Vandal-hit primary could be new Gaelic site

VANDAL-HIT Gowanbank Primary could be transformed into a new Gaelic School.

Councillors yesterday considered a report from director of education Maureen McKenna stating that demand for Gaelic education in the city had soared.

This means education chiefs could look to open a third Gaelic School for the city.

In a report, Ms McKenna has highlighted that Gowanbank could be best placed to house the new school as a new campus is being built and is set to open in March 2018.

Council bosses acknowledge the current Gowanbank school would need investment.

The building has been repeatedly targeted by vandals in several shocking incidents.

During one, first reported by the Evening Times last July, vandals wrecked the Pollok school before enjoying jelly and ice cream.

In December, firebugs petrol bombed the building, causing extensive fire damage.

There are currently 900 pupils in GME education in Glasgow, but rolls are predicted to increase to 1150 in just three years’ time.

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: “Glasgow is proud to be the largest provider of Gaelic Medium Education outside of the Highlands and Islands and we are now planning for the future as demand for GME rises each year.

“We know that this will be warmly welcomed by the Glasgow Gaelic community.”