Scottish Gov Gaelic funding, Islands Plan & Languages Act 2025
Key Questions
What funding has the Scottish Government announced for Gaelic language initiatives?
The Deputy First Minister announced a new funding package including £5m in the 2025/26 draft budget and GSG grants. Additional support includes the Gaelic Plans Fund for 2026/27 to assist public authorities with their duties under the Languages Act.
What issues are affecting Gaelic school infrastructure in the Highlands and Islands?
Sgoil Lionail has been prioritized for a new build after serious faults, supported by a £1.025m Scottish Government grant for a Gaelic Education and Community Hub. The Mull Campus saga continues as the council refuses funding talks with the government, prompting campaigners to consider an island-wide ballot.
What concerns have been raised about the future of native Gaelic-speaking communities?
Ó Giollagáin has warned that native Gaelic-speaking communities could vanish within a generation, leaving only symbolic second-language speakers despite census gains. This contrasts with progress in Wales, where early achievement of language targets highlights the need for stronger legislation and immersion education in Scotland.
New Gov funding package (Deputy FM), £5m 2025/26 draft budget, GSG grants; SDS Gaelic Language Plan 2026-29; Attitudes survey; Bòrd Statutory Guidance consultation (two-part LA duties); SFC Plan. Gaelic Plans Fund 2026/27 support for public authorities. Parliamentary calls for coordination and guidance noted; Scotland's parliament has no fluent Gaelic speakers impacting policy visibility. Welsh comparison underscores legislation/immersion needs; recent opinion piece calls for same cultural passion as Wales. Sgoil Lionail new build priority after serious faults; £1.025m Scottish Government grant for Gaelic Education and Community Hub — concrete policy signal and infrastructure crisis. Cardiff met Welsh language targets early, reinforcing need for stronger Gaelic legislation and immersion. Urgent warning from Ó Giollagáin that native Gaelic-speaking communities could vanish within a generation, leaving only 'symbolic' second-language speakers — stark contrast to census rise, reinforcing need for strategic change beyond symbolic growth. Mull Campus saga escalates — council refuses Scottish Government funding talks, campaigners consider island-wide ballot; potential human rights implications. FOI release confirms SNP 2021 manifesto commitment to review Bòrd na Gàidhlig led to Scottish Languages Bill consultation — policy delivery track record.