The Scottish Parliament has officially recognized Gaelic and Scots as languages under the new Scottish Languages Act, which takes effect on St Andrew’s Day, November 30, 2023. This landmark legislation, passed in June, introduces several initiatives aimed at promoting and supporting these languages across Scotland.
Among the significant provisions of the act is the empowerment of parents to request the establishment of Gaelic schools within their communities. Additionally, the act seeks to expand the availability of qualifications in Gaelic, ensuring that educational resources are accessible to those wishing to learn the language. It also grants ministers the authority to commission research focused on the use of Gaelic and Scots, along with setting teaching standards for both languages.
Kate Forbes, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, highlighted the importance of this development, calling it a “historic milestone.” She stated, “St Andrew’s Day is a fitting time to celebrate Scotland’s identity by recognizing Gaelic and Scots as official languages. This is a historic milestone which acknowledges the vital place these languages hold in Scotland’s culture and heritage.” Forbes further noted that the Scottish government has allocated £35.7 million for initiatives related to Gaelic and Scots in the current year.
Focus on Linguistic Heritage and Community Support
The act also emphasizes the creation of areas of linguistic significance within Gaelic communities, allowing ministers to tailor policies that support the growth of the languages. This strategic approach aims to foster a stronger connection between language and community identity, promoting cultural heritage throughout Scotland.
The Scottish Languages Bill, introduced on St Andrew’s Day in 2023, received Royal Assent on August 1, 2025, marking a significant step towards the revitalization of Scotland’s linguistic diversity. The latest census data indicates a positive trend in language skills among the Scottish population. In 2022, there were 130,161 individuals with some proficiency in Gaelic, representing an increase of 43,105 since 2011. In the case of Scots, 2,444,659 people reported having some skills, an increase of 515,215 over the same period.
The area with the highest concentration of Gaelic speakers is Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles), where 57.2% of residents have some Gaelic skills. This figure significantly exceeds those in other councils, such as Highland at 8.1% and Argyll and Bute at 6.2%.
As Scotland moves forward with this legislation, the recognition of Gaelic and Scots as official languages not only strengthens the country’s cultural identity but also highlights the ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting its linguistic heritage for future generations.
