In brief...Promotion of the Scots language

Nursery teachers, playgroup leaders and parents are being urged to help spread the Scots language 10 deepen young people's understanding of their cultural roots and promote social inclusion. A workshop last weekend, organised by the Perth-based Scots Language Resource Centre (SLRC), was held in Aberfeldy as part of the town's three-day Heart of Scotland Music Festival. Folksinger Maureen Jelks, who has worked with children in schools in Angus, Dundee, Fife and Stirlingshire, used nursery rhymes and songs to introduce listeners to the joys of the Scots language. However, English remains the language associated with authority, said SLRC national information officer Sine Robertson. It's well known that English students at university say what they think while Scottish students sit at the back of the class. They believe they lack the authority.' She said the purpose of the workshop was to show children that the Scots language is an important part of their cultural heritage and a way of empowering them to use their voices.' For details of the activities of the Scots Language Resource Centre, phone 01738 440199.