25 years of Gaelic Medium Education in East Ayrshire celebrated
25 years of Gaelic Medium Education in East Ayrshire has been celebrated with a week of special events including a traditional Ceilidh.
Gaelic Medium Education began in Onthank Primary School in 1997 and the unit was officially opened by then Minister for Education, Brian Wilson in January 1998. By the tenth anniversary in 2007, there were 14 young students of Gaelic continuing their studies at a dedicated unit within Grange Academy.
In 2018 Gaelic Medium Education moved to the William McIlvanney Campus to Sgoil na Coille Nuaidh along with James Hamilton Primary, Sgoil-Àraich na Coille Nuaidh (Early Childhood Centre) and Gaelic as a subject in Kilmarnock Academy.
Last week Sgoil na Coille Nuaidh, Sgoil-Àraich na Coille Nuaidh and James Hamilton Primary took part in a Gaelic Celebration Week to recognise and celebrate the 25 year milestone.
Across the schools children and young people had the opportunity to learn more about Gaelic language and culture, take part in some shinty lessons, learn some Highland Dancing, attend Gaelic Bookbug Sessions and learn Gaelic songs.
The school hosted a traditional Ceilidh for children and young people, their families and invited guests, including Councillor Graham Barton, Spokesperson for Children and Young People and Linda McAulay-Griffiths, Chief Education Officer.
Live music was provided by husband and wife duo, Eriskay Lilt and the dancing was enjoyed by everyone. Children and young people performed a medley of Gaelic songs and there was a Highland Dance demonstration by a number of the pupils that attend the McGarry School of Highland Dancing. Kilmarnock Academy pupil, Tammy MacKenzie provided bagpipe music across the evening.
Adam McColgan-Smith, Principal Teacher at Sgoil na Coille Nuaidh appeared on the BBC’s An Là news programme after the news team attended the celebration Ceilidh. He said: “Our celebration week was wonderful, everyone really enjoyed learning new skills and celebrating 25 years of Gaelic Medium Education in East Ayrshire. Gaelic continues to flourish and we look forward to seeing what the future holds.”
Councillor Graham Barton said: “I was very pleased to be invited to attend the celebrations for 25 years of Gaelic Medium Education in East Ayrshire. It was a brilliant event, the children and young people performed beautifully, displaying talent and great enthusiasm. The Ceilidh was great fun, everyone really threw themselves into the dancing and it felt like a real celebration.
“Gaelic is thriving in East Ayrshire. There are adult Gaelic classes delivered within our communities and there is also an active Gaelic Parent and Toddler Group called 'Pàrant is Pàiste'. Here’s to the future or seo chun an ama ri teachd.”