EDM 1607: New Gaelic centre in north Skye

That this House warmly welcomes the commencement of construction work on the £8 million Ionad Thròndairnis (Trotternish Centre) at Flodigarry on the Isle of Skye; notes that this ambitious Gaelic language and culture hub will include a function hall, classrooms for heritage and language learning, a library and digital archive, café, restaurant, and onsite accommodation to help address the chronic shortage of beds in the region; further notes that the project is expected to provide around ten full-time jobs as well as part-time and seasonal opportunities, delivering a vital economic boost to one of Scotland’s most deprived rural areas in terms of income, employment and access to services; recognises the continued vibrancy of Gaelic as a community language in Trotternish, where intergenerational Gaelic-medium education is supported and celebrated; commends the leadership and determination of the Trotternish Trust and local residents in bringing this transformative project to fruition; acknowledges the support of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Community Land Scotland; and celebrates the centre’s future role in safeguarding linguistic and cultural heritage while strengthening community resilience across north Skye.