Gàidhlig: The Gaelic Language in Education in Scotland, 3rd Edition. Regional Dossier Series
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| Title: | Gàidhlig: The Gaelic Language in Education in Scotland, 3rd Edition. Regional Dossier Series |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Ingeborg Birnie, Fryske Akademy (Netherlands), Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning |
| Source: | Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. 2025. |
| Availability: | Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. Fryske Akademy, P.O.Box 54, NL-8900 AB Ljouwert, The Netherlands. Tel: +31-58-213-1414; Fax: +31-58-213-1409; e-mail: mercator@fryske-akademy.nl; Web site: http://www.mercator-research.eu |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 72 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | Fryske Akademy (Netherlands) Province of Fryslan (Netherlands) |
| Intended Audience: | Policymakers; Researchers; Teachers; Students |
| Document Type: | Reports - Descriptive |
| Education Level: | Early Childhood Education Preschool Education Elementary Secondary Education Higher Education Postsecondary Education Adult Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Indo European Languages, Official Languages, Language Minorities, Language of Instruction, Preschool Education, Elementary Secondary Education, Higher Education, Career and Technical Education, Adult Education, Language Attitudes, Modern Language Curriculum |
| Geographic Terms: | United Kingdom (Scotland) |
| ISSN: | 3050-5232 |
| Abstract: | The aim of the Regional Dossier series is to provide concise descriptions of regional or minority languages in education, mainly in Europe but also in other parts of the world. Gaelic is an official language of Scotland, commanding equal respect to the English language. In July 2025, the Scottish Languages Bill was given Royal Assent. This bill will provide further support to the language and promote Gaelic within the education system. Gaelic can be used as a medium of instruction (Gaelic Medium Education or GME), or as a subject (Gaelic for learners). In 2022/23, Gaelic learning opportunities were available in schools in 59% of the Local Authorities in Scotland, with 0.8% of all primary school pupils enrolled in GME and 0.5% of secondary school pupils receiving some input through the medium of Gaelic. Initial teacher education for teachers wishing to work in GME is provided at several universities. Gaelic has a limited presence within the university and further education system, with only one institution delivering programmes fully through the medium of Gaelic. Every Regional Dossier begins with an introduction about the region in question, followed by six chapters that each deal with a specific level of the education system (e.g. primary education). Chapters 8 and 9 cover the main lines of educational research on the minority language under discussion, and the prospects for the minority language in general and in education in particular, respectively. Chapter 10 provides a summary of statistics. Lists of (legal) references and useful addresses regarding the minority language are given at the end of the Regional Dossier. |
| Abstractor: | ERIC |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED680402 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The aim of the Regional Dossier series is to provide concise descriptions of regional or minority languages in education, mainly in Europe but also in other parts of the world. Gaelic is an official language of Scotland, commanding equal respect to the English language. In July 2025, the Scottish Languages Bill was given Royal Assent. This bill will provide further support to the language and promote Gaelic within the education system. Gaelic can be used as a medium of instruction (Gaelic Medium Education or GME), or as a subject (Gaelic for learners). In 2022/23, Gaelic learning opportunities were available in schools in 59% of the Local Authorities in Scotland, with 0.8% of all primary school pupils enrolled in GME and 0.5% of secondary school pupils receiving some input through the medium of Gaelic. Initial teacher education for teachers wishing to work in GME is provided at several universities. Gaelic has a limited presence within the university and further education system, with only one institution delivering programmes fully through the medium of Gaelic. Every Regional Dossier begins with an introduction about the region in question, followed by six chapters that each deal with a specific level of the education system (e.g. primary education). Chapters 8 and 9 cover the main lines of educational research on the minority language under discussion, and the prospects for the minority language in general and in education in particular, respectively. Chapter 10 provides a summary of statistics. Lists of (legal) references and useful addresses regarding the minority language are given at the end of the Regional Dossier. |
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| ISSN: | 3050-5232 |
