On St Andrew’s Day, Scotland officially recognized Gaelic and Scots as official languages through the newly enacted Scottish Languages Act. This significant legislation, passed by Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) in June, aims to enhance the status and availability of these languages across the nation.
The Scottish Languages Act allows parents to request the establishment of Gaelic schools in their local areas and seeks to expand the range of qualifications available in Gaelic. Additionally, it empowers ministers to conduct research on the usage of both Gaelic and Scots and to set teaching standards for these languages.
A Historic Milestone for Scottish Culture
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, hailed the legislation as a “historic milestone.” She emphasized the importance of recognizing these languages as integral to Scotland’s identity on such an auspicious date. “St Andrew’s Day is a fitting time to celebrate Scotland’s identity by recognizing Gaelic and Scots as official languages,” Forbes stated. “This historic milestone acknowledges the vital place these languages hold in Scotland’s culture and heritage.”
This year, the Scottish Government has allocated £35.7 million for initiatives supporting Gaelic and Scots. Furthermore, the act includes measures to create areas of linguistic significance within Gaelic communities, enabling more targeted policies to promote the growth of these languages.
Statistics Highlight Growing Interest
The Scottish Languages Bill was introduced on St Andrew’s Day in 2023 and subsequently passed by the Scottish Parliament in June, receiving Royal Assent on August 1, 2025. Recent census data indicates a resurgence in interest in Gaelic, with 130,161 people in Scotland reporting some proficiency in the language in 2022, an increase of 43,105 compared to 2011. Similarly, 2,444,659 individuals noted some skills in Scots, reflecting a rise of 515,215 over the same period.
Among localities, Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles) stands out, with 57.2% of its residents possessing some Gaelic skills. This figure significantly surpasses that of the next highest regions, Highland at 8.1% and Argyll and Bute at 6.2%.
The recognition of Gaelic and Scots not only marks a momentous development in language policy but also reinforces Scotland’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. As these languages gain official status, the Scottish Government aims to foster an environment where they can thrive, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to engage with their linguistic heritage.
