Gaelic Learning Opportunities Extended For Adults

Adults who want to learn Gaelic in Inverness area will be able to enrol in a new series of language classes this month with classes starting in September.

Organised by The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service and Inverness College, the classes are being funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Classes begin on 12th September, with students progressing through eight levels, or alternatively joining at an appropriate level. Five of these levels will be offered from September to December 2005 with a further three being offered between January and Easter 2006.

Highland Councillor Roderick Balfour, Chairman of the City of Inverness Area Education Culture and Sport Committee said: "I’m delighted that Margaret Mulholland our Community Learning and Leisure Officer who has special responsibility for Gaelic has organised Gaelic learning classes for people of all levels of ability, whether you are a complete beginner or someone that wishes to ‘brush up’ on your language ability. This is exactly what is required for learners and it is also one of the many targets set out in the Council’s Gaelic Language and Culture Plan, which was recently launched in the City. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Bòrd na Gàidhlig for their financial assistance and also Inverness College."

Iain MacGillechiar Lecturer at Inverness College said: "We are pleased to be working with Highland Council in putting together a co-ordinated range of learning opportunities for learners of Gaelic."

Donald Morrison, Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Development Manager said:  “Gaelic learners feature as an important element within the Bòrd's strategic plan to expand the Gaelic speaking community. This scheme brings together a suite of linked classes that provides potential Gaelic learners and improvers with a clear progressive pathway towards the achievement of fluency. It is particularly fitting that Gàidhlig is, once again, accessible to allcomers in the Highland City of Inverness.”

Level one will be offered on a Tuesday night at Charleston Community Centre led by tutor Brian O hEadhra, a Gaelic learner and well-known musician.

On Mondays at venue still to be decided - level two classes will be with tutor, Gwen Bowie who is a former Gaelic Medium teacher.

Level three classes will be on Wednesday nights at Hilton Community Centre. The tutor will be Mary Ellen Stewart from North Uist who is presently working with An Comunn Gàidhealach as a Development Officer.

Level five and level seven will be offered on Wednesday nights at Inverness College. The tutors will be Siùsaidh Hardy, the Director of Clì Gàidhlig and Iain MacGillechiar, Gaelic lecturer at Inverness College.

Classes for levels four, six eight will take place early next year at venues to be confirmed.

To enrol in any of the classes contact Inverness College tel no. 01463 273000.