Embrace Gaelic

Andrew Gray (Letters, 29 August) says people who write in support of Gaelic are influenced by their politics. This not a universal truth and, in asserting it, Mr Gray displays a consummate mastery of the art of unconscious irony.

He then treats us to a history lesson of the evolution of language in Scotland which is interesting if a little subjective and flawed. He asks us to embrace the fact that English and Scots are the first languages of Scotland, but this is to miss the point that the richness of Scottish culture is very much related to its diversity, and if we allow languages and dialects to die out we will be all the poorer for it.

The letter on Gaelic from Ewan McIntyre (28 August) elegantly captures the lyrical poetry and powerful imagery which is fundamental to Gaelic and which can make its English equivalents seem prosaic by comparison. So perhaps it’s time for Mr Gray to embrace the fact that Gaelic has a proud place in our history which is worthy of respect.

DOUGLAS TURNER

Derby Street

Edinburgh