Makar backs Scottish Studies in classrooms

NATIONAL poet Liz Lochhead has backed an initiative which could lead to Scottish Studies being taught as a stand-alone subject in the country’s schools.

The Makar was due to join Dr Alasdair Allan, the minister for learning, at the first meeting of the Scottish Studies Working Group in Edinburgh today.

The group, which was formed to look at the implementation of the SNP’s commitment to strengthen the presence of Scottish studies in the curriculum, includes representatives from local authorities and academia.

Ms Lochhead said: “I am delighted to have been asked to join the Scottish Studies Working Group at its first meeting. As a supporter of the initiative, I’m looking forward to finding out more.”

Dr Allan said he hoped Scottish Studies may eventually be taught as a subject in Scotland’s schools.

He said: “Ninety per cent of the Scottish public support the teaching of Scottish studies as part of the curriculum and this group is tasked with transforming a government commitment backed by public opinion into action.”