The Highland Council is to receive £3m over two years to construct a new Gaelic school in Portree, Skye.

The announcement was unveiled by Minister for Scotland's Languages Alasdair Allan.

In addition to the £3m, an additional £250,000 is also set to be invested in Gaelic learning for early years.

Visiting the site, where building work is due to commence in 2015, Minister Allan said: "The new Gaelic school in Portree is being created as a result of extensive consultation and a continued demand for parents to offer children bilingual education.

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"This funding recognises the growing interest in Gaelic medium education in the Highlands, and all across Scotland, and is part of our commitment to encourage a new generation of speakers.

"The additional £250,000 for early years will support younger children and will build on the excellent work that Highland Council has done to take Gaelic beyond the classroom and create activities for all ages to use the language in day to day life."

Minister Allan also paid a visit to Elgin Hostel where the new early years accommodation will be situated until the school is built. He was joined by Eilean a Cheò Ward Councillors Drew Millar and Hamish Fraser, who is also Chairman of the Council's Gaelic Implementation Group.

Councillor Fraser added: "The support of the Scottish Government for this exciting new Gaelic Medium Primary School is very welcome indeed. Skye is a heartland of the Gaelic language in the Highlands and I have absolutely no doubt that the new standalone school in Portree will prove a great success and nurture many more Gaelic speakers."

(JP/IT)