The bill which was passed on 17 June aims to boost and encourage the use of Gaelic and Scots across Scotland.

The bill gives Local Authorities responsibility for the designation of areas of linguistic significance.

The bill states: 

“A local authority may designate all or part of its area as an area of linguistic significance if it considers that the area falls within the description of an area of linguistic significance.

“An area may be designated as an area of linguistic significance if it has a significant number of people with Gaelic language skills, is historically connected with the use of Gaelic, has Gaelic educational provision or has significant Gaelic activity.”

The bill also places a strong focus on education and training with commitments on early years education, training, and Gàidhlig Schools.

Cllr Domhnall Macsween said: 

“CNES welcomes the news that the Scottish Languages Bill was passed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament. We are pleased that Gaelic and Scots have been awarded official status and that rights to Gaelic medium education have been strengthened.

“Communities, local authorities, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Scottish Government must now act quickly to decide ALS aims, structures and funding arrangements which suit the requirements of different communities. We are pleased that there is flexibility within the legislation to allow for the whole of the Western Isles to come under ALS designation.

“If the situation regarding Gaelic is to improve, the main yardstick that we must all use to measure the outcomes and impact of legislation, plans and funding has to be whether actions are resulting in a quantifiable increase in Gaelic being spoken in communities, workplaces, and schools. The legislation has been ratified, implementation is key.”