Louise said: 

“My family and I moved to the island seven years ago. We have three daughters: Ellie, who is 21, Imogen, aged 9 and currently in P5, and Amelie, who is 8 and in P4.

“Our two youngest daughters both began their educational journey at Sgoil Àraich Shìaboist, where they settled in immediately. Naturally, we had some initial concerns -however, the incredible staff quickly put our minds at ease. Thanks to the full immersion approach, those early worries disappeared in no time.

“Their confidence and enthusiasm for learning blossomed straight away, and we knew without a doubt that we had made the right decision.

“When I began working in the office at Sgoil nan Loch, the girls moved with me. Once again, thanks to the support of more fantastic staff, they settled in seamlessly.

“Imogen started P1 during the first year of Covid, which brought its own challenges—especially as we had no Gaelic at home. However, we were determined to make it work for the girls.

“We embraced Gaelic in every way we could: watching BBC Alba, listening to Gaelic radio, and enjoying Gaelic music. My husband even started learning Gaelic on Duolingo, and together with the girls, we soon picked up Gaelic phonics and vocabulary.

“They have had opportunities to compete at the Mod, in both solo competitions with and in the school choir.  They have been learning new instruments with Torman in Breasclete and even had the opportunity recently to visit Wee Studio.  Even our eldest Ellie is learning Gaelic as an Educational Attainment Apprentice with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

“Choosing Gaelic Medium Education has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our family. The progress our daughters have made, both in language and confidence, speaks for itself—we’re so glad we made this choice.”