More funding for Gaelic learning

More than 10,000 young people will benefit from additional funding for Gaelic music, drama and language teaching.

The Scottish Government will provide £33,000 to Fèisean nan Gàidheal in 2016-17 to support Gaelic learning.

The new funding will go towards the production of a new Gaelic music, drama and dance show involving children from two Gaelic primary schools – one in the Highlands and one in the central belt.

It will also allow the organisation to offer their Fèisgoil Gaelic language lessons to local authorities that have not experienced them yet.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney will make the announcement at the Fèisean nan Gàidheal AGM.

He said:

“Gaelic is an integral part of Scottish culture and the Scottish Government recognises the cultural, economic and social value of the language to our whole country.

“Fèisean nan Gàidheal has made an immense contribution to both traditional music and the Gaelic language throughout Scotland through their support and promotion of the language, especially their work with young people and schools.

“I’m delighted we can provide further funding for their work so they can reach even more young people across the country and give them the opportunity to learn more about the Gaelic language and culture.”

Fèisean nan Gàidheal Chief Executive, Arthur Cormack, welcomed the additional funding.

He said:

“We look forward to welcoming the Deputy First Minister as guest speaker at our AGM and we are extremely grateful for the additional funding that will enable us to provide arts activities for pupils in Gaelic medium education.

Through our Fèisgoil service, we have assisted a number of local authorities to deliver commitments in their Gaelic Language Plans in a cost-effective manner. This additional funding will enable more local authorities to offer starter Gaelic lessons and to sample what Fèisgoil can offer."