History in Europe: Gaelic spoken for first time
The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Michael Russell will make history by speaking in Gaelic at a European Council meeting in Brussels on Tuesday May 11.
Mr Russell will be attending the education and youth elements of the Education, Youth and Culture Council where he will make a short speech on youth issues in Gaelic. An interpretation will be provided for Ministers and representatives from the other 26 member states.
The move comes after Gaelic was given co-official status as a language of the European Union and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Permanent Representation to the EU (UKRep) and the Scottish Government in October 2009.
The Education Secretary said: ‘It is a great honour to be the first ever Minister to deliver a speech in Gaelic at Council.
‘The Scottish Government is committed to a sustainable future for the Gaelic language. I can think of no better way to promote the language within Europe than at a Council meeting which, by definition, encourages and promotes multilingualism.
‘Gaelic is more than a language. It is an important part of Scotland’s social, cultural and economic life. The economic benefits and potential of Gaelic are significant. I am looking forward to representing Scotland and the Gaelic language on Tuesday.’
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