Paisley University has become the first Scottish university to offer Gaelic speaking students the chance to study the Gaelic economy as part of their degree.

The new option in Paisley's BA in business economics has been launched in partnership with the national Gaelic development agency CNAG, which has devel-ped the course with Sabhal Mor Ostaig, the Gaelic college on Skye.

David MacCrossan, the agency's economic development director, said the renaissance in the Gaelic language over the past ten years had been led primarily by initiatives in broadcasting, education and the arts.

"As this growth in demand for skills moves into the mainstream of the economy, we are increasingly aware of the need for Gaelic-speaking graduates with a sound grounding in economic principles, business and management theory," he said.

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"This new degree is a major step forward for Gaelic, and proof that there is confidence in its future as part of Scottish business life."

The new option is modelled on existing courses in French, German and Spanish. Students will be able to carry out part of their studies at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, while the Skye college's diploma students will be encouraged to transfer to Paisley to continue to degree level.

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Course leader Mike Danson said Paisley hoped the course would also appeal to Irish Gaelic-speak-ing students, who would be offered a bridging course to their sister lan-guage in Scotland.