Battle royal over Gaelic College name

[Nathan]

Chas,

Perhaps I can assist. This is a small local newspaper and everyone local is accustomed to these acronyms and abbreviations, but your point is well taken. MLA is Member of the Legislative Assembly and PC stands for the Progressive Conservative party. Perhaps the writing was unclear but Gaelic is no more "foreign" a language in Nova Scotia or Britain than English ;).

To your second point, I'm not sure about the rumours and innuendo that you are referring to. In my view, they are discussing an official announcement that was made and I think the comments about the historic institutional treatment of Gaelic would stand up to any scrutiny. I also think the public dialogue about the same is what is prompting some people that may not be as well acquainted, to learn their history although having been raised on the island, most people are well versed on the '45 Culloden, Proscription and the Clearances.

From a contemporary perspective, there are certainly two legitimate sides as to whether the historic activities of the Empire and the Province toward Gaelic are sufficient cause for an uproar over this issue in 2013. I'm not taking a position on that here, nor should anyone else (rule #5). I'm just sharing the story because I thought it was very noteworthy for people who may not be aware of the Cape Breton Gaidhealtachd that issues of Highland culture still can make it to modern legislatures and newspapers.

As a point of information, the Gaelic College in question teaches Kilt making, Gaelic language, fiddle, pipes, Highland dancing, step dancing, spinning and other elements of Scottish Gaelic culture. It is a marvelous institution that attracts students and from all over the world.

The current CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Gaelic College, Rodney MacDonald who was quoted in the article is also the former Premier (provincial first minister) of Nova Scotia and is a pretty darn good Scottish fiddler and dancer in his own right.

Slàinte,

Nathan