Stage One of the Scottish Languages Bill

MSPs will debate stage one of the Scottish Languages Bill later today.

The Bill aims to boost the use of Gaelic and Scots in traditional areas.

Provisions include:

• Ensuring that Gaelic medium primary pupils are able to continue their Gaelic education in secondary school.
• Encouraging the increase of the Scots provision within Scotland's school curriculum.
• Adopting Scots and Gaelic as official languages.
• Establishing areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities so allow ministers to focus grant funding in areas where Gaelic is most fragile. 
• Enabling parents to apply for Gaelic early learning and childcare

Speaking ahead of the debate Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Gaelic Kate Forbes said:

“Gaelic and Scots form a core part of Scotland's culture, identity and history and this Bill is a major opportunity to protect the country's indigenous languages.

“As the Languages Bill moves through Parliament, we are keen to explore ways of working across the political spectrum to strengthen it.

“This will help build a more sustainable future for Gaelic and Scots to ensure that the two languages continue to be used in everyday life.”