To ask the Scottish Government what plans there are for the future provision of Gaelic education in primary schools in the Glasgow Anniesland constituency. (S6O-03836)

The Scottish Government supports Glasgow City Council to ensure that primary Gaelic provision meets parental demand. Children in the Glasgow Anniesland constituency currently access Gaelic primary education at Sgoil Gàidhlig Ghlaschu in Finnieston, and the council is expanding primary provision across the city, with the opening of a fourth Gaelic-medium education primary school in the Calton area. Through the Scottish Languages Bill, the Scottish Government is amending the Education (Scotland) Act 2016 to enhance the parental right to ask local authorities to assess the demand for Gaelic-medium education in their communities.

We know that the situation is all over the place at the minute, but there are reports that the United Kingdom Chancellor of the Exchequer is planning to slash capital spending budgets by as much as 10 per cent—a massive figure. That has alarmed a number of parents in my constituency who are concerned about the impact that such deep cuts would have on education, particularly in Gaelic. Will the cabinet secretary say how such proposed cuts would affect Scotland? Will she reassure my constituents of the Scottish Government’s continuing commitment to supporting education in the face of continuing Labour austerity and, in particular, to the provision and expansion of Gaelic education?

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of capital funding, which, as members will know, has contributed to the growth of Gaelic-medium education over recent years. Among other sources, such as Scottish Government funding for local authority projects and local authorities’ own allocations, the Gaelic schools capital fund has been an important source of funding for a range of projects in Gaelic-medium classes, schools and community facilities.

The Scottish Government’s Gaelic capital fund was established in 2008 and has been important for the continued growth of Gaelic education and for the language’s revitalisation. It has also provided wider benefits to Scottish society.

The fund has supported Glasgow City Council and other local authorities, and decisions on the future of the capital fund will be made later this year. However, I recognise the challenge that the member mentioned with regard to decisions that are taken elsewhere, which ultimately impact on decisions that are taken by this Government, particularly those on capital funding.