UHI Millennium Institute - Gaelic funding sparks row

The prospective University of the Highlands and Islands has become embroiled in a row over funding for its Gaelic language courses. Bord na Gaidhlig, the agency that allocates cash to support Gaelic, is facing questions over the distribution of £3 million in grants to organisations linked to its board members. In just one of a series of potential conflicts of interest, UHI Millennium Institute received funds to support its Gaelic language plan. Annie MacSween, head of Gaelic at Lews Castle College - one of the UHI partner colleges - sits on Bord na Gaidhlig's board. Mary Scanlon, Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, has called for all payments made by the quango to be reviewed.