European first for Gaelic

European first for Gaelic             9/5/10

Gaelic spoken for first time at a European Council meeting in Brussels on Tuesday.

Scottish Education Minister Michael Russell will make a short speech on youth issues in the language.

The moves comes after Gaelic was given co-official status as a language of the European Union.

Mr Russell said: “The Scottish Government is committed a sustainable future for the Gaelic language. I can think of no better way to promote the language within Europe than at a Council meeting which, by definition, encourages and promotes multilingualism.

“Gaelic is more than a language.  It is an important part of Scotland’s social, cultural and economic life. The economic benefits and potential of Gaelic are significant. I am looking forward to representing Scotland and the Gaelic language on Tuesday.”