Inverness Gaelic Primary School funding extension will help meet demand for Gaelic-medium education
Issued by the Scottish Government
Funding towards an extension for the hugely popular Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis -Inverness Gaelic Primary School - has been provided by the Scottish Government.
In line with Curriculum for Excellence and the Scottish Government’s priorities for Gaelic, Highland Council has been awarded £226,000 from the Gaelic Schools Capital Fund to help with the expansion of Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis to strengthen Gaelic Medium Education provision in the city.
The school opened in 2007 and has become so successful that it is already operating at capacity with 126 pupils and an additional 61 children in pre-school. The extension will include two new classrooms and increase the capacity of the school by 66 pupils.
Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop, who has responsibility for Gaelic, said: “Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland's heritage, national identity and current cultural life. Our investment in the language is delivering economic and social benefits for the whole of Scotland.
“It is enhancing our global reputation for culture and creativity, creating employment opportunities in all parts of the country and helping to revitalise our rural communities.
“The well publicised benefits and attainment levels of pupils is already fuelling demand for Gaelic-medium education and I am sure that this investment will only serve to make it an even more attractive option to both parents and pupils alike.
“We are committed to ensuring the language has a sustainable future in Scotland. By investing in Gaelic learning, the Scottish Government is helping to realise this ambition as well as creating opportunities for all of Scotland to prosper.”
Councillor Michael Foxley, Leader of The Highland Council’s Administration said: "I would like to thank the Culture Minister and the Scottish Government for their additional and new capital investment and policy support for Gaelic education at Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis. This support is warmly welcomed and it will strengthen our commitment to the development of Gaelic education and bilingualism in the Highlands.”
Welcoming the announcement, Chairman of The Highland Council Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee, Councillor Bill Fernie said: “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Gaelic education, I am delighted that the Scottish Government is continuing to support Scotland’s first purpose built Gaelic school.”
Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chairman of the Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee added: “The demand for Gaelic Medium Education is increasing as parents realise the many benefits to their children of a bilingual education. Learning Gaelic at a young age makes it easier to learn other languages and the Scottish Government’s continued support further enhances our efforts to grow Gaelic and create a new generation of speakers.”