An Comunn Gàidhealach Publications > School, Gaelic and the community : paper to local authority councillors = An sgoil, a' Ghaidhlig 's a' choimhearsnachd : paipear gu Comhairlichean nan Ughdarras Ionadail

7. It is acknowledged that there are many reasons for closing primary
schools, and that there are also reasons for keeping them open. Surely,
if Gaelic is in danger on account of closure, that is something worthy
of consideration, because, connected with Gaelic are culture,
literature and a way of life.
8. Sometimes the number of pupils in a school diminishes to such an
extent that that school has to be closed. When that happens, the
community has already undergone change. But there are many schools,
which do not have a very large roll of pupils, which enhance the
heritage and identity of the community. It is worth remembering that
Gaelic is a valuable heritage in which language, music, culture and
way of life are entwined.
9. The strength of Gaelic is very important for learners of the language,
and for those who have an interest in the language. Gaelic is strongest
in community schools, which are frequently situated in remote areas.
We are not only interested in maintaining the number of speakers who
already exist, but in increasing the number so that more people will
be able to speak our language. There is no doubt that the closure of
primary schools will have an effect on Gaelic.
10. Eventually decisions will have to be arrived at. It is hoped that, in
arriving at those decisions, the case for Gaelic will receive
consideration. It has been said that a land without its own language
is a land without a soul. Surely this holds good for the community too.
In schools where Gaelic receives little or no attention at the moment,