Once passed, the Act will place a responsibility on local authorities to designate Areas of Linguistic Significance in partnership with the above-mentioned bodies. This designation will provide enhanced and more flexible opportunities for communities to take ownership of and responsibility for Gaelic development.

Donald Macsween, Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Gaelic Committee said,

“Gaelic revival in Areas of Linguistic Significance will not come about as a result of political backing, increased funding or the efforts of statutory bodies alone. The survival of the language is principally dependent on the desire and commitment of sufficient numbers of people within communities to use Gaelic on a daily basis and learners to master Gaelic to a conversational standard. Hearing and speaking Gaelic in both formal and informal community settings is required by children who are, by and large, very successful in Gaelic Medium Education and adult learners if they wish to achieve full fluency.”

Uisdean Robertson, Vice Chair of the Gaelic Committee said,

“The political support is there and increased funding is eagerly anticipated. Statutory bodies are very committed and enthusiastic about working creatively within localities and with communities who are best placed to support and revive the language themselves. As the Gaelic saying so aptly puts it, “Far am bi toil bi gnìomh” (Where there’s a will, there’s a way).