The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Education: Parent group urges council committee to consider arguments
A feasibility study commissioned by parents argues in favour of providing a stand-alone Gaelic Primary School in Oban.
It follows an initial refusal by Argyll and Bute Council to consider providing one.
In 2016 the council’s education service received a request for a Gaelic school in Oban, but after considering existing provision for Gaelic Medium Education (GME) in the area, the authority did not agree to a consultation at that time.
“It’s a very positive report and shows the desire is there”
Earlier this year the feasibility study was commissioned by the group Comann nam Parant an Obain, with funding from Bord na Gaidhlig and the council.
The brief was to “consider the feasibility of a standalone GME primary school in Oban with additional community use space and potential incomegeneration streams”.
Comann nam Parant has requested in writing that the authority now considers the findings and undertakes a formal consultation on the proposal.
The study is now being looked at by a wide range of senior officers including the two heads of education, head of facility services, head of improvement and HR, head of strategic finance, head of economic development and the quality improvement manager for special projects.
At Thursday’s community services committee, councillors will be asked to note the request and agree for officers to bring another report to the committee when the exercise has been completed.
Comann nam Parant chairwoman Claire Wilding said: “The feasibility study shows the desire for a standalone Gaelic Medium Primary School in Oban is there, even from parents of children who have not started pre-school yet and parents from outside the town.
“We hope it can positively received.
“It is a very positive report and quite clearly shows that the need and desire is there. be
“It is the obvious next step for growth and for development of the Gaelic language.”
At present, GME in the Oban and Lorn area is via dedicated classes within Rockfield Primary School and Strath of Appin Primary School, both of which also have dedicated Gaelic early learning childcare.
The feasibility study that puts the case for the stand-alone school was researched and written by Emma Grant, a community development consultant and coach.