Scots Language Centre Director, Michael Hance, has responded to criticisms of  plans to encourage children and young people to learn more about the Scots language. In an article in Saturday’s Daily Express which focussed on Scots lesson suggestions on the Learning and Teaching Scotland web site, the language was described as ‘slang’.

Responding to the criticisms, Hance said, ‘The Daily Express represents a view that is totally out of date. Everyone knows that in the past children could be punished and ridiculed for speaking the Scots language. Those days are past but if you take the Daily Express seriously you can see that some people would like them to come back. Scots speakers are guardians of a centuries old culture. Instead of celebrating and making the most of this, the Daily Express believes that our linguistically gifted children should be told to keep their mouths shut and that their language should be ridiculed. Thankfully, this view is not shared by the educational authorities or wider society.’     

LTS - Scots Resurces