"The cases of Scots and Gaelic are only marginally different. Because Gaelic is a language on a different branch of the language tree it is able to assert its individuality - and pedigree - with more self-assurance. Arresting its decline, however, poses specific problems that cannot be solved by educational methods alone, although these are vital. Despite having cash spent on it, Gaelic-medium education, in the mass media, in support for its arts, the situation is far from healthy and success is not yet guaranteed. And the ill feeling that this largesse engenders among some Scots speakers can only be represented as one starving beggar struggling with another in a war for crumbs - yet another way of course, to de energise the debate and for certain interests to acheive their intentions."

• Gaelic Home Page
• Sabhal M�r Ostaig (Skye's Gaelic College)