The progress made in Gaelic-based education in North Lanarkshire schools was highlighted in a recent report.

The first Gaelic units opened in 1985 at schools in Glasgow and Inverness, and this has grown to 16 of Scotland’s 32 councils offering primary school education in the language.

In the previous school year, 249 pupils attended Gaelic Medium Education (GME) in North Lanarkshire.

Of these children, 13 were at Tollbrae Nursery in Airdrie but the others went to schools in Cumbernauld with 16 in Condorrat Nursery, 150 at Condorrat Primary School and 70 attending Greenfaulds High School.

Research has found that those who study Gaelic believe it enhances their well-being, with the majority of learners saying it is an important part of Scotland’s culture and national identity.

North Lanarkshire Council has now completed the first year of its five-year Gaelic Language plan, which was published in June 2022.

The first year saw three consultation groups established, and Scottish Government body Bord na Gaidhlig has awarded the council £11,500 to host a conference and hold more community-based language classes.

Arts organisation Feisean nan Gaidheal is also working with the council to host traditional music workshops at Greenfaulds High School so that pupils can learn to play ceilidhs.

Funding from the Scottish Books Council helped Condorrat Primary School promote Gaelic literacy during Book Week Scotland and there is also a weekly book bug session in the language.

A survey carried out in June found most respondents wanted to see more Gaelic provision in North Lanarkshire, with parents especially keen for expansion. The council will continue to work on increasing access to Gaelic and aims to offer it at 40 per cent of primary schools by June 2024.

As the report was discussed by North Lanarkshire Council’s Education and Families committee, some including Councillor Jim Logue expressed concern that despite support in the form of external grants the service was currently running with an overspend of £400,000.

This issue is currently being discussed with the Scottish Government and future reports will explore the financial position in greater depth.