The growth of Gaelic education in Edinburgh

Come and be part of a unique discussion event where we unite past and present Gaelic educators in Edinburgh to share their personal journeys and discuss their visions for the advancement of Gaelic learning. This gathering will highlight the remarkable progress of Gaelic education within the city. Gaelic was first introduced in secondary schools in 1956, followed by the establishment of a Gaelic Medium Education (GME) unit at Tollcross Primary School in 1988. Subsequently, a secondary GME unit was set up at James Gillespie’s High School in 1994. Due to increasing demand at Tollcross, parents advocated for a standalone Gaelic primary school, leading to the opening of Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce in Leith in 2013. Today, Taobh na Pàirce boasts over 400 students, while James Gillespie’s hosts 300 Gaelic-medium learners.

The event will be conducted in English and will feature musical performances by current and former GME students.

**About the Panelists**
– Donna MacIver serves as a Depute Head Teacher at James Gillespie’s High School.
– Karen Reid holds the position of Depute Head Teacher at Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce.
– Mona Wilson is currently the acting Programme Director of Primary Education with Gaelic at the Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh. She was also the inaugural teacher at the Gaelic unit in Tollcross Primary School.
– The discussion will be moderated by Professor Matthew MacIver, who previously served as Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and as Chief Executive of the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

**About Edinburgh 900**
In celebration of the city’s 900th anniversary, these events narrate Edinburgh’s evolution across the ages—from its origins as the City of David in the 12th century to its modern identity as the City of Diversity in the 21st century.

This event is the third in a series of four focused on Gaelic in Edinburgh, hosted by Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann.

**Note: This is a ticketed event.**