Scottish Languages Act 2025

Chapter 1 Support for the Gaelic language

Status of the Gaelic language

1 Status of the Gaelic language

(1) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified as follows.

(2) Before section 1 and the italic heading immediately preceding it insert—

“Status of the Gaelic language

A1 Status of the Gaelic language

(1) The Gaelic language has official status within Scotland.

(2) Subsection (1) is given legal effect by—

(a) the provisions in this Act conferring functions on Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Scottish Ministers and other persons in relation to promoting, facilitating and supporting the use of the Gaelic language,

(b) enactments relating to Gaelic education.

(3) Subsection (1) does not affect—

(a) the operation of any other enactment or rule of law,

(b) the status of any other language.

(4) In this section “enactment” has the meaning given in schedule 1 of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.”.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig

2 Functions of Bòrd na Gàidhlig

(1) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified as follows.

(2) In section 1 (constitution and functions of Bòrd na Gàidhlig)—

(a) in subsection (2)—

(i) after paragraph (a) insert—

“(aa) monitoring, and reporting to the Scottish Ministers on, compliance by relevant public authorities with their duties under this Act,

(ab) advising and assisting (either on request or when it thinks fit) any person on matters relating to the development of the Gaelic language, Gaelic education and Gaelic culture in a particular area,”,

(ii) paragraph (d) is repealed,

(b) in subsection (3)—

(i) for “securing the status of the Gaelic language as an official language of Scotland commanding” substitute “ensuring that the Gaelic language is treated with”,

(ii) before paragraph (a) insert—

“(za) encouraging and supporting the use and understanding of the Gaelic language, with a particular focus on areas of linguistic significance,”,

(iii) paragraph (b) is repealed,

(c) after subsection (3) insert—

“(3A) The Bòrd must, on the request of a relevant public authority, provide the authority free of charge with assistance in relation to the application of this Act to the authority.

(3B) In giving assistance under subsection (3A), the Bòrd must seek to give effect, so far as is both appropriate in the circumstances and reasonably practicable, to the principle that the Gaelic and English languages should be accorded equal respect.

(3C) In exercising its function under subsection (2)(ab), the Bòrd must in particular provide, or procure the provision of, advice, assistance and support to any person in the preparation of a plan for the development or promotion of the Gaelic language, Gaelic education and Gaelic culture in relation to a community in a particular area.”.

(3) In schedule 1 paragraph 11(2) (general powers), for “8(9)” substitute “1(3A)”.

3 Bòrd na Gàidhlig corporate plan

(1) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified as follows.

(2) In schedule 1 (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), after paragraph 7 insert—

Corporate plan

7A (1) The Bòrd must submit a corporate plan to the Scottish Ministers.

(2) The corporate plan—

(a) must set out—

(i) the main objectives of the Bòrd in exercising its functions under this Act,

(ii) the outcomes by reference to which the achievement of those objectives will be assessed,

(iii) a general description of the main activities which the Bòrd plans to undertake,

(iv) a general description of how those objectives and activities will contribute to the delivery of the national Gaelic language strategy prepared under section 2A,

(b) may include such other material as the Bòrd considers appropriate.

(3) The Scottish Ministers may—

(a) approve the corporate plan,

(b) approve the corporate plan with any modifications they consider appropriate, or

(c) reject the corporate plan.

(4) Where the Scottish Ministers intend to approve the corporate plan with modifications, they must consult the Bòrd before doing so.

(5) Where the Scottish Ministers reject the corporate plan, the Bòrd must, as soon as reasonably practicable, modify the corporate plan and resubmit it to the Scottish Ministers.

(6) As soon as reasonably practicable after it is approved by the Scottish Ministers—

(a) the Bòrd must publish the corporate plan, and

(b) the Scottish Ministers must lay a copy of the corporate plan before the Scottish Parliament.

(7) The Bòrd—

(a) may revise the corporate plan at any time, and

(b) must revise the corporate plan when required to do so by the Scottish Ministers.

(8) Sub-paragraphs (1) to (7) apply to a revised corporate plan, and to a modified corporate plan submitted under sub-paragraph (5), as they apply to the first corporate plan.”.

Areas of linguistic significance

4 Areas of linguistic significance

(1) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified as follows.

