Gaelic speaking students from Portree High School, Scotland arrived in Nova Scotia and will be visiting from Oct. 8 to 15.
The students are visiting schools and sites in Cape Breton that have Gaelic programming to learn about the language, culture and identity of Gaels in Nova Scotia.
An agreement signed by Highland Council, Scotland and Gaelic Affairs, Nova Scotia supports initiatives for development through education, culture and tourism and any other related economic activities.
“We congratulate the efforts of the Portree High School teachers, students, parents and all community members who supported the efforts to organize this Gaelic language and cultural initiative,” said Hamish Fraser, councilor and chair of the Gaelic Implementation Group, Highland Council, Scotland. “Continued connections between Gaels in both Scotland and Nova Scotia contribute in meaningful ways to Gaelic language and cultural development in our respective regions.”
“At Portree High School, our goal is to establish greater links so students on both sides of the ocean can benefit through greater awareness, understanding and language and cultural skills sharing,” said Ruairidh MacVicar, department for Gàidhlig at Portree High School
“Educational trips like this help to raise awareness of Nova Scotia’s Gaelic community and allows both regions to connect and build longer term relationships,” said Gaelic Affairs Minister Randy Delorey. “I would like to congratulate the students from Portree for their commitment to continue to learn about and share the Gaelic language and culture.”
While in Nova Scotia the students will visit and interact with Gaelic students, staff and community members at Dalbrae Academy, Bayview Educational Centre, Baile nan Gàidheal / Highland Village, Sgoil MhicFhraing a’ Chaolais (Rankin School of the Narrows), Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College, An Drochaid (The Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society).
For information about Gaels’ language, culture and identity in Nova Scotia go to http://gaelic.novascotia.ca.
Source: Release