The Scottish Parliament today approved the SNP Government’s draft Gaelic plan which aims to further promote and develop the language.

The plan received universal support from all parties in the chamber and has been warmly welcomed by Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan.

Measures proposed include a move to a bilingual corporate identity; the recruitment of further Gaelic officers to monitor and implement the Plan; making Gaelic language training available for staff; accepting and welcoming the completion of forms in Gaelic; making provision for holding public meetings in Gaelic where a demand is demonstrated; building capacity for translation services; and encouraging correspondence with the Government in Gaelic.

Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for the Western Isles commented:

“Gaelic is one of our national languages and is extremely important to many Scots. This plan is a fantastic step in the right direction and I have every confidence that with this, the number of Gaelic speakers stabilise right across the country.”

Minister for External Affairs and Culture Linda Fabiani said:

"As well as being a unique and essential part of our rich cultural life, it is a national language and we must recognise it as such.

"Scottish Ministers have made our position on Gaelic very clear. We are committed to a secure and sustainable future for the language, and publication of our Draft Gaelic Language Plan is further evidence of our dedication to increasing the use of Gaelic in public life.

"The success of BBC Alba is a clear indication of the enthusiasm for Gaelic. The challenge for the future of Gaelic is to convert such enthusiasm into increased use of the language and an increase in the number of Gaelic speakers. Only through encouraging appreciation and use of the language can we build a truly sustainable future for Gaelic.

"The Scottish Government's Draft Gaelic Language Plan is aimed at exactly that - encouraging increased use of the language by creating practical opportunities for its use.

"Interim Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig Arthur Cormack has hailed the Scottish Government's Draft Gaelic Language Plan as a welcome and positive indication of the Government's continuing commitment to the language. By taking this significant step, the Scottish Government has signalled that there is real benefit in sustaining and developing Gaelic.

"It is a meaningful plan that applies to its own operations, but also offers a lead to other organisations with a clear message that the Scottish Government wants to see a sustainable future for Gaelic, which can be followed through at all sorts of levels by public, private and voluntary bodies as well as individuals.

"I welcome the Minister's commitment and intentions in launching the document and I would urge everyone with an interest in Gaelic, in all the range of areas we operate in, from the family home to education and broadcasting in Gaelic, to make their opinions known during the consultation period.

"That applies equally to assessing the document as it stands and taking a look at how it could be developed."