Bursary Supports Gaelic-language Education

Nova Scotians interested in improving their understanding and use of the Gaelic language will be able to further their study with a new bursary program funded by the government of Scotland and administered by Gaelic Affairs.

The bursary will support five Nova Scotians attending language training in Scotland with travel, meal and accommodation costs. Individual bursaries will be valued at about $3,100.

"Language learning can occur more quickly through immersion and this new bursary program from the Scottish government will provide this opportunity for Nova Scotians," said Gaelic Affairs Minister Maureen MacDonald. "The province is pleased to help promote the program through Gaelic Affairs and its community partners."

Recipients will enrol in Gaelic-language study at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, a national centre for Gaelic language and culture, in Alba, Scotland. They will choose a Gaelic dialect as a focus for their study and interview a native Gaelic speaker of the dialect to learn more about the language and its related cultural customs, practices, values and beliefs.

"With links between Scotland and Nova Scotia so strong, it made perfect sense to open up Gaelic language training in Scotland to a small number of Nova Scotians," said Scotland's Minister of Gaelic Alasdair Allan. "I will be delighted to welcome the successful candidates to our shores later in the year."

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and permanent residents of Nova Scotia to qualify for the bursary. They must submit a detailed letter of application outlining their experience and commitment to using the language along with a letter of reference and proof of acceptance to study in Scotland.

The deadline for applications is May 11.

Information about applying to the bursary program is available by contacting Lewis MacKinnon at Gaelic Affairs at 902-424-4298 or emailing <mackinle@gov.ns.ca.>