Nova Scotia bursary supports Gaelic learners

Nova Scotians have an opportunity to study the Gaelic language and culture in Scotland.

Students can qualify for one of five bursaries up to $2,694 through a program funded by the Scottish government and administered by Gaelic Affairs. Now in its eighth year, the program has supported 35 Nova Scotians.

“For more than 250 years, Gaels have contributed to Nova Scotia’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity,” Gaelic Affairs Minister Randy Delorey said in a news release. “This program is a unique opportunity to ensure the continuation of the Gaels’ social and economic contributions by furthering their Gaelic language and cultural skills with learning opportunities in Scotland.”

Recipients enroll in Gaelic-language study at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, a national centre for Gaelic language and culture on the Isle of Skye. They can also enter a distance learning course.

“I have come to a higher level of fluency and am better able to follow spoken Gaelic and have a deeper appreciation for Gaelic culture,” 2017 recipient Wayne MacIntyre said. “I am now teaching my daughter Gaelic and my son is becoming interested in his Gaelic heritage. As well, I volunteer to help promote Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia.”

“Through shared Gaelic language and common cultural origins this initiative fosters links between Scotland and Nova Scotia providing a vehicle through which these can be further built upon,” said John Swinney, cabinet secretary for education with the Scottish government. “I encourage Nova Scotians to apply and to contribute to strengthening Gaelic language and its cultural expression components of a living Gaelic community that enriches both our regions.”

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be permanent residents of Nova Scotia, and have been accepted into a minimum two-week course in Gaelic language in Scotland or into a distance learning course to qualify for the bursary. The deadline for applications is Jan. 18.

For more information, contact Kelly Schlay at 902-424-4442 or Kelly.schlay@novascotia.ca.