The Calton community is “very excited” about the opening of a Gaelic school in the area, a local councillor has said, as a name for the building was agreed.
Glasgow’s city administration committee has approved calling the school ‘Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig a’ Challtainn’ — which means the Calton Gaelic Primary School — after the name came out on top in a vote.
The primary school will open once the rundown former St James’ Primary has been redeveloped.
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It is badly needed, as the current North East Gaelic medium annexe, currently part of Glasgow Gaelic School, is becoming a school in its own right. Pupils are currently located within North Kelvinside Primary School.
Cllr Greg Hepburn, SNP, who represents the Calton ward, said it was “pretty tragic” when the B-listed St James’ Primary closed.
“It’s great to see more evidence of it coming along and being reopened,” he added. “I know people in the area were very excited about that.
“Since news of the plan to turn the former St James into a Gaelic school was announced, I have had a lot of folk excited about it in the area and getting in touch, and keen to learn Gaelic or wanting to know how they can get their kids along. That’s really welcome.”
Cllr Cecilia O’Lone, Labour, who also represents the ward, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to get a new school into the area, especially the old St James Primary, which is a very iconic building.
“It has got a lot of memories for the people who stay there.”
The council’s education convener, Cllr Christina Cannon, SNP, said she is “sure folk in the Calton will be more than happy that this building is coming back to life, with a new Gaelic school as well to serve the area”.
She added around £20m will be invested in the project.
The new school will become the fourth Gaelic school in the city, joining Glasgow Gaelic School, Glendale Primary and Govan Gaelic Primary.
A parent council has already been established and played a “key role” in helping to name the school as well as designing a school badge and making decisions on uniform, a council report stated.
Staff worked with the children to come up with name suggestions and a letter was also sent to all parents and carers.
The other options put to the vote were: Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig an Taoibh Shear (Glasgow North East Gaelic Primary School) and Bun-sgoil GilleMoChotha (Gillemachoi Primary School).
St James’ Primary, on Green Street, was built in 1885 and occupied until 2009, when remaining pupils were moved to Alexandra Parade Primary.
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