Councillors commend adult Gaelic learning opportunities in the Highlands

Members of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee have welcomed the progress being made by adults learning the Gaelic language through the Ùlpan teaching method and a range of other learning opportunities.

The Ùlpan method of learning languages calls on techniques used to teach Welsh and Hebrew and has been put into practise by The Highland Council to teach Gaelic since 2007.

Currently organised by The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service, in association with partners, the courses are being supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

A report to members highlighted that around 145 adults are currently enrolled in Ùlpan classes across the Highlands with class enrolment ongoing. Over 140 students have previously completed classes and eleven students have now completed all 144 Ùlpan units.

Plans are also in place to offer new or additional Ùlpan classes at Dingwall, Portree, Farr (Sutherland), Ullapool, Nairn, Mallaig and other parts of Lochaber.

Other adult Gaelic learning opportunities are offered through the Gaelic Family Learning Week Initiative; parents’ classes and social classes for adults; community classes in Dingwall at different levels; classes in Drumnadrochit, and parents’ classes in Newtonmore, Acharacle and Fort William.

Members of the Gaelic Committee supported the need of a range of adult learning provision for Gaelic learners and agreed to encourage the participation and continued support for Gaelic Medium parents, members and staff in learning Gaelic.

Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chairman of the Council’s Gaelic Committee said: “The progress in Gaelic learning is fantastic and I commend all the people who have given of their time and energy to both learning and teaching. It is particularly pleasing for me to regularly present awards to people who have achieved completion of their Ùlpan training at various stages, especially parents whose children are in Gaelic Medium Education.

“From speaking to many of the adults who have attended the range of Gaelic  learning classes, their enthusiasm and commitment to learning is remarkable and we wish to open up opportunities for learning wherever possible.”

For further information on Ùlpan learning provided through The Highland Council please contact Margaret Mulholland, or Shona Paterson, Gaelic Community Learning and Development Officers on 01463 724278 or 01478 614058 respectively.