(2) After section 1 insert—

“Areas of linguistic significance

1A Meaning of “area of linguistic significance”

(1) An area may be designated as an area of linguistic significance under section 1B if—

(a) the area contains a significant number of people with Gaelic language skills, or

(b) the area does not contain a significant number of people with Gaelic language skills but—

(i) the area is historically connected with the use of Gaelic,

(ii) the area is one in which teaching and learning by means of the Gaelic language is provided, or

(iii) the area is one in which significant activity relating to the Gaelic language or Gaelic culture takes place.

(2) For the purpose of subsection (1), an area contains a significant number of people with Gaelic language skills if at least 20% of the area’s population has Gaelic language skills.

1B Designation by local authority of an area as an area of linguistic significance

(1) A local authority may designate all or part of its area as an area of linguistic significance if it considers that the area falls within the description of an area of linguistic significance set out in section 1A(1).

(2) A local authority must, within the relevant period, consider whether all or part of its area falls within the description of an area of linguistic significance set out in section 1A(1)(a).

(3) In subsection (2), “relevant period” means—

(a) the period of 1 year beginning with the day on which section 4(2) of the Scottish Languages Act 2025 comes into force,

(b) each subsequent period of 5 years.

(4) If a local authority considers that all or part of its area falls within the description of an area of linguistic significance set out in section 1A(1)(a), the local authority must consider submitting a proposed designation to the Scottish Ministers under subsection (6)(c) in respect of that area.

(5) If a local authority—

(a) considers that all or part of its area falls within the description of an area of linguistic significance set out in section 1A(1)(a), and

(b) decides not to submit a proposed designation to the Scottish Ministers under subsection (6)(c) in respect of that area,

the local authority must publicise the decision and its reasons for making it.

(6) Before making a designation, the local authority must—

(a) consult the Bòrd, such persons as the local authority considers to be representative of communities in the area to which the proposed designation relates and such other persons as the local authority considers appropriate about the proposed designation,

(b) take reasonable steps to publicise the proposed designation and its reasons for making it, and

(c) submit the proposed designation to the Scottish Ministers.

(7) The Scottish Ministers may—

(a) approve the proposed designation,

(b) approve the proposed designation with any modifications they consider appropriate, or

(c) reject the proposed designation.

(8) Where the Scottish Ministers intend to approve the proposed designation with modifications, they must consult the local authority before doing so.

(9) A designation must—

(a) identify the area to be designated as an area of linguistic significance, and

(b) specify the date on which the designation takes effect.

(10) A designation may be varied or revoked by the local authority at any time.

(11) Before varying or revoking a designation in relation to any part of its area, the local authority must—

(a) consult the Bòrd, such persons as the local authority considers to be representative of communities in the area affected by the proposed variation or revocation and such other persons as the local authority considers appropriate about the proposed variation or revocation,

(b) take reasonable steps to publicise the proposed variation or revocation and its reasons for making it, and

(c) submit the proposed variation or revocation to the Scottish Ministers.

(12) The Scottish Ministers may—

(a) approve the proposed variation or revocation,

(b) approve the proposed variation or revocation with any modifications they consider appropriate, or

(c) reject the proposed variation or revocation.

(13) Where the Scottish Ministers intend to approve the proposed variation or revocation with modifications, they must consult the local authority before doing so.

(14) A local authority must take reasonable steps to publicise—

(a) the making of a designation and its effect,

(b) any variation or revocation of a designation and its effect.

(15) The Scottish Ministers may give guidance to local authorities relating to their functions under this section.

(16) Guidance under subsection (15) may in particular relate to—

(a) how to determine which areas may be designated as an area of linguistic significance,

(b) factors to be taken into account in determining whether an area falls within the description of an area of linguistic significance set out in section 1A(1)(a),

(c) the process for making such determinations.

(17) A local authority must have regard to any guidance given by the Scottish Ministers under subsection (15).

(18) In this section and sections 1C and 1D “local authority” has the meaning given in schedule 1 of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.

1C Request by Bòrd for local authority to consider designation

(1) The Bòrd may request a local authority to consider making a designation under section 1B.

(2) The Bòrd must request a local authority to consider making a designation under section 1B if the Bòrd considers that there is evidence of demand for a designation under section 1B by persons residing in the local authority’s area.

(3) If—

(a) the Bòrd makes a request under this section, and

(b) the local authority to which the request is made decides not to submit a proposed designation to the Scottish Ministers under section 1B(6)(c),

the local authority must publicise the decision and its reasons for making it.

