A Gaelic playgroup helped by a £5,000 start-up grant is looking forward to the new year.
Up to 20 youngsters a week are turning up to Friday term-time sessions at the Furan Gaelic Centre at Oban’s Corran Halls from 10am to noon since Pàrant is Pàisde an Òbain started in September.
The funding from Argyll and Bute Council came from its Gaelic support pot.
Families are travelling from across Oban, Appin, Kilmelford and Taynuilt to join in the fun, says group chairperson Kerrie Kennedy.
The group recently had a special visit from Santa, who called in at its Christmas party where children had great fun enjoying games and music, and they were joined by children from Rockfield Primary’s Gaelic nursery, who regularly go along to the weekly meet-ups which get to use the Furan centre for free.
“Everyone says how warm and welcoming our group is. It’s a very interactive group and we’ve got a great diverse committee, from Gaelic speakers to Gaelic beginners and those who are exploring the Gaelic world.
“We are seeing lots of families and different faces every week and we are hoping our group will help increase the numbers of children eventually going in to the Gaelic units at Oban and Appin.
“We’re looking forward to an exciting year ahead,” said Kerrie, as she also thanked the Furan Gaelic Centre’s development officer Duncan MacNeill for his “amazing” support and enthusiasm.
“The group was something that Duncan really wanted to see happen. He’s a huge and amazing support. The kids love him,” she added.
