Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005

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The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2005 is the first piece of legislation to give formal recognition to the Scottish Gaelic language.

The Gaelic Language Act recognises Gaelic as an official language of Scotland, commanding "equal respect" with English. The Act establishes Bòrd na Gàidhlig as part of the framework of government in Scotland and requires the creation of a national plan for Gaelic to provide strategic direction for the development of the Gaelic language.

It gives Bòrd na Gàidhlig a key role in promoting Gaelic in Scotland, advising Scottish Ministers on Gaelic issues, driving forward Gaelic planning and preparing guidance on Gaelic education. The Act also provides a framework for the creation of Gaelic language plans by Scottish public authorities.

Education Minister Peter Peacock, who has ministerial responsibility for Gaelic, said: "This is a momentous day for Gaelic as we open a new chapter in the language's history. We have come a long way since the dark days of 1616 when an Act of Parliament ruled that Gaelic should be 'abolishit and removit' from Scotland."