4.2.2 A practical answer
There are also more pragmatic reasons why parents and others show an interest in learning Gaelic – or having their children learn it - namely that there is a wide range of career opportunities for which Gaelic is at least an advantage and often a requirement.
Here are some examples of people who use Gaelic in their work.
Iain’s story
‘I am from South Uist and I have lived here almost all my life. I was brought up speaking Gaelic – apparently when I went to school I had very little English! I studied at Stirling University, graduating from there with a degree in English literature in 2008 I am now working for the BBC as a journalist in Uist and Barra, travelling between the islands to report on local news. When I am not doing that I can usually be found working on the family croft.’
Sìne’s story
‘I was born and raised in Cape Breton, Canada where I and my three brothers grew up speaking Gaelic. I came to Scotland in 1998 and took a degree in the Gaelic College, Skye. I trained as a teacher and am now a Gaelic medium primary teacher in the Highlands. My husband and I live in Inverness and we have a little girl.’