Prince hails 'miracle' survival of Gaelic

THE Prince of Wales backed efforts to develop Gaelic yesterday after declaring that it was a "miracle" the language had survived.

During a visit to Sabhal Mor Ostaig, the Gaelic college on Skye, Prince Charles told staff and students the work of the college was vital to people across the globe learning about minority languages.

He said: "If Gaelic dies in Scotland, it dies in the world. If it flourishes here, it sends out a message of inspiration and optimism."

After touring the college, the prince, dressed in a kilt in Lord of the Isles tartan, said: "The great thing about it is that it provides an opportunity to recognise that this college is a centre of excellence and a symbol of what can be achieved by people who care enough to turn dreams into reality.

"Scotland faces many challenges as well as great opportunities. And Scottish life is greatly enriched by the Gaelic dimension. The miracle is that Gaelic has survived at all. This college is a powerful statement of what Gaelic can achieve."

The prince met pupils from the local primary school at Sleat and was then taken on a tour of the Arainn Chaluim Chille (the Saint Columba Campus) by Norman Gillies, the college’s director.

Mr Gillies said later: "We were delighted to welcome Prince Charles on this, his second visit as college patron. It was an extremely positive visit and we were greatly encouraged by His Royal Highness’ statement which highlighted the work of the college and the importance of the Gaelic language to Scotland as a whole."

The campus, which opened in 1999, is next to the original college site, which has provided short courses in Gaelic music and language since the 1970s. The prince last visited 11 years ago.

The college, which has 110 full-time students this year, is one of the partners in the UHI Millennium Institute, the body that hopes to create a university of the Highlands and Islands by 2007.

It offers three degree-level courses as well as beginner classes for those with an interest in the Gaelic language.

Prince Charles’ visit came ahead of the second draft of the long-awaited Gaelic Language Bill which will be unveiled today.

The Bill, expected to be on the statute books next year, will promote the use of Gaelic across Scotland. A national plan for the development of the language will be produced by 2006.