SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed the publication of the Deputy First Minister’s response to the report on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic.

This report was commissioned as part of the Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation and was completed by a short-life working group compiled of Gaelic speakers from across Scotland working in a variety of different fields.

In the response published on Friday, the Scottish Government accepts or partially accepts almost all of the working group’s recommendations on how to best support and expand economic and social opportunities for the language. As well as language policy, the recommendations cover wider socioeconomic issues impacting the language’s sustainability, such as housing, transport and digital connectivity, which affect Gaelic-speakers’ ability to continue living in key Gaelic communities. The recommendations also outline ways in which economic growth in key Gaelic communities could be boosted; for example, by providing direct support to Gaelic entrepreneurs.

Commenting, Alasdair Allan MSP said:

“I am immensely grateful to the Deputy First Minister for her ongoing and robust engagement on Gaelic policy issues, and welcome her response to the recommendations set out by the Short-life Working Group on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic.

“This is a significant moment in securing the future of the Gaelic language, and the Scottish Languages Bill, along with secondary legislation, wider policy, and continued community efforts, all have an essential role to play in ensuring the protection and regrowth of the language for the generations to come.”

The full report can be accessed here and the Deputy First Minister’s response can be read in full here.