Scottish Languages Bill and Gaelic education update

Legislation which grants both Gaelic and Scots official status in Scotland and aims to protect, promote and support the use of both languages has today (Wednesday 27 August) been welcomed by members of Highland Council’s Education committee.

Some of the key measures of the bill, granted Royal assent on 17 June 2025, include:

• New duties and powers related to Gaelic education.
• Educational standards for Gaelic and Scots.
• Supporting the creation of Areas of Linguistic Significance (ALS) in Gaelic communities.
• Enabling parents in every part of Scotland to apply for Gaelic nursery and early years places for their children.

Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “The Highland Council has been a leader in the field of Gaelic education for many years, and this Bill presents further opportunities to support a strong commitment to the language.

“The Highland Council, as a national leader in both Gaelic medium education and Gaelic language education, is well-positioned to build upon best practice and, in collaboration with other local authorities, to review models of provision against the standards and guidance to ensure targeted and best use of resources in schools.

“We should note the progress that has been undertaken in Highland to improve issues around recruitment for Gaelic Medium Education. However, many challenges remain and at this stage the bill is unclear as to what critical support will be provided to meet current need and satisfy any additional parental request for GME.

“It is hoped this will become apparent once the statutory guidance has been published, and more is understood about the actions the Council will need to take to comply with the legislation.”

This report before the Education Committee outlined the key provisions of the Scottish Languages Bill and their implications for local authorities, with a particular focus on Gaelic education.

The stated intention is to achieve a shift in activity and a repurposing of resources in terms of effort and attention.

Consequently, the Scottish Government considers that provisions do not create wholly new costs.

The Scottish Government estimates that combined costs of the Bill provisions being introduced over a five-year period is £694,500.

The 2023/24 budget for Gaelic and Scots was £29 million, administered by the Gaelic and Scots Division, part of the Education Reform Directorate and wider Education and Skills portfolio.

The report before the committee noted that given the new legislation is intended to lead to new standards, expectations and provision, that there is potential for it to put un-budgeted pressure on existing resources.

Education committee members agreed the following next steps:

• To await publication of guidance from the Scottish Government to guide the implementation of the Bill and to ensure Highland Council’s compliance with its requirements.

• Engage with national guidance and emerging standards to ensure The Highland Council remains abreast of best practice.

• Bring a further report to Committee once the guidance has been published and more is understood about the actions the Council will need to take to ensure compliance with the legislation.