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Plenary, 02 Mar 2000

02 Mar 2000 · S1 · Plenary

Item of business

Gaelic

Russell, Michael SNP South of Scotland Watch on SPTV

Well, I think that this is the first debate in Gaelic since the Parliament, or part of it, met in Ardchattan, Argyll in 1309. King Robert the Bruce was in your chair, Presiding Officer, and freedom for Scotland was the first item on the agenda. This is not just a historically symbolic occasion; it is a chance for the Parliament to think about the importance of Gaelic for the Parliament and for Scotland itself.

There is a great need for Gaelic to be at the very heart of government in Scotland. That does not just mean a word or two on a signpost or on a building or two in Edinburgh—there is a need for Gaelic to be present in every Government department and every Government policy and decision. In English, the word for that would be mainstreaming. For instance, I hope that a place will be found for Gaelic signposts in the new national parks.

Things are certainly getting better. The Minister for Highlands and Islands and Gaelic works hard for Gaelic. We welcome that. Last year, for example, young people took part in 30 fèisean. Gaelic is now taught in many schools where, even 10 years ago, children used to go to school without a word of English and got not a word of Gaelic in class.

Nevertheless, today, many parents have a significant question: "Why is there nothing on Gaelic education in the Government's Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Bill?" The National Gaelic Parents Association has submitted a petition to the Parliament putting that very question. The parents at Tollcross Primary School in Edinburgh, whose children are present today, put that question, and the Scottish National party puts that question, too. There is an immediate need for legislation to make clear the right to education in Gaelic. This week, I will write to many of the bodies with an interest in Gaelic regarding the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Bill, and the SNP will consider an amendment to the bill to recognise Gaelic.

As in education, there are many reasons for hope in broadcasting. Fifteen years ago, there was nothing—or nearly nothing—on television in Gaelic, yet Gaelic now has an established place. However, once again, not everything is satisfactory.

The Gaelic Broadcasting Committee's funding is going down year on year. There is a need for stability and, at the end of the day, for a Gaelic channel. A week or two ago, Brian Wilson said that he does not think that there is the money; I am not so sure. As you know, Presiding Officer, not everyone in the chamber is greatly happy with the powers that Westminster still exercises in Scotland. Is it not strange that the Scottish Parliament has no power to make laws on Gaelic broadcasting?

As I said at the beginning, this debate is a great symbol and Scotland is a different place compared with when we last had a debate in this language. However, Gaelic is alive in today's Scotland too—in danger, but alive. If our promises on Scotland's culture are to mean anything, we must make a space for Gaelic—and Scots and English—even though the Government does not believe that there is space on the census for a question on Scots.

Furthermore, we should recognise a place for the other languages in Scotland—the languages from China, Pakistan and India which are spoken in our country and which give welcome life to our culture. If we work for a Scotland like that, perhaps we will reach the kind of Scotland Derick Thomson was thinking of when he wrote:

And if my country attains wholeness
it will not shun boldness
it will not lose its shame
for the cowardliness and barren wisdom of its ways
but will turn its nose to the heights
and the heart of the storm,
rising on confident wings
out of the mist.
It will win the hope
of the sun above the clouds.

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Plenary, 02 Mar 2000

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