The city is to press the Scottish Executive and other authorities to support a specialist secondary to build on the progress in primary. At least 800 pupils would be needed before it could get off the ground.

Glasgow currently offers secondary subjects in Gaelic at Hillpark Secondary but recognises small numbers limit this developmen. A more focused secondary drawing pupils from other authorities might be viable, although the long-term problem of teacher recruitment remains a difficulty, it suggests.

The city has been encouraged by parental demand for places at its specialist Gaelic-medium primary, the first in Scotland, which will have 130 pupils on the roll in August. If the expansion continues, it will outgrow its present building in five years.