MEP Congratulates Heriot Watt Students On European Language Award

The competition, part of the annual European Day of Languages rewards innovative language teaching projects across the EU. The awards will be presented today (Tuesday 26th September)by Sir Trevor MacDonald at a ceremony in the Scottish Parliament.

Commenting on Heriot-Watt's success, Mr Smith said;

"This is a fantastic achievement for the students involved in the multilingual debate project at Heriot-Watt.

"I hope that it's success, against other programmes from institutions across Europe, encourages more people to learn a new language. The translation skills offered by Heriot-Watt and taught in such an innovative way are vital in our increasingly globalised world.

"For some people languages are a daunting prospect but it can be hugely rewarding both in terms of personal achievement and for improving career prospects.

"It is vital for the future of Scotland that people have the ability to communicate with other countries. As our businesses and institutions are working more and more with partners across Europe and as more Scots travel and work overseas learning a second, third or fourth language is becoming increasingly important.

"Hopefully I'll soon be hearing some Heriot-Watt translators in the European Parliament."