Teaching Gaelic

Those who discuss the promotion of Gaelic seem to think it matters whether or not it was historically “the first language” of this country (John Coutts, 
Letters, 1 September) or whether it used to be spoken in all parts or only some parts.

The suggestion seems to be that if Gaelic was the original language of this country then of course it must be actively promoted by institutions like Gaelic-medium schools and signposts in Gaelic.

May I suggest that how things used to be does not determine what should happen now? After all, we used to burn lots of witches, but it is not plausible to say that witch-burning is “a precious part of our heritage” etc.

Paul Brownsey

Larchfield Road

Glasgow