At a launch held at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in late November this year, the Scots Language Ambassador scheme was officially announced. Developed by Education Scotland the scheme is intended to assist the study of the language within the education system and is already proving to be a hit within primary schools.

Education Scotland are looking for Scots speakers from all walks of life to come forward and be paired with a local school and to work alongside their adopted school for a period of three years. The idea is that the Ambassador will help to raise awareness of the language, encourage its use, and create connections with the wider community.  Children will have the opportunity to develop their skills in language and writing, as well as encourage their creativity. In learning about the Scots language, children will not only be able to connect with the cultural traditions of their own family, friends and community but gain a wider linguistic awareness and tolerance.

A number of well-know names have already signed up to the scheme. These include the cast of the Singing Kettle, Robyn Stapleton (winner of Scottish Young Traditional Musician of the year), author James Robertson and poet and Dundee laureate W.N. Herbert.

The scheme is designed to be flexible with Ambassadors and schools agreeing activities to suit them best, such as leading assemblies, writing a blog or newsletter, guest speaking or judging school events.

If you are a Scots speaker and would like to volunteer to take part please contact the Scots Language School Co-ordinators Simon Hall (at simon.hall@educationscotland.gov.uk ) or Katrina Lucas (at Katrina.lucas@educationscotland.gov.uk ).