New branch to support Gaelic learners

Dyslexia Scotland launches GME branch to focus on learner support

Dyslexia Scotland has announced the formal launch of its Scotland-wide Gaelic Medium Education (GME) branch.

The initiative aims to empower every dyslexic child in GME to thrive while providing effective support for parents, carer and educators.

Whilst the branch will maintain a specific focus on Gaelic Medium Education, its purpose aligns with Dyslexia Scotland’s strategic priorities in ensuring equitable opportunities for all children, young people and adults with the learning difference.

Dyslexia Scotland National Development Officer Lena Gillies said: “The launch of this thematic branch is the result of listening to our community. We have identified a significant gap in education provision and are dedicated to actioning grassroots change. Our goal is to ensure that all dyslexic children and young people in GME, their families and educators have adequate support so that learning Gaelic is accessible to everyone now and all future generations.”

The charity is inviting support for the new initiative.

Branch Team Leader Dr Emma Bolger said: “We are currently recruiting Dyslexia Scotland GME team members to help us to formally set up and develop the branch. By joining us, you’ll become an integral part of the Dyslexia Scotland volunteer network, gaining access to resources and valuable networking opportunities with other branch volunteers across the country. This is a vital opportunity to change GME for the better and ensure that the gap closes now.

“We are particularly keen to hear from parents, educators, and other individuals with a background or strong interest in dyslexia and GME. As a parent volunteer with the group you don’t need to be an expert in dyslexia and GME, just be willing to lend your ideas to help raise awareness.”

To mark the formal launch, Dyslexia Scotland will host an online event with Dr Emily Barnes of Trinity College Dublin and encourages anyone with an interest in dyslexia and GME to attend.

According to Bòrd na Gàidhlig, 17 local authorities in Scotland offer GME provision at primary and/or secondary school, including some dedicated Gaelic Medium Education schools. In 2024 – 25 there were 2,011 pupils in secondary GME across 33 schools. An increasing number of early learning and childcare centres, secondary schools and further education centres also provide learning through the medium of Gaelic.