Children of Spanish nationals living in Scotland will have the opportunity to take part in free language and culture classes through a new partnership involving the University of Strathclyde.

The ALCE programme is a Spanish heritage, language and culture initiative for young people aged seven to 17. It aims to strengthen linguistic and cultural ties among Spanish communities living abroad and is fully funded by the Spanish Government.

Strong presence

It already has a strong presence in countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, The Netherlands and the USA, and will launch in Scotland this month. Classes will run simultaneously in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Strathclyde’s Centre for Lifelong Learning will host the Glasgow classes, while the Edinburgh branch will operate in collaboration with the City of Edinburgh Council.

Head of Centre Alix McDonald, said: "We’re delighted to host the classes, which support Strathclyde’s commitment to inclusive and lifelong education."