The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act was commenced on 13th February 2006 and it established Bòrd na Gàidhlig as a public body which is responsible for the preservation of Gaelic as an official language which enjoys the same respect as English in Scotland. The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 received Royal assent on 1st June 2005.
The Act stipulates that Bòrd na Gàidhlig prepares a National Gaelic Language Plan every 5 years, and that the Bòrd asks certain public bodies to prepare and implement a Gaelic language plan. It is part of the Bòrd’s remit to give advice on matters relating to Gaelic Education, and to advise the Scottish Ministers on Gaelic matters.
The Act gives an official framework to the efforts to preserve and sustain the Gaelic language and culture, and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, in partnership with other organisations and people, is responsible for carrying out the provisions of the Act.
Under the terms of the Act, Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s responsibilities include:
- to give advice to Scottish Ministers on Gaelic matters;
- to prepare and steer the National Gaelic Language Plan;
- to give advice on Gaelic and Gaelic Education in Scotland;
- to provide guidance to public bodies in Scotland on Gaelic Language Plans; and
- to monitor the implementation of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, and report the findings to the Scottish Ministers.
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