Gripe over Gaelic

Every now and again The Scotsman publishes a letter from someone attacking Gaelic. There was one recently from William Loneskie (Letters, 17 July) and another from Ed Savage (Letters, 21 July), who wrongly states that adding Gaelic to road signs “is a very expensive stunt by the obsessed SNP”.

In the first place, Gaelic is added to signs as and when they need renewal and at a minimal cost. Secondly, it does make me wonder how often it needs to be re-stated that the protection and promotion of Gaelic is not an SNP conspiracy or stunt. It is not even an SNP initiative.

The fact is Gaelic’s protection as a regional or minority language came through legislation which was enshrined in law in the Gaelic Language Act by the Labour/lib Dem coalition in 2005, two years before the SNP came to power. The implementation of fiveyear Gaelic language plans by councils and other organisations like Police Scotland is a requirement of that act.

As someone actively involved in the promotion of Gaelic at Newbattle Abbey College, where we have seen a considerable resurgence of interest in Gaelic, this contradicts Mr Loneskie’s and Mr Savage’s illinformed negative opinions.

I often wonder that if it could be widely acknowledged that protection and promotion of Gaelic is not part of some devious SNP plot then more people might be willing to embrace an integral part of Scottish heritage.

GILL TURNER

Derby Street, Edinburgh