Views sought over whether Argyll needs an all-Gaelic school
Would you like to see a dedicated Gaelic school for Argyll and Bute?
That’s the question Argyll and Bute Council is asking in a new consultation that seeks to gather as many views as possible on the level of demand and support from all parties with an interest in education and Gaelic.
The council has a duty under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 to prepare and publish a Gaelic Language
Plan. As part of this plan, approved by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, one of the agreed actions is to hold a consultation to gauge interest in an all-Gaelic school.
The local authority currently has no capital budget to build and establish a new all-Gaelic school but funding for Gaelic education could become available from the Scottish Government, should a proposal for an all-Gaelic school progress.
Additional funding from the council would be required and may have an impact on the overall education service budget.
“We are committed to promoting Gaelic and encouraging its use across the region,” said Council leader Jim Lynch.
“We already offer a wide variety of initiatives and resources to children and young people to learn the Gaelic language and encourage its use across Argyll and Bute.
“As part of our commitment to delivering the Gaelic Language Plan, we are now asking for your thoughts on whether there is demand for an all-Gaelic school.
“It’s important to stress that careful consideration would be required, given current budgetary restraints, on the scale of funding required for a dedicated Gaelic school, should there be demand.”
Gaelic medium education is an option within Scottish education that gives children and young people an opportunity to become fluent in Gaelic. Learners start in early learning and childcare settings or in P1. Currently in Argyll and Bute, this option is available in Oban, Appin, Dunoon, Mull, Tiree and Islay.
Visit www.argyll-bute.gov. uk/sites/default/files/2023-12/ GLP_updated_2022-26. pdf to view Argyll and Bute Council’s Gaelic Language Plan.