Gaelic debate is about road safety

Published: 09 May, 2008

SIR – Gaelic is a beautiful language; spoken, heard, sung and written. My daughter attended the Gaelic-medium playgroup in Thurso for a while and profited by the experience.

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There is no doubt that exposure to other languages enhances brain development and adds an extra dimension to life. Communicating in other languages is fun and is a reminder that we are all fellow stewards of Planet Earth.

However, this does not alter the truth that if one doubles the content of a road sign it takes twice as long to read. If one is a foreigner (drawn to our unique green corner of Scotland) then this extra information, coupled with driving on the opposite side, can only add to the ever-present danger on the roads. Split seconds count at 60 mph. The debate regarding bilingual road signs is not about being negative about Gaelic. It is about being positive about road safety.

How no let ivry pairt o e Heilans hev e signs inn hids oun style?

Peter Darmady, Breckster, Upper Camster.