Mum to open city's only Gaelic-speaking nursery

Marianne Rodgers, a former teacher, struggled to find a Gaelic-speaking nursery for her three children when their daycare centre closed in May.

She failed to find a nursery in the West of Scotland where her youngsters could learn the language, so she decided to set up her own.

Seudan Beaga, Gaelic for Little Treasure, will open in Cathcart at the end of the month.

Marianne, 38, said: "Gaelic was part of my upbringing so I can't imagine life without it.

"I feel strongly about the importance of keeping the Gaelic language alive and know the benefits of bilingualism at a young age."

Marianne's three children - Odhran, 5, Aoife, 4, and two-year-old Joe - went to the Gaelic nursery at Langside College and she wants them to become fluent in the language.

The former Gaelic primary teacher has no previous business experience but felt a facility in Glasgow was too important to lose.

Marianne, originally from Barra, has spent months preparing to open Seudan Beaga and is nearly ready to launch the facility.

The daycare centre will be open from 8am to 5.30pm for children aged two to five.

Youngsters will be immersed in the Gaelic language, with no English spoken at the centre.

Marianne, who is married to Joe, 41, added: "I'm a working mum so I understand how important it is to have facilities that can be relied on and that are open all day.

"I don't have any business experience, so this has been a real challenge, but it's been very worthwhile.

"I really feel there is a need for a facility like this and it would be a shame for the area not to have the option of a Gaelic nursery.

"Gaelic is part of Scotland's heritage and is increasing in popularity in Scotland and I feel it is vital to keep the language alive."

For more information e-mail marianne@seudanbeaga.com