EXTRA GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR GAELIC

Culture Minister Mike Russell has announced £50,000 funding for Gaelic. Mr Russell said that he was awarding £35,000 to appoint a Gaelic development officer to take forward plans for the 2010 Mod in Caithness and to support Gaelic learning in the area.

He also announced that Argyll and Bute Council is to receive £15,000 pounds to support more Gaelic courses in the local area and provide access to classes in the Ulpan system of language learning. Ulpan emphasises speaking and listening rather than reading and writing, and it has now been adapted for Scottish Gaelic.

Mr Russell said: “The Scottish Government is committed to taking urgent action to create a new generation of Gaelic speakers. That is why I am investing a further £50,000 in projects which will support Gaelic education and development.

“The Mod’s new development officer will not only oversee preparations for next year’s celebrations but support Gaelic learning and development in Caithness and the surrounding areas. Argyll and Bute Council will use its award to boost the number of Gaelic speakers in the area by offering adult learning classes using the innovative Ulpan method.

“These investments recognise the important role local communities play in Gaelic learning and in building a strong and sustainable future for Gaelic.”