Gabh an Cothrom

A targeted campaign to recruit Gaelic teachers is being launched by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the development body for the language.

The campaign will run initially in the Argyll and Bute, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highland council areas and will carry the message:

So much tradition,
So much passion,
So much to learn.

Passionate Gaelic speakers required to teach the next generation.

The initiative will carry advertising on Highland buses, on Caledonian MacBrayne ferries and in terminals, in Inverness railway station and in local media. It  intends to raise awareness of Gaelic teaching opportunities and encourage more people to become Gaelic teachers or to teach their subjects through the language.

Bòrd Teacher Recruitment Officer, Angela McGillivray said more teachers are needed to keep pace with demand:

“There is growing demand to learn Gaelic in schools across Scotland and the campaign aims to encourage more people to teach the language and meet this demand.

“The recent opening of dedicated Gaelic schools in Glasgow and Inverness and the launch of a five year National Education Strategy for Gaelic by the Bòrd, points to an exciting period in Gaelic education and it is important we capitalise on these developments.

“The campaign is fresh, dynamic and clear and we hope it will appeal to people to use their existing skills in Gaelic to pursue a career in teaching and benefit the next generation of Gaelic speakers.

“Following a review of the impact of this targeted campaign, Bòrd an Gàidhlig hopes to roll it out across Scotland.”

Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:

”We are committed to strengthening and extending Gaelic education. Gaelic teachers have a vital role to play in creating a sustainable future for the Gaelic language in Scotland and to help it flourish for future generations. 

“This fresh approach to recruitment of Gaelic teachers can tap into the enthusiasm that Gaelic speakers have for their language and a desire to expand the opportunities for young students to learn in Gaelic.”

* There are currently 169 Gaelic primary teachers in Scotland delivering Gaelic to 2,092 primary school pupils.

* 99 secondary teachers currently teach Gaelic and /or a subject through Gaelic to 3,640 Gaelic medium and learner pupils.

* 14 Scottish local authorities currently offer Gaelic medium primary and secondary education.

* Scotland’s first dedicated Gaelic primary and secondary school opened in Glasgow in August 2006 and a dedicated Gaelic primary school opened in Inverness earlier this year. 

* Highland Council, Argyll and Bute and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are among three of the first public authorities in Scotland required to prepare and implement Gaelic Language Plans.

* For a copy of the advert and further information contact Martin Osler on 07739 185 522 or martin@oslermedia.com