strategy has been exploring the idea of virtual classes, with a link up to teachers on the Western Isles.

Speaking during a visit to Goodlyburn Primary – one of two local schools which offers a Gaelic medium class – council leader Ian Campbell said: “Much work has been carried out to reverse language decline across Scotland and Perth and Kinross is making a substantial contribution to this goal.

“The council is committed to the objectives set out in the National Plan for Gaelic and will put in place the necessary structures and initiatives to ensure that the language has a sustainable future in this area.”

He said: “To achieve this, the council is supporting events promoting Gaelic in Perth and Kinross.

“Latha Gaidhlig – Gaelic Days – have recently been held in Perth, Kinross, Crieff and Aberfeldy.”

Mr Campbell added: “These events have included activities for children and adults in Gaelic for those who speak a little or have no Gaelic at all.

“Gaelic awareness sessions are also being held in Perth and Aberfeldy where council employees, our partners and the community can learn more about their Gaelic heritage.”

The new plan could help Perth’s chances of securing the National Mod in 2021, which could in turn strengthen the case to become UK City of Culture in the same year.

The council ... will put in place the necessary structures and initiatives to ensure that the language has a sustainable future. IAN CAMPBELL

Picture: Phil Hannah. Council leader Ian Campbell with pupils in the Gaelic class at Goodlyburn Primary in Perth.