(174)  The future of Gaelic

On 22 May 2002 the Ministerial Advisory Group on Gaelic published its report, A Fresh Start for Gaelic.  The report states that the legal status of the language requires legislation akin to that which exists for the furtherance of the Welsh language.  Public bodies would be required to institute a bilingual English/Gaelic policy for all activities and publications.  A Gaelic Language Bill to this effect is already being promoted by Mike Russell MSP (SNP).  The report also recommends the establishment of a Gaelic development agency (Bord na Gaidhlig).  The Culture Minister, Mike Watson, said: I shall consider carefully the report’s proposals for that new body and the necessary resources.”

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