The Branches

    Edinburgh Gaelic Education Under Threat 12-09-97

    Edinburgh city council have announced that they intend to take measures to restrict the availablity of Gaelic medium primary education in Edinburgh. At a recent meeting, the council's Education Committee approved a report which stated that "early discussion has taken place with the Head Teacher and officers of this Department on the establishment of an upper overall limit, eligability for placement at the unit and related issues. These matters will shortly be the subject of wider consultation".

     If implemented these measures would have disasterous effects on Gaelic Medium Education throughout Scotland. At a time when Gaelic is undergoing a revival, the establishment of an upper limit for Gaelic medium education in Edinburgh would serve to keep the numbers of Gaelic speaking children artificially low in the captial and would deny many parents the choice of Gaelic Medium Education for their children. The motivation for this capping of Gaelic Medium Education is purely financial.

     The Tollcross Gaelic medium unit is the only Gaelic primary in Lothian and has traditionally served children from all areas of south east Scotland. When the council refers to "eligability for placement" it is thought that they have geographical factors in mind. Children from the Borders, West Lothian, Midlothian and East Lothian in addition to Edinburgh attend the unit. Any attempt to restrict access to the school to Edinburgh residents alone would leave most of south east Scotland without any Gaelic Medium Education provision.

     Comann nam Parant, the national Gaelic parents support group, have described this development as "worrying" and have stated that this measure will have implications far beyond Edinburgh. Comann nam Parant, along with the Scottish branch of the Celtic League, and all other Gaelic bodies are pledged to fighting The City of Edinburgh Council's plan.

     Please write to the following people stating your opposition to an upper overall limit on numbers in Gaelic medium education and stating that any child should be eligable for placement in Gaelic medium education.

     Councillor Elizabeth Maginnis,
    Chair, Education Committee,
    City of Edinburgh Council,
    George IV Bridge,
    Edinburgh.

     Brian Wilson MP,
    Minister for Gaelic,
    Scottish Office,
    St. Andrews House,
    Edinburgh,
    EH1 3DG.

     The Scottish Branch of the Celtic League would welcome copies of your correspondence.

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