(4) The Scottish Ministers may give guidance to the Bòrd and local authorities relating to their functions under this section.

(5) The Bòrd and local authorities must have regard to any guidance given by the Scottish Ministers under subsection (4).

1D Ministerial power to require reconsideration

(1) Subsections (2) to (4) apply where, under section 1B(5) or section 1C(3), a local authority publicises a decision not to submit a proposed designation to the Scottish Ministers under section 1B(6)(c) (“the decision”).

(2) The Scottish Ministers may require the local authority to reconsider the decision.

(3) If the Scottish Ministers make a requirement under subsection (2), the local authority must, within the period of 3 months beginning with the day on which the requirement is made—

(a) reconsider the decision, and

(b) after reconsidering the decision—

(i) submit a proposed designation to the Scottish Ministers, or

(ii) confirm the decision.

(4) If the local authority confirms the decision, it must notify the Scottish Ministers of its reasons for confirming the decision.”.

(3) In section 3 (Gaelic language plans)—

(a) in subsection (4), after paragraph (a) insert—

“(aa) where the relevant public authority exercises functions in an area that has been designated under section 1B as an area of linguistic significance, set out the measures in relation to the use of the Gaelic language to be taken by the authority in connection with the exercise of its functions in that area,”,

(b) in subsection (8), from “may” to the end substitute “may in particular—

(a) make further provision about the required content of Gaelic language plans in respect of areas that have been designated under section 1B as areas of linguistic significance,”.

National Gaelic language strategy and standards

5 National Gaelic language strategy

(1) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified as follows.

(2) In the italic heading immediately preceding section 2, for “National Gaelic language plan” substitute “National Gaelic language strategy and standards”.

(3) After section 2 insert—

“2A National Gaelic language strategy

(1) The Scottish Ministers must prepare a national Gaelic language strategy.

(2) The national Gaelic language strategy—

(a) must set out the Scottish Ministers’ objectives in relation to promoting, facilitating and supporting the use of the Gaelic language,

(b) must impose targets on the Scottish Ministers in relation to promoting, facilitating and supporting the use of the Gaelic language,

(c) must set out the Scottish Ministers’ plans for meeting those objectives and targets, including priorities for action,

(d) must set out arrangements for monitoring progress towards meeting the objectives and targets, including—

(i) how such progress will be measured,

(ii) arrangements for gathering data to allow progress to be measured,

(e) may set out any other matters relating to promoting, facilitating and supporting the use of the Gaelic language which the Scottish Ministers consider should be included.

(3) Targets set out in the national Gaelic language strategy may in particular relate to—

(a) number of persons using the Gaelic language in households,

(b) number of children living in households using the Gaelic language,

(c) number of businesses, schools or other bodies using the Gaelic language as the main language,

(d) education and training in or through the medium of the Gaelic language,

(e) activity relating to the Gaelic language or Gaelic culture.

(4) In preparing the national Gaelic language strategy, the Scottish Ministers must have regard to the principle that the Gaelic and English languages should be accorded equal respect.

(5) In preparing the national Gaelic language strategy, the Scottish Ministers must publish a draft strategy and consult such persons as they consider appropriate.

(6) When publishing a draft strategy under subsection (5), the Scottish Ministers must also publicise the arrangements for making representations about the draft strategy.

(7) The Scottish Ministers must—

(a) publish the results of the consultation undertaken under subsection (5),

(b) publish the national Gaelic language strategy in such manner as they consider appropriate, and

(c) lay a copy of the strategy before the Scottish Parliament.

(8) Subsection (7) must be complied with before the end of the period of 15 months beginning with the day on which section 5(3) of the Scottish Languages Act 2025 comes into force.

(9) The Scottish Ministers—

(a) must keep the national Gaelic language strategy under review,

(b) may revise it as they consider appropriate, and

(c) must revise it within the period of five years beginning with the day on which the strategy was last published.

(10) Subsections (2) to (7) and (9) apply in relation to any revised national Gaelic language strategy as they apply in relation to the first national Gaelic language strategy.

2B Effect of national Gaelic language strategy

(1) The Scottish Ministers must have regard to the national Gaelic language strategy in—

(a) making policies (including proposals for legislation), and

(b) exercising their functions.

(2) A relevant public authority must have regard to the national Gaelic language strategy in exercising its functions.”.

