The project focuses on Scottish Gaelic culture and heritage, particularly its lasting impact in the Cumbernauld area.

It will involve pupils who attend Greenfaulds High School, as well as young people in the wider school community aged 3-18 who will be invited to participate in various competitions associated with the project, including drawing, design, and photography.

As part of the project, the artist Alan Potter will work alongside pupils at Greenfaulds High School to create a series of eye-catching large-scale mosaics, to be displayed throughout the school, with an emphasis on identity, exploring Gaelic culture and heritage. Pupils will learn a range of new skills and will participate in activities inspired by Gaelic culture and heritage. Further activities embedded within this project will include participants exploring literature surrounding folktales, as well as study trips to museums and art galleries.

There are many local ties to Scottish Gaelic culture and heritage in the Cumbernauld area and the project aims to recognise, celebrate, and commemorate the influence of Gaelic culture on the history, traditions, and language of Scotland. Greenfaulds High School offers Gaelic provision, alongside mainstream education, and Aithne will inspire an increasing number of young people to learn Gaelic, as well as discover more about their Scottish heritage.

Greenfaulds High School Head Teacher Jamie Vaughn-Sharp:

“As a school, we are absolutely delighted to receive such a fantastic level of support thanks to National Lottery players.  The project that our school is undertaking to celebrate our community’s Gaelic heritage will engage our pupils, their families and the wider community.  As a school community that places inclusion at the heart of our practice, the ability to recognise and celebrate a key part of our inclusive community is very exciting.”