Defying expectations: valuing the engagement of practitioners with research. Insights from minority language education in Scotland

This paper tackles the important question of practitioner engagement and is the first to present an overview of relevant Gaelic medium education research. Following the formal inception in 1985 Gaelic medium education is now more widely available across Scotland. An overview of Gaelic medium education is presented and situates provision within the other Celtic minority languages of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. While considerable achievements have been achieved in the provision of Gaelic medium education, it does mean that researchers have had a finite number of teachers to work with. Given the well-known difficulties of conducting research in applied settings; the noteworthy engagement and participation suggests Gaelic medium teachers are particularly eager to contribute and should be recognised when Gaelic is viewed internationally. The article ends with an outline of potential directions for future work and the scope of research needed to strengthen the developing body of research regarding Gaelic medium education.