Scottish Government Gaelic Language Plan 2016-2021

Ministerial Foreword

As Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for Gaelic, I am very pleased to support the publication of this, the Scottish Government's second Gaelic Language Plan, produced under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.

The commitments in this Plan build on the successes we have had in supporting Gaelic since the publication of our first Plan in 2010. They set out how the Scottish Government will help deliver the National Gaelic Language Plan by enabling the use of Gaelic in its operations and the delivery of its services, and how we support other public authorities to fulfil their own commitments to Gaelic. This will ensure that the language is supported in all areas of Scottish public life.

Gaelic is a living language and part of a rich cultural tradition which belongs to the whole of Scotland. This Government has made its position very clear on this matter - we want to increase the number of people learning, speaking and using Gaelic. By working towards these aims, together we can ensure that Gaelic has a secure future in Scotland.

John Swinney MSP
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills