Gaelic classes begin across Aberdeenshire

Gaelic classes are available this month across Aberdeenshire and people can sign up for the one-hour, weekly sessions at libraries in Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Alford, Meldrum, Inverurie and Laurencekirk.

The course can be taken over eight-weeks and covers basic conversational Gaelic for complete beginners.

The course’s title (CliS) represents conversation (Còmhradh), reading (Leughadh) and writing (Sgrìobhadh).

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education, Learning and Leisure Committee Councillor Isobel Davidson said: “The provision of Gaelic classes in Aberdeenshire is in response to listening to the community about the leisure courses they want and it is great to see them taking shape.

“I encourage people to sign up as I am sure the classes will book quickly.”

Vice chair Councillor Ron McKail added: “I am sure people will enjoy the opportunity to learn a traditional Scottish language as well as use the excellent facilities our libraries have to offer.

“The course will be of interest to anyone looking to learn new skills and is part of the provision of lifelong learning across Aberdeenshire.”

The provision of Gaelic language classes stems from consultation on the development of Aberdeenshire Council’s Gaelic Language Plan in 2014.

The council identified several communities who showed an interest in learning Gaelic and then made a successful bid to fund the classes to the Gaelic Language Act Implementation Fund (GLAIF).

The fund is administered by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, which is the principal public body in Scotland responsible for promoting Gaelic development.

The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 requires certain public bodies, including all councils, to develop and publish a five year plan promoting the use and understanding of the Gaelic language and Gaelic education and culture.

Aberdeenshire’s Gaelic Language Plan was approved by members of the Policy and Resources Committee in September 2014.

Classes have started this week at Alford Library, Murray Terrace but places can be booked throughout the duration of the course, contact the library on: 019755 63333 / alford.library@aberdeenshire.gov.uk for more details. Classes will run every Monday from 3.30pm – 4.30pm.

•    Gaelic for Beginners from Thursday, May 14 @ 10.30am, Peterhead Library, 51 St Peter Street, contact: 01779 472554 / peterhead.library@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
•    Gaelic for Beginners from Thursday May 14 @ Fraserburgh Library, Edward Street, contact: 01346 518 197 / fraserburgh.library@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
•    Gaelic for Beginners from Wednesday, May 27 @ Inverurie Library, Market Place, contact: 01467 621619 / inverurie.library@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
•    Gaelic for Beginners from Friday, May 29 @ Mearns Academy Campus Community Library, Aberdeen Road, Laurencekirk, contact: 01561 377298 / laurencekirk.library@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
•    Gaelic for Beginners from Wednesday, June 3 @ Meldrum Library, Colpy Road, contact: 01651 871307 / meldrum.library@aberdeenshire.gov.uk