BBC presenter Joy Dunlop leads online Gaelic sessions for Melvich Primary and ELC pupils ahead of competitions to design maps and t-shirts
Renowned Gaelic singer and presenter Joy Dunlop led the way as Melvich Primary and Early Learning Centre celebrated World Gaelic Week 2025 with energy and enthusiasm earlier this month.
From February 24 to March 2, pupils in P1-4 and P5-7 participated in engaging online sessions hosted by the BBC Scotland and BBC ALBA weather presenter, immersing themselves in the language through fun and interactive activities.
By the end of the week, students were able to confidently showcase their Gaelic skills by creating a short film about their school, working together in mixed-age groups.
At the end of the week, the whole school gathered to watch the film together, with teachers noting that it been “well received”.
P1-4 teacher, Mrs Eilidh Sutherland, who organised the activities, said: “It was a great week with lots of variety for the children.
“The opportunity to join the online sessions provided by Seachdain na Gàidhlig provided our learners with lots of new Gaelic phrases which we then used to make a short film about our school.”
Students also took part in a national T-shirt design competition to promote World Gaelic Week, while the P5-7 class explored Gaelic place names.
The senior class then participated in a competition organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful, tasked with designing their own maps using Gaelic place names.
P5 pupil Mackenzie Mackay won first place in the national competition.
Teacher Hilary Wilson praised Mackenzie’s achievement.
She said: “We are highly delighted with Mackenzie’s win in this national competition to celebrate Gaelic in our landscape.
“She called her map Eilean an Ròn Bhàin, which means Island of the White Seals, and included some fabulous place names in her detailed key.”
