Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005

Bòrd na Gàidhlig

1 Constitution and functions of Bòrd na Gàidhlig

(1) There is established a body corporate to be known as Bòrd na Gàidhlig (in this Act referred to as “the Bòrd”).

(2) The Bòrd has the general functions of—

(a) promoting, and facilitating the promotion of—

(i) the use and understanding of the Gaelic language, and

(ii) Gaelic education and Gaelic culture,

(b) advising (either on request or when it thinks fit) the Scottish Ministers, public bodies and other persons exercising functions of a public nature on matters relating to the Gaelic language, Gaelic education and Gaelic culture,

(c) advising (on request) other persons on matters relating to the Gaelic language, Gaelic education and Gaelic culture,

(d) monitoring, and reporting to the Scottish Ministers on, the implementation of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages dated 5 November 1992 in relation to the Gaelic language.

(3) The functions conferred on the Bòrd by this Act are to be exercised with a view to securing the status of the Gaelic language as an official language of Scotland commanding equal respect to the English language through—

(a) increasing the number of persons who are able to use and understand the Gaelic language,

(b) encouraging the use and understanding of the Gaelic language, and

(c) facilitating access, in Scotland and elsewhere, to the Gaelic language and Gaelic culture.

(4) The Scottish Ministers may give the Bòrd directions (of a general or specific character) and guidance as to the exercise of the Bòrd’s functions.

(5) The Scottish Ministers may vary or revoke any directions or guidance given under subsection (4).

(6) Schedule 1 makes further provision with respect to the status, constitution, proceedings, etc. of the Bòrd.