Development agency Bord na Gaidhlig is aiming to meet the Scottish Government's aim of doubling the number of children entering primary one in Gaelic-medium education.

Around 1000 older Gaelic speakers are estimated to die every year, making the language's survival increasingly difficult.

The second National Gaelic Language Plan states the existing number of 400 pupils in P1 in Gaelic- medium units must double in the next five years.

It says there should be an expansion of the number of subjects taught through the medium of Gaelic in secondary schools, but recognises there will have to be more Gaelic teachers to achieve these goals.

The development agency will now play a leading role in coordinating with other organisations the planning and rolling out of a teacher education strategy.

As well as backing those already in the Gaelic system, it will support those currently teaching in English who are interested in transferring.

Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland's Languages, said: "There is both the need and the opportunity for the training of more Gaelic teachers to meet the demands of swelling pupil numbers, and the final National Plan recognises this."