Flying the flag for Gaelic education

Emma Anderson, 37, who moved to Clarkston in 2014 with her husband and son, found that there was no Gaelic education locally.

As a result, she set up a playgroup and now has more than 30 names from children who are looking to be educated in the Gaelic language within East Renfrewshire.

Emma said: “I’ve been delighted by how quickly the Gaelic playgroup has grown! Most people who come along don’t already speak the language but are really keen for their children to have the opportunity– I think that the wide ranging benefits of being bilingual, as well as heritage and culture reasons have a lot to do with that. In fact, the majority of children in Gaelic education in Scotland come from non-Gaelic speaking families.

“We are very excited about submitting the request, and think that East Renfrewshire’s outstanding reputation for educational excellence and innovation makes this an ideal place to establish a new Gaelic Medium Primary provision.”

There’s excellent support in place for families who don’t have Gaelic at home – I’m English myself and learned Gaelic as an adult.

To get in touch, just pop into the playgroup, check out their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/eastrenfrewshiregaelicplaygroup or email Emma at [email protected]

Parents who want their child added to the list which will be submitted with the formal request to the council under the Education Act should contact Emma by March 31.