(4) Section 2 is repealed.

6 Gaelic language standards

(1) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified as follows.

(2) After section 2B (as inserted by section 5(3)) insert—

“2C Power for Scottish Ministers to set standards

(1) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations specify standards and requirements relating to promoting, facilitating and supporting the use of the Gaelic language which are to apply to relevant public authorities in exercising their functions.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may in particular—

(a) include provision about the following aspects of exercising functions—

(i) the preparation of publications,

(ii) the provision of information,

(b) include provision about how the functions of relevant public authorities are to be exercised in areas designated under section 1B as areas of linguistic significance,

(c) otherwise make different provision for different areas (including different parts of the area in which a relevant public authority exercises its functions),

(d) make different provision for different purposes.

(3) Provision made by virtue of subsection (2)(b) may in particular include provision about the exercise of functions relating to—

(a) the development of the Gaelic language,

(b) the provision of education,

(c) community planning,

(d) community development,

(e) economic development.

(4) Before laying a draft of a Scottish statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) before the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Ministers must—

(a) publish a draft of the standards and requirements to be specified by regulations under subsection (1), and

(b) consult—

(i) the Bòrd,

(ii) local authorities, and

(iii) such other persons as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate,

on the draft standards and requirements published under paragraph (a).

(5) The Scottish Ministers must publish the results of the consultation undertaken under subsection (4).

(6) Regulations under subsection (1) are subject to the affirmative procedure.

(7) The Scottish Ministers must, before the end of the period of one year beginning with the day on which section 6(2) of the Scottish Languages Act 2025 comes into force, lay before the Scottish Parliament for approval by resolution a draft Scottish statutory instrument containing the first regulations under subsection (1).

(8) If the Scottish Parliament approves the draft Scottish statutory instrument, the Scottish Ministers must make the regulations contained in the draft instrument.

(9) In this section “local authority” has the meaning given in schedule 1 of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.”.

Functions of relevant public authorities

7 Functions of relevant public authorities

(1) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified as follows.

(2) After section 2C (as inserted by section 6(2)) insert—

“Functions of relevant public authorities

2D Duties of relevant public authorities relating to Gaelic language and culture

In exercising its functions, a relevant public authority must have regard to—

(a) promoting, facilitating and supporting the use of the Gaelic language,

(b) developing and encouraging Gaelic culture.

2E Power for Scottish Ministers to give guidance

(1) The Scottish Ministers may give guidance to relevant public authorities relating to their duties under section 2D.

(2) In preparing guidance under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must have regard to the principle that the Gaelic and English languages should be accorded equal respect.

(3) In preparing guidance under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must consult—

(a) the Bòrd, and

(b) such other persons as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.

(4) The Scottish Ministers must publish the results of the consultation undertaken under subsection (3).

(5) A relevant public authority must have regard to any guidance given by the Scottish Ministers under subsection (1).

(6) The Scottish Ministers must publish any guidance given under this section.

2F Power for Scottish Ministers to give directions

(1) The Scottish Ministers may, after consulting with a relevant public authority, give a direction to that authority relating to its duties under section 2D.

(2) The Scottish Ministers—

(a) may vary or revoke, and

(b) must publish,

a direction given under this section.

(3) A relevant public authority must comply with a direction given to it under this section.”.

Reporting

8 Reporting on national Gaelic language strategy, standards and duties

(1) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified as follows.

(2) After section 2F (as inserted by section 7(2)) insert—

“Reporting

2G Reporting on national Gaelic language strategy

(1) The Bòrd must, as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each reporting period, prepare and publish a report setting out progress made in the reporting period in respect of the objectives and targets included in the national Gaelic language strategy published under section 2A.

(2) In this section, “reporting period” means—

(a) the period of 2 years beginning with the day on which the national Gaelic language strategy was last published,

(b) each subsequent period of 2 years.

(3) The Bòrd must lay a copy of any report prepared under subsection (1) before the Scottish Parliament.

2H Reporting on compliance by public authorities with standards and duties

(1) The Bòrd must prepare and publish reports about compliance by relevant public authorities with—

(a) the duty imposed by section 2B(2),

(b) the standards and requirements specified in regulations made under section 2C(1),

(c) the duties imposed by section 2D.

(2) Reports under subsection (1) may (as the Bòrd thinks fit) concern compliance by relevant public authorities generally or by a particular authority.

