West Meets West

On Saturday (8 July) a group of Gaelic speaking parents and young people from West Lochaber travelled to Nova Scotia for a visit which aims to strengthen the links which have already been established between Lochaber and Cape Breton.

The purpose of the trip is to set up a Gaelic family project.  The group from Lochaber will be liaising with parents in three Nova Scotian communities so they can experience at first hand what Gaelic preschool and primary education is like.

The event is part of The Highland Council’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia, the aim of which is to strengthen Gaelic and Cultural links on both sides of the Atlantic.

Before departing Mrs Margaret Ford, a probationer teacher at Acharacle Primary School said: “We are delighted to be given this opportunity to travel to Nova Scotia to work closely with parents and children in communities. We are both proud and pleased to have the opportunity to pass on our linguistic, cultural, artistic and administrative skills and look forward to our children gaining a greater understanding of the Gaelic culture and traditions of Nova Scotia.”

The Highland Council’s Early Education Officer for Gaelic Education, Catriona MacIntyre accompanied the group to help co-ordinate the activities planned at community level.  Before setting out from Fort William she said:  “There will be opportunities for everyone interested to participate in all the Gaelic and cultural activities we are organising. This is a exciting project as we will be identifying key individuals within the communities and asking them to take forward, maintain and sustain the groups which we establish.” 

Councillor Michael Foxley wished the group well.  He said: “From my first visit to Nova Scotia I recognised the unique and powerful connection that exists between the Gaelic speaking areas of Lochaber and Nova Scotia on the basis of a common language, a common culture, family ties and emigration.

“Three years ago I promoted the concept of taking the energy and enthusiasm of our pre-school Gaelic playgroups and nurseries to Nova Scotia where most of the remaining 500 Gaelic speakers are now elderly.

“The benefit for the group from Lochaber is that they will see the very strong culture within Cape Breton.”