ARGYLL AND BUTE LAUNCHES PRE-SCHOOL GAELIC DVD

Argyll and Bute Council is about to launch a new Gaelic DVD for pre-school learners.

‘Cabag’, which features a puppet and presenters engaging in Gaelic songs, games, rhymes and stories, was funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig through Argyll and Bute’s Gaelic Language Act Implementation Fund.

One thousand copies of the free DVD will be distributed, and will be sent not just to Gaelic medium pre-school facilities in Argyll and Bute, but across Scotland.

The DVDs will be accompanied by little glove puppets of Cabag which children can have at home.

Councillor Isobel Strong, Argyll and Bute’s Education and Lifelong Learning spokesperson, said it was just the latest step in the Council’s commitment to Gaelic medium education.

“I’m delighted that we have produced this fun, engaging resource for the youngsters in our Gaelic medium pre-school facilities,” she added.

“Argyll and Bute has offered Gaelic medium education to young people for more than 20 years, and we have significantly expanded our provision within that time.

“Our pre-school facilities are a vital element in the success of our Gaelic education programme, as exposure to the language at a very early age makes it much easier for children to achieve fluency and competency in both Gaelic and English by the end of primary school.

“I am sure that this DVD will be a fantastic addition to the resources available, not just for pre school children in Argyll and Bute, but across Scotland.”

On Monday (October 12), the Council has organised a 30 minute puppet show featuring Cabag at Atlantis Leisure in Oban at 1pm.

The two presenters on the DVD are Linda MacLeod and Derek MacIntosh, and Mairi Morrison is the puppeteer and voice of Cabag.

The DVD was compiled by Benderloch-based Mor Media and Sealladh TV, based in Skye.