Language school

Published on 25/07/2012 00:00

Like Joe Darby (Letters, 24 July), I would welcome more use of the Scots language in our schools. But I do not wish a conflict between Scots and Gaelic – both are part of Scottish culture, and of world culture.

While English is my language of greatest fluency I have found a basic knowledge of Scots and Gaelic useful.

I am unsure what Joe Darby wishes to convey by referring to “tawse swashers”. In the fairly recent past the tawse was used to discourage children in Scottish schools from using either Scots or Gaelic speech.

We may be thankful that the tawse is no longer available in our schools for that purpose.

David Stevenson

Blacket Place

Edinburgh