GAELIC education and community projects will benefit from almost £3 million as part of plans to expand the reach of the language across Scotland.
The Gaelic Capital Fund, which is now in its 14th year, will help support the growth of a number of projects over the coming year.
These will include developing Gaelic school units in Tain and Skye, supporting the development of Gaelic on Barra, improving facilities at Glasgow Gaelic School and delivering a new classroom at Tong Primary School on the Isle of Lewis.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Gaelic is a vital part of Scotland’s cultural identity and we are determined that it continues to flourish by improving access for people to both learn and use the language at every opportunity possible.
“The Gaelic Capital Fund has helped to deliver a number of key projects since its launch in 2008, including the establishment of seven new Gaelic schools.
“We will further strengthen Gaelic and Scots by increasing the numbers of people using these languages. To that end, we will introduce a Scottish Languages Bill this parliamentary term.
“I would encourage everyone to have their say on our ongoing Gaelic and Scots consultation as we look to secure their future.”
John Finlayson, chair of The Highland Council’s education committee, said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government recognises the importance of Gaelic Education in Highland by supporting the development of two Gaelic departments in the council area at Broadford and Tain.
“This is a very welcome addition to the furthering of our Gaelic Education commitments at two of our planned new schools and, of course, it will also support outcomes for our young people and local communities.
“The funding is warmly welcomed by the Council which will help support the delivery of the Council’s Gaelic Plan.”
The fund will provide £54,000 for a new classroom at Tong Primary School, £1 million to support the Gaelic development as part of the Castlebay Education and Health Hub in the Western Isles, and £465,000 for Glasgow City Council to develop facilities at Glasgow Gaelic School.
A total of £594,000 will go to The Highland Council for the Gaelic Unit at Broadford Primary School on Skye and the council will get £800,000 for the delivery of a 3-18 Gaelic Unit at Tain Academy.
Renfrewshire Council will get £24,449 for the development of facilities for a new Gaelic unit at West Primary School, Paisley, and £62,152 will go to Islay Gaelic College for education and community lead projects.
The Scottish Government consultation on Gaelic and Scots and the Scottish Languages Bill runs until November 17.
