GAELIC is alive and well in Inverclyde — and a new leaflet aims to spread the message to local people and cruise ship visitors.

The Gaelic Heritage leaflet was launched in Greenock town centre, and is available at information stands and libraries throughout Inverclyde.

Pupils from Whinhill Primary’s Gaelic Unit performed songs and poetry at the event in Clyde Square and introductions were made in Gaelic by Alain Campbell, development officer for the language in Inverclyde.

The leaflet was produced by Inverclyde Gaelic Learners Group, and explains the importance of the language and culture to Inverclyde.

Group chair, Mary McGlashan, says it features interesting information about the history of the Gaels in the area, and brings the story up-to-date by detailing what is happening now to keep the language alive. 

The group, which meets in the South West library every Friday morning, has been going for eight years and is tutored by Margaret MacLeod, formerly of the Gaelic folk group, Na h-Òganaich. 

Mary said: “The idea to produce a leaflet came from the realisation that our local history had been forgotten, and that there was an interesting story to tell about Gaeldom in Inverclyde.

“Emigration to the new world started from Greenock, but many Gaels settled here, helping to build ships and finding work as nurses and policemen, so the language was spoken throughout the towns.” 

The leaflet was funded through a grant to voluntary organisations awarded by Inverclyde Council’s community learning and development department.

Mary added: “Around 15,000 have been printed and, as well as being of interest to local people, the leaflet is designed to appeal to visitors, especially those who disembark from the many cruise ships that visit the town. 

“It even contains some simple Gaelic words and phrases for tourists to try out.”