Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 27 May 2026
To ask the Scottish Government how it will support and promote Gaelic, and whether this will include protecting staffing and resources across its departments and designating a minister responsible for the language.
In this session, I am delighted to maintain Cabinet level leadership for Gaelic, building on the substantial legacy of the previous DFM. My focus will be on implementing the Scottish Languages Act 2025, passed unanimously by this Parliament. I will continue to be supported in this by officials in the Gaelic and Scots division working to strengthen the statutory support and development of Gaelic across Scotland. This legislation is supported by an increase in funding secured through the 2026-2027 Budget, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to creating a secure future for Gaelic in Scotland. A range of projects and initiatives, operating in different sectors, are in place to support and promote the Gaelic language. Along with significant funding there is also welcome support and co-operation in place from local authorities and public bodies.