Skip to main content
Site logo

Main navigation

  • About Us
  • Join Us
  • News
  • People
  • Get Involved
  • Campaigns
  • Contact
  • Western Isles
Site logo

Statement from Donald Cameron on Gaelic-medium school education

  • Tweet
Friday, 24 January, 2020
  • Local News

Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has reiterated his longstanding support for the provision of Gaelic-medium education.

Mr Cameron said: “Personally, I support the decision of the Comhairle to change the default position to Gaelic at P1, not least because parents can still opt out and choose English medium education for their children if they so wish. Ultimately, this is a matter for the local authority taking into account the specific, indeed unique, circumstances in the Western Isles."

“Bilingualism is plainly beneficial. We are all aware of the mistakes of the last century, where one language was promoted at the total exclusion of the other. In terms of this policy, I am very confident that council officials will ensure that parents who do “opt out” are not marginalised in any way."

“It’s also important the policy is deliverable across the Western Isles in light of the challenges we face in recruiting GME teachers on a national level. The Scottish Conservatives have long supported Gaelic for over 40 years both in government at UK level, and latterly in the Scottish Parliament, where MSPs such as Liz Smith, myself and others regularly promote the language."

“As the Vice-Convenor of the Cross-Party Group on Gaelic, I’ve frequently argued for the need to depoliticise the language, given the ongoing threat to the very existence of Gaelic itself.” 

 

You may also be interested in

Young Conservatives

Active participation in democracy is your right.  In Scotland you can vote in Scottish Parliament and local council elections from the age of 16, and in UK Parliament elections from the age of 18. But you can do so much more than just vote: by joining the Scottish Conservatives you can be an a

Conservatives vote against Labour's useless welfare bill

Wednesday, 2 July, 2025
In an act of cowardice, Keir Starmer has put Party before country. He cannot make the tough decisions necessary.

Show only

  • Articles
  • Holyrood News
  • Local News
  • National News
  • Opinions
  • Reports
  • Westminster News

Donate

We rely on the support of individuals like you.

Donate now

Join or Renew

Help us take action on local issues and build a better Britain.

accepted-payment-cards

Highland Conservatives

Footer

  • About RSS
  • Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Privacy
  • About us
  • Get involved
Scottish ConservativesPromoted by D Pocock on behalf of Highland Conservative and Unionist Association, all at 109 Church Street, Inverness, IV1 1EY
Copyright 2025 Highland Conservatives. All rights reserved.
Powered by Bluetree