Orkney MSP questions minister over national Gaelic language plan

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has asked Scotland’s Minister for Learning and Skills about the implications for non-Gaelic parts of the country, such as Orkney, if the Government takes forward the suggestions in the Draft Gaelic Language Plan 2012-17 –  billed as a “plan for the whole of Scotland”.

Mr McArthur said, “The notion that the teaching of Gaelic might be considered a priority in schools in Orkney will, I believe, strike many pupils, teachers, parents and the wider Orkney community as unjustified and, at the very least, a distraction from other priorities.

“It is not clear what the implications are for Orkney schools of proposals for ‘curricular inserts, as part of the proposed Scottish studies courses, on Gaelic language and culture’.  However, I understand that councils across the country have already been contacted by SNP Ministers pressing the case for more Gaelic language teaching.

“Yet the Government must recognise that people in Orkney are fiercely proud of our own distinctive linguistic, historic and cultural heritage, derived from our Nordic roots.  Evidence this is being celebrated and promoted can be found in the successful establishment of the Centre for Nordic Studies, as part of the University of the Highlands & Islands.

“So while the Government is right to take steps to develop the Gaelic language, ministers cannot ride roughshod over the cultural and linguistic identify of parts of the country where Gaelic has never featured.”