Scotland has officially recognised Gaelic and Scots as part of its cultural landscape with the enactment of the Scottish Languages Act. This landmark legislation, which came into effect on St Andrew’s Day, introduces several measures to promote and support the use of both languages across the country.
The act, approved by Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) in June, empowers parents to request the establishment of Gaelic schools in their local areas. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility to education in Gaelic and increase the availability of qualifications in the language. It also grants ministers the authority to conduct research into the usage of Gaelic and Scots, along with establishing teaching standards for both languages.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes hailed the legislation as a “historic milestone.” She stated, “St Andrew’s Day is a fitting time to celebrate Scotland’s identity by recognising 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.”
To further support these efforts, the Scottish government has allocated £35.7 million for initiatives related to Gaelic and Scots this year. The act also promotes the establishment of areas of linguistic significance within Gaelic communities, allowing for more targeted policies to foster the growth of these languages.
The Scottish Languages Bill was first introduced on St Andrew’s Day in 2023. It received Royal Assent on August 1, 2025, marking a significant step in the recognition of Scotland’s linguistic diversity.
Recent census data indicates that the number of individuals in Scotland with some Gaelic skills reached 130,161 in 2022, an increase of 43,105 since 2011. In contrast, the number of Scots speakers grew to 2,444,659, reflecting an increase of 515,215 during the same period.
Geographically, the council area with the highest proportion of Gaelic speakers is Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles), where 57.2% of the population possesses some Gaelic skills. This figure starkly contrasts with the next highest councils, Highland at 8.1% and Argyll and Bute at 6.2%.
The recognition of Gaelic and Scots as official languages is a crucial development for Scotland, underscoring its commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage. As these languages receive the attention and resources they deserve, the Scottish government aims to create a vibrant environment for their future growth and sustainability.
