EXCLUSIVE: Scotland's main political parties back Fife girl's call for free BSL tuition
We can reveal every main political party in Scotland is backing a Fife girl's campaign for free sign language tuition.
Niamdh Braid's calls for extra funding to allow every deaf child to get support from the age of 5 have been heard.
The 12-year-old, who taught herself BSL, hopes it'll ensure no other youngster goes without.
I'm really excited that my campaign's been taken on as it means deaf children have the opportunity to learn BSL and it makes communication a lot easier for them," she said.
The Glenrothes schoolgirl started her push for change two years ago, shortly after her rendition of Lewis Capaldi's Someone You Loved caught the popstar's attention.
Niamdh later met with the singer at an event backstage, and performed a sign language duet alongside him.
The SNP pledged to provide additional funding for councils to roll out free tuition in its manifesto, with Scottish Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Greens following suit.
Mum Sam believes it's a vital step forward for many families.
"It could make life so much easier moving forward for deaf children, particularly deaf children coming from a hearing family where BSL is not a language that they would necessarily know.
"I have had to self-fund my own courses. I'm currently sitting my BSL Level 2, and it's quite costly. My most recent one was about £430.
"Niamdh has been campaigning locally since she was a small girl, she's been desperate to learn BSL so she can communicate effectively with her deaf peers.
"This is a massive step forward within deaf education."
A spokesperson for the SNP said: "We're delighted to announce that, if re-elected on 6th May, an SNP Scottish Government will fund free BSL tuition for deaf children.
"The funding settlement necessary to meet this pledge will be agreed with local councils."
The Scottish Conservatives said: " Our manifesto sets out our commitment to improve services for children with additional support needs, including by implementing the recommendations of the review into additional support for learning. "
"As part of this, we would support free BSL tuition for deaf children across Scotland.’
Scottish Labour said: "We welcome this important campaign and fully support the policy."
A spokesperson for the Scottish Greens said: “Niamdh’s campaign has highlighted an important issue for deaf children and the Scottish Greens would support this move.
"Our manifesto promises to increase the provision of BSL training places in Scotland’s education institutions and workplaces.”
Equalities spokesperson Caron Lindsay for the Liberal Democrats said: "There should be no barriers to learning and using BSL which thousands of people rely upon.
"It's especially important during your education. That needs to be backed up with staff to deliver this."