The Gaelic and Scots languages have achieved official status in a significant development celebrated across Scotland on St Andrew’s Day. This milestone, part of the Scottish Languages Act, introduces a series of measures aimed at promoting and preserving these languages.
Effective November 30, the Act grants parents the right to request the establishment of Gaelic schools in their localities and seeks to expand the availability of qualifications in Gaelic. Additionally, it provides ministers with the authority to commission research focused on the usage of Gaelic and Scots and to set teaching standards for these languages.
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, expressed that St Andrew’s Day serves as a perfect occasion to celebrate Scotland’s identity through the recognition of Gaelic and Scots as official languages. She highlighted the historic nature of this achievement, underlining the cultural and heritage significance of these languages in Scotland. The Scottish Government, showing its commitment to supporting these languages, has already allocated £35.7 million for Gaelic and Scots initiatives this year, ensuring tangible benefits for communities across the nation.
Further efforts outlined in the Act include the establishment of areas of linguistic significance within Gaelic communities, allowing for targeted policies to bolster the growth of the language.
The Scottish Languages Bill was first introduced on St Andrew’s Day in 2023 and received unanimous support from Members of the Scottish Parliament, leading to its passing in June and obtaining Royal Assent in August 2025.
Recent census data reflects a positive trend, indicating that in 2022, 130,161 people in Scotland possessed some Gaelic skills, a notable increase of 43,105 since 2011. Moreover, 2,444,659 individuals reported having some Scots skills, marking an increase of 515,215 from the previous decade.
This development not only reinforces the rich cultural tapestry of Scotland but also promises to invigorate the use and teaching of Gaelic and Scots, thus ensuring their continuity for future generations.