Gloves off for Gaelic in the North East

Roaring out of the Red Corner – and red in tooth and claw where Gaelic is concerned, comes Labour Councillor Deirdre Mackay who has criticised Highland Council’s efforts to provide accommodation and support for pupils in Gaelic-medium schools.

At a recent meeting of Brora Community Council, the East Sutherland and Edderton Councillor labelled HIghland Council’s efforts to develop Gaelic education in the area as elitist. She also criticised the provisions introduced by the last Labour-Liberal Democrat Scottish Executive to promote the language.

On the counter attack and tearing out of the Blue Corner (or egg-yolk yellow corner), comes the SNP’s Highland & Islands MSP, Dave Thompson, a known supporter of measures to develop the use of the Gaelic language.

He describes Ms MacKay’s remarks as unwarranted discrimination and thinly disguised racism.

Moreover,  he has lodged a motion at Holyrood condemning what he sees as her attacks on one of Scotland’s native tongues, calling:

• for Labour MSPs to distance themselves from her unacceptable attitude towards Gaelic
• for Councillor Mackay’s employer, Labour MSP Peter Peacock, to consider her position.

Mr Thompson says: ‘Her comments are completely unacceptable and should be condemned by all right thinking people.  They have echoes of the proscription of all things Highland following the ’45 and must not be allowed to go unchallenged.

‘The Councillor’s attitude shows an ignorance of Scotland’s culture and heritage and it is important for all MSPs, especially Labour MSPs, to quickly distance themselves from her extreme, anti-Gaelic position.

‘This is especially the case for her employer, Labour MSP Peter Peacock, and the Labour group on Highland Council, who must give serious consideration to her position.

‘Councillor Mackay has put herself in an invidious position.  She must immediately retract her remarks and apologise for her intemperate outburst.’

The bell has rung for the end of Round 1 where the points show Mr Thomson ahead.

Round 2?