Holyrood congrats for Uist School

MSP John Finnie lodged a motion of congratulations at the Scottish Parliament.

Sgoil an Iochdar in Uist has been recognised in Parliament after a successful year that saw the school awarded Gaelic School status for the first time.

The Highlands and Islands’ Green MSP John Finnie has lodged a motion of congratulations at Holyrood, listing just a few of the highlights from the school year.

Volunteer Ronnie MacPhee is singled out for particular thanks, as he retires after leading the school’s youth club for 17 years.

Mr Finnie said: “It’s fantastic to see a school so connected to the local community.

“The imagination and dedication of teachers, and the close involvement and support of parents, is what makes Sgoil an Iochdar able to offer such a varied and fun programme of events and clubs.

“The school’s success in Gaelic is particularly impressive, given it only became a Gaelic School this year.

“Their joint project with Sgoil Dhalabroig saw children – including English-medium pupils - write and perform their own Gaelic plays and took the two schools to joint runner-up in the Scottish Education Awards.

“And Sgoil an Iochdar not only hosted the Uist Provincial Mod, but won more points than any other primary school, including the most points in Gaelic.

“I’m especially grateful for the school community’s welcome to families fleeing the war in Syria. The Parent Council’s offer to help refugee families settle into Uist life exemplifies the warm, active and open-minded community spirit.”