In June 2008, Edinburgh City Council was notified by Bòrd na Gàidhlig (the principal public body promoting and developing Gaelic) of its statutory requirements to produce a Gaelic Language Plan. The Council then produced a draft Plan which was launched to an audience of more than 100 people on 10 November 2009. The public consultation ran from November to January 2010.

In total 349 responses to the consultation were received which is an excellent response. A big thank you again to all parents/families and friends who responded. We wait with interest to see if the Council takes our views on board. The timetable now is as follows:

• 18 May – Children and Families Education Committee – Review of Options
• 8 June – Policy and Strategy Committee
• 11 June – Submission to Bòrd na Gàidhlig – if amendments approved

We are pleased to see a number of people involved in discussing the issues with the Council. Arthur Cormack, Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, has met with Jenny Dawe, Leader of Edinburgh City Council. A representative from The Scottish Government was also present at that meeting. The discussion was very much focused on the development of Gaelic medium education in Edinburgh. A letter was written to Jenny Dawe following the meeting.

Arthur Cormack has also met with Alex Wallace, Headteacher at James Gillespies High School, regarding the development of Gaelic language subjects at secondary level. A letter was written to Alex Wallace following the meeting.

You can read both letters here:
letter from Arthur Cormack to Jenny Dawe
letter from Arthur Cormack to Alex Wallace