The Church of Scotland is holding a conference designed to promote the Gaelic language.

Around 50 delegates have gathered in the centre of Glasgow for the event, the first of its kind to be hosted by the Kirk.

The conference was organised after the Church's future Moderator, Rev Dr Angus Morrison, identified an "urgent need" for the Kirk to do more to promote the language.

Those attending the event at St George's Tron Church in Buchanan Street are hearing speakers on topics such as developments in Gaelic broadcasting, worship and resources.

Among those taking part is the broadcaster Cathy MacDonald, who presents programmes on the BBC's English and Gaelic services in Scotland.

She said: "I have been privileged to be part of the growth of Gaelic broadcasting over the last few years, and it has been such a fantastic boost for the language.

"There are so many children now learning Gaelic, and speaking it fluently. It is great to see the Church organising this Gaelic conference, which I hope will help it embrace these new opportunities to maintain our Gaelic tradition."

Dr Morrison, convener of the Church's Gaelic Group, said he hoped the conference would prove to be a catalyst in promoting the use of the language "as an immensely rich part of our national, cultural and church inheritance".

He said: "We believe the time is now opportune to encourage new initiatives in promoting the use of Gaelic both in the context of traditional worship services and in imaginative ways that take account of the developing needs of the Gaelic-speaking, and Gaelic-learning, community in Scotland."

Dr Morrison will take up the position of Moderator at the General Assembly in May.