The Highland Council Gaelic team worked in partnership with Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba (AÀA) to organise and deliver the project Facal is Fearann to schools in the Isle of Skye.
Gaelic medium pupils attending Portree High School, Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh and Staffin Primary School took part in the project, an etymology pilot course aimed at Gaelic medium pupils in P4-7 and secondary pupils in S1-S2.
The project aims to provide pupils with an understanding of the basics of place-name construction and element meanings, map reading and drawing skills and the importance of preserving place-names and their meanings.
Councillor Calum Munro, chairperson of Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee said: “I am delighted to hear about this exciting new project with Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba, which has been a hugely enriching learning experience for the children. It is important that we continue to offer our Gaelic medium pupils the opportunity to engage in initiatives that enable them to think about Gaelic place-names within their own local communities and the history connected to the local place-names.”
Eilidh Scammell, project manager at Gaelic Place-names of Scotland said: “Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba are delighted to be involved in the Facal is Fearann project with The Highland Council Gaelic Team.”
She continued: “Teaching children about the Gaelic landscape and how place-names are formed plays an important role in securing the Gaelic language for future generations and broadening our understanding of the role Gaelic plays in our landscape.”
Portree High School headteacher Tony Breen said: “I am delighted that our young people had the opportunity to engage with the Facal is Fearann project. They have had the opportunity to strengthen their links with the community while also learning to make connections between their own local history, geography, and Gaelic heritage. Our pupils were engaged and enthusiastic, and we are grateful to Highland Council’s Gaelic Team and Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba for this opportunity.”