Taobh na Pàirce hosts World Gaelic Week climate education workshop

An Edinburgh Gaelic Primary School welcomed Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister of Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, to a climate change workshop we led on 25 February as part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week). 

Ms Forbes met with pupils and staff at Taobh na Pàirce, Edinburgh’s dedicated Gaelic Primary School, to learn more about climate change and the Climate Action Schools programme which is being delivered across Scotland in English and Gaelic. 

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: "Gaelic and the environment are both things worth fighting for and it is wonderful to see them brought together so creatively here at Taobh na Pàirce. 

"The pupils I met today are learning about climate change in Gaelic – and that tells you everything about the language's future. Gaelic is not just alive in our communities and culture, it is alive in our classrooms. 

"World Gaelic Week is the perfect moment to celebrate that.” 

In addition to the climate workshop Keep Scotland Beautiful is running a programme for pupils to carry out research and report on how Gaelic is used in their local area, linked to the World Gaelic Week theme ‘Use it, or lose it’. The charity has also published Iris do Luchd-ionnsachaidh (Zine for Gaelic Learners), a compilation of stories from all ages who show a passion for the language. 

Barry Fisher, our Chief Executive, said: World Gaelic Week is a brilliant opportunity for us to use and celebrate the language, which is embedded in our culture and heritage.  

“I’m delighted that Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes was able to join us and the Primary 6 classes at Taobh na Pàirce to experience the climate workshop being delivered in Gaelic as part of our Climate Action Schools programme. Our climate workshops can be delivered in Gaelic to existing Gaelic speakers and in English to introduce Gaelic language to learners, and we have engaged more than 1,000 pupils through 42 workshops this year.” 

Laura Stewart, Headteacher of Taobh na Pàirce, said: “We were pleased to welcome Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes to our school as part of World Gaelic Week. 

“Our P6 learners greatly benefited from the Climate Change workshops delivered by Keep Scotland Beautiful, which provided engaging, practical ways for children to understand sustainability and take positive action on climate change. Bringing these workshops together with a special celebration assembly also highlighted the importance of embedding Gaelic language and culture across all areas of learning." 

Keep Scotland Beautiful has been able to expand its work to develop and deliver our innovative new learning offer in the Gaelic language thanks to funding from the Scottish Government Gaelic and Scots Division.