Published: Thursday, 8th January, 2009 10:30am

Parents should learn Gaelic with their children

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WOULD it not be a great boost for one of Scotland's most precious and enduring treasures if all those couples while still in the "considering parenthood" stage took up Gaelic language learning so that they are ready to begin teaching their child the language from day one?

There are so many positive benefits to be gained from this action, not only for the parents but their child and of course Scotland, that really it seems a pity not to do it.

Picture it, a family all working together on a unique and entirely beneficial purpose, with no downside.

And let us not forget the many family bonding opportunities and rewards that are to be gained from such a joint effort.

Then again, if enough parents and their offspring became fluent in Gaelic, would that not significantly ensure a much brighter future for the language in Scotland?

Finally, it is worth saying that for too long parents have not been seen as an important factor in their child learning Gaelic.

Fortunately, that view is changing and not before time! For they are indeed absolutely vital if we truly want a child to be fluent in Gaelic before the age of three years.

And we most certainly do, if Gaelic is to be here for their children.

Fionnlagh M Macleoid, Chief Executive, Comhairle Nan Sgoiltean Araich, Inverness.