Oban Gaelic school a step closer
AN OBAN Gaelic school could be a step closer after parents launched a feasibility study – which they expect to work.
The town currently has a Gaelic-medium unit within Rockfield Primary campus with 49 primary pupils and three full-time teachers already in post. There is also a feeder pre-fives unit with two part-time members of staff.
The Gaelic unit’s parent council, Comann nam Pàrant Òban, received £5,500 from Argyll and Bute Council for a feasibility study into a standalone Gaelic school, and invited tenders by Friday. The study, investigating how successfully a project can be completed, must be finished by March next year.
Comann nam Pàrant member Claire Wilding, who has three children at the unit and a fourth now at Oban High School, said: ‘I do not see any reason why it would not come back a feasible idea. There are just booming numbers. The Highlands is building its third [Gaelic school] in Portree. Argyll is known as the birthplace of Scots Gaelic.’
The comann said Scotland’s five standalone Gaelic schools in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Fort William and Portree have seen more parents opting to put their children through Gaelic-medium education, leading to local authorities considering or providing second schools in the area to cope with demand.
‘We have almost 50 children, which is bigger than a huge number of schools in Argyll and Bute, in just two classrooms,’ Ms Wilding said, arguing that children would benefit more from full immersion in a Gaelic school over a unit where they only learn Gaelic until primary four.
‘There is a lot of research into bilingualism and its benefits,’ she explained. ‘It is also easier for them to learn another language. It is not the case that they are behind. At the end of primary seven they are on the same level as their peers or above.
‘It has been two years since we started the campaign, but it all comes down to finances for the local authority.’
The comann would like to explore potential income generation streams, such as renting out office space similar to the Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig at Caol near Fort William, and community-use space.
‘The Mòd is such a big thing for Oban. Events could take place in the school,’ Ms Wilding added.
The comann states: ‘Argyll and Bute Council has no immediate plans for standalone Gaelic provision but with positive support from the Scottish Government, Comann nam Pàrant believes it is important to examine the case in further detail and explore the positive impact this could have for the wider area.
‘The feasibility study is part of a wider ongoing campaign to develop and grow Gaelic-medium provision in the Oban area and will be presented to Argyll and Bute Council, the Scottish Government, Bòrd na Gaidhlig and other relevant bodies.’
‘Before any school has to be built, the local authority has to agree it and hold a consultation,’ Ms Wilding said. ‘It would be fantastic if the parents who are campaigning now could see their children use it.’