Glasgow's second Gaelic school to open in Pollokshields area

A second Gaelic school is to open in Glasgow to meet spiralling demand for bilingual education.

The £800,000 facility, which will house up to 200 pupils, will be located in Pollokshields. It is part of a five-year plan to revitalise the language.

Work will begin in September with completion expected in early 2015.

The city's first Gaelic School opened in 1999 for primary pupils, then relocated to the site of the former Woodside Secondary School in 2006.

Announcing the move, Minister for Learning Alastair Allan said: "The continued increase in demand for Gaelic medium education in Glasgow clearly demonstrates that parents are not only recognising the impressive learning benefits that come with a bilingual education, but that we are securing a sustainable and vibrant future for the language in future generations.

"I am delighted to announce this latest funding and look forward to work beginning on the school to create an environment that will inspire pupils and school staff throughout their time there."

'Very welcome'

The Scottish government wants to double the number of five-year-olds going into Gaelic classes over the next five years.

Currently 1% of young Scots are learning the Celtic language of their country, compared to 7% in Ireland and 21% in Wales.

Glasgow City Council's executive member for education, Councillor Stephen Curran, said the money allocated for the new school was "very welcome".

"Along with investment from Glasgow City Council, the provision will create opportunities for over 200 Gaelic-speaking pupils.

"The new school will help provide progression for teachers in Gaelic medium education by extending their prospects in the city and alleviate the pressure on the Woodside campus," he said.