Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 08 June 2000 For Use: Immediately

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has strongly supported Gaelic Minister Alasdair Morrison in the ongoing debate over the future of Gaelic and Gaelic Medium Education.

The Comhairle has rejected the comments of Gaelic development agency CNAG and highlighted the success story of Gaelic Medium education in the Western Isles, the heartland of the Gaelic culture.

Speaking today, the Vice-Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mr. Roddy Murray, said:

"Gaelic medium education in the Western Isles is a success story and one that is continuing to develop and put Gaelic firmly in the education framework of Scotland. I am firmly behind the Scottish Executive's proposals and I reject the comments attributed to CNAG which seem designed to portray a very negative image of the development of the Gaelic language and certainly do not accord with the position in the Western Isles.

Our estimated figure for the Gaelic Medium intake in the Western Isles for 2000-2001 is 34.5%, an increase of 4% over the previous year and a reflection of the success of the Comhairle's promotion of Gaelic Medium Education. 26% of primary pupils in the Western Isles are in Gaelic Medium Units, an increase of 1% on the previous year. We have 25 Gaelic Medium Units and 5 designated Gaelic schools. This simply does not accord with the doom and gloom image portrayed by CNAG and others with political axes to grind.

A year ago, Gaelic had no status but now the language has official status. We've even heard the first Gaelic debate in the Scottish Parliament. These steps are very much to be welcomed. However the Comhairle will not take a complacent attitude but instead continue to work with the Government in a positive manner on developing Gaelic Medium Education and in taking forward the development of the language.

What we do not need are personal attacks upon those who are taking the whole Gaelic agenda forward. I personally feel that is an extremely disappointing departure from the way in which this debate should be conducted.

I also have to say that I am greatly concerned at the role of CNAG. They do not speak for the Gaelic constituency and one must conclude that the sustained nature of their attack is motivated by a narrow political agenda. This does not advance the cause of the language and it is a sorry spectacle to see Gael pitched against Gael in this debate. That situation cannot be allowed to continue and I would call on the Government's Task Force to urgently review the position of CNAG".

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer