Gaelic Bill Consultation Analysis
An independent analysis of responses to the
consultation on the draft Gaelic Language Bill has been
prepared by Professor Richard Johnstone of Stirling
University and the Leirsinn research centre, and is
available at the link below.
The main conclusions of the report are:
- secure/legal status for the Gaelic language is
considered to be a necessary (though not sufficient)
condition of the eventual survival of the language in
its present threatened state
- the notion of a Gaelic Language Bill is widely
welcomed, but respondents (especially but not
exclusively those from the Gaelic community) tend to
believe that improvements have to be made in order to
give the Bill more force.
- Bòrd na Gàidhlig needs powers to implement the
National Gaelic Language Plan, and must be properly
resourced. However, the Scottish Executive should feel
obliged to accept ultimate responsibility.
- the Bill should reinforce the availability and
provision of Gaelic Medium Education. There is a strong
request for this where 'reasonable demand' exists, and
for the provision of Gaelic 'as a subject' to be more
widely available across Scotland.
This analysis, along with individual responses
and meetings with interested parties, will help inform
Ministers' consideration of amendments to the Gaelic
Language Bill prior to its formal introduction to
Parliament later this year.
Consultation Analysis (Word)
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report
Consultation Anlysis (PDF)
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report