‘Historic milestone’ as Gaelic school opens

The official opening of the new £8.7m Gaelic primary school at Portree this week has been hailed as a ‘historic Highland milestone’ by Skye MSP Kate Forbes.

Ms Forbes welcomed Deputy First Minister John Swinney to Skye as he officially opened Bun Sgoil Ghaidhlig Phort Righ (Portree Gaelic Primary School) on Monday morning.

The school has been open for pupils and staff since April. It is Scotland’s fifth dedicated Gaelic school and the third standalone Gaelic medium school in Highland region.

The school currently has 133 primary pupils and 47 in the nursery, with capacity to expand over future years.

Mr Swinney said it had been a pleasure to be involved in supporting Highland Council realise its vision for the Gaelic language.

‘We are seeing growing demand from parents for access to Gaelic medium education across the country which clearly demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitments to supporting the language are having a positive result,’ he said at the opening ceremony.

‘I commend Highland Council for its actions and look forward to working with it on future projects.’

Ms Forbes MSP added: ‘This is a historic milestone in the Highlands and Islands as we celebrate the opening of Portree Gaelic Primary School.

‘I’m amazed it has taken until 2018 to open a Gaelic medium primary in the heart of the Gaelteachd.

‘Gaelic is going through a bit of a revival, but it has a long and rich heritage in Skye. There are many people for whom it is their mother tongue, the language of choice from birth and it’s important the language is passed down the generations.

‘The new school significantly expands opportunities for young people in Skye and Lochalsh.’

Councillor Alister MacKinnon, Highland Council’s budget leader, chairman of Gaelic implementation and strategy group and chairman of corporate resources, said: ‘Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh is a great asset for the community which gives young people and their families the opportunity to access their learning in an all-Gaelic environment.’

‘The new school significantly expands opportunities for young people in Skye and Lochalsh.’

From left: Rose MacKinnon, John Swinney, Kate Forbes and Carmen MacAskill at the opening of the new school. Mr Swinney was presented with a shinty stick from pupils at the school during the official opening ceremony. Rose and Carmen are in primary seven.