SNP seeks talks over languages

THE Scottish Government is seeking an “urgent” meeting with diplomats after they raised concerns about cuts to the number of foreign language assistants in Scotland’s schools.

Consul generals from five of Scotland’s major trading partners – France, Germany, Italy, Spain and China – have expressed their joint concern over an 80 per cent fall in the number of foreign language assistants teaching in Scotland’s schools over the past five years.

Dr Alasdair Allan, minister for learning and skills, said: “I share the concern expressed by the consuls general … and this government takes their views very seriously. ”