Adam Keltie's Testimonial
The Western Isles are home to a rich Gaelic heritage, and Gaelic Medium Education (GME) plays a vital role in keeping this language and culture alive for future generations. For Adam Keltie, who comes from an English-speaking family but was raised in North Uist, choosing GME for his children was a clear and meaningful decision.
Although Adam himself has a basic understanding of Gaelic, his children are now fluent speakers, thanks to their education through GME. This experience highlights one of the key benefits of GME: it gives children the opportunity to become confident bilingual speakers, opening doors to greater cognitive skills, stronger academic performance, and a deeper connection to their community’s culture.
“Gaelic Medium Education has given my children something I didn’t have growing up—a complete fluency in the language of the islands. It’s incredible to see them switch between Gaelic and English so easily. They’re not just learning a language; they’re living the culture, understanding where they come from, and carrying that forward,” said Adam.
For families like Adam’s, GME is more than an educational choice—it’s about identity and belonging. Gaelic is the language of the land, stories, and songs that define the Western Isles. By raising fluent Gaelic speakers, communities strengthen their cultural roots and ensure that the language remains a living, everyday part of island life.
“Even though I didn’t grow up speaking Gaelic fluently, I knew how important it was for my children to have that connection. Gaelic ties us all together here. It’s part of our history, but it’s also part of our future. My kids are growing up proud of their heritage, and GME has been central to that,” Adam added.
The success of GME in the Western Isles demonstrates the power of education in revitalising language and culture. It bridges generations, fosters inclusivity, and
celebrates the unique identity of the islands. Through Gaelic Medium Education, the Western Isles are not only preserving their past but also shaping a confident, culturally rich future.
Tha Adhamh Cealtach a’ roinn turas a theaghlaich le FMG agus a’ bruidhinn air cho cudromach ’s a tha a’ Ghàidhlig don chultar agus don choimhearsnachd.
Tha na h-Eileanan Siar dachaigh do dhualchas beairteach Gàidhlig, agus tha Foghlam tro Mheadhan na Gàidhlig (FMG) a’ cluich pàirt deatamach ann a bhith a’ gleidheadh na cànain agus a’ chultair seo airson ghinealaichean an ama ri teachd. Do Adhamh Cealtach, a thàinig bho theaghlach Beurla ach a chaidh a thogail ann an Uibhist a Tuath, b’ e co-dhùnadh soilleir is cudromach a bh’ ann FMG a thaghadh dha chloinn.
Ged nach eil aig Adhamh ach tuigse bhunaiteach air a’ Ghàidhlig fhèin, tha a chlann a-nis fileanta sa chànan, le taing don fhoghlam aca tro FMG. Tha an t-eòlas seo a’ soilleireachadh aon de na prìomh bhuannachdan a tha aig FMG: tha e a’ toirt cothrom do chlann a bhith nan luchd-labhairt dà-chànanach misneachail, a’ fosgladh dhorsan gu sgilean inntinneil nas fheàrr, coileanadh acadaimigeach nas làidire, agus ceangal nas doimhne ri cultar na coimhearsnachd aca.
“Tha Foghlam tro Mheadhan na Gàidhlig air rudeigin a thoirt dha mo chlann nach robh agam fhìn fhad ’s a bha mi a’ fàs suas—fileantachd iomlan ann an cànan nan eilean. Tha e iongantach fhaicinn mar a bhios iad a’ gluasad cho nàdarra eadar a’ Ghàidhlig agus a’ Bheurla. Chan eil iad dìreach ag ionnsachadh cànan; tha iad a’ fuireach a’ chultair, a’ tuigsinn cò às a thàinig iad, agus a’ giùlan sin leotha,” thuirt Adhamh.
Do theaghlaichean mar theaghlach Adhamh, tha FMG nas motha na dìreach roghainn foghlaim—tha e mu dheidhinn dearbh-aithne agus buinteanas. Is e a’ Ghàidhlig cànan na tìre, nan sgeulachdan agus nan òran a tha a’ mìneachadh nan Eilean Siar. Le bhith a’ togail luchd-labhairt fileanta, tha coimhearsnachdan a’ neartachadh am freumhan cultarail agus a’ dèanamh cinnteach gum fuirich a’ Ghàidhlig na pàirt bheò, làitheil de bheatha nan eilean.