(3) The Bòrd must lay a copy of any report prepared under subsection (1) before the Scottish Parliament.”.

Gaelic language plans

9 Gaelic language plans

(1) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified as follows.

(2) In section 3 (Gaelic language plans)—

(a) in subsection (3)—

(i) for paragraph (a) substitute—

“(a) any national Gaelic language plan published under section 2 which is for the time being in effect,”,

(ii) after paragraph (a) insert—

“(aa) the most recent national Gaelic language strategy published under section 2A,”,

(b) in subsection (5)—

(i) for paragraph (a) substitute—

“(a) any national Gaelic language plan published under section 2 which is for the time being in effect,”,

(ii) after paragraph (a) insert—

“(aa) the most recent national Gaelic language strategy published under section 2A,

(ab) the principle that the Gaelic and English languages should be accorded equal respect,”,

(iii) in paragraph (e), the words “or the Bòrd” are repealed,

(c) in subsection (6), for “consult persons appearing to it to have an interest” substitute “consult—

“(a) people with Gaelic language skills in relation to whom the authority exercises functions,

(b) persons with an interest in the promotion of the Gaelic language, and

(c) such other persons as the authority considers appropriate.”.

(3) In section 4 (review of, and appeal against, notices)—

(a) in subsection (1), for “28 days” substitute “4 weeks”,

(b) in subsection (3), for “28 days” substitute “6 weeks”,

(c) in subsection (5), for “28 days” substitute “4 weeks”,

(d) in subsection (6), for “2 months” substitute “3 months”,

(e) in subsection (8), for “28 days” substitute “4 weeks”.

(4) In section 5 (approval of plans)—

(a) in subsection (1), after “must” insert “, within the period of 3 months beginning with the date on which the plan is submitted”,

(b) after subsection (1), insert—

“(1A) A relevant public authority must provide the Bòrd with any additional information that the Bòrd requests following the submission of the authority’s Gaelic language plan.”,

(c) in subsection (2)—

(i) the “and” immediately following paragraph (a) is repealed,

(ii) after paragraph (a) insert—

“(aa) any additional information provided by the relevant public authority under subsection (1A), and”,

(d) in subsection (3), for “one month” substitute “3 months”,

(e) in subsection (5), for paragraph (c) substitute—

“(c) refer the matter to the Scottish Ministers if the Bòrd has not approved the plan under paragraph (a) or (b) by the later of—

(i) the expiry of the period of 2 months beginning with the date on which the authority gave notice to the Bòrd under subsection (3)(a), and

(ii) the date on which the Bòrd considers that it will not be able to approve the plan under paragraph (a) or (b).”,

(f) after subsection (5) insert—

“(5A) If an authority fails to take any action under subsection (3), the Bòrd may—

(a) approve the plan as originally submitted to the Bòrd, or

(b) refer the matter to the Scottish Ministers.”,

(g) in subsection (6), after “(5)(c)” insert “or (5A)(b)”,

(h) in subsection (8), after “(5)(c)” insert “or (5A)(b), as the case may be”.

(5) In section 6 (monitoring of implementation)—

(a) in subsection (2), for “Bòrd may require the authority to submit to it, by a date no earlier than 3 months after the date of the requirement,” substitute “authority must, before the expiry of the period of 15 months beginning with the date of the approval mentioned in subsection (1)(a), submit to the Bòrd”,

(b) after subsection (2) insert—

“(2A) The authority must, before the expiry of each subsequent period of 12 months beginning with the date on which it submitted its most recent report to the Bòrd, submit to the Bòrd a further report on the extent to which the authority has implemented the measures set out in the plan.

(2B) The Bòrd may publish, in such manner as it thinks fit, a report submitted to it under subsection (2) or (2A).”,

(c) subsection (3) is repealed,

(d) in subsection (4), for “may” substitute “must publish and”,

(e) after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A) On receipt of the report, the Scottish Ministers must lay a copy of the report before the Scottish Parliament.”,

(f) for subsection (5) substitute—

“(5) On receipt of the report, if the Scottish Ministers accept the Bòrd’s conclusion, they must, if they consider it necessary or expedient to do so, direct the authority in question to implement any or all of the measures in its Gaelic language plan by the date specified in the direction.”,

(g) in subsection (6), for “(5)(b)” substitute “(5)”.

(6) After section 7 insert—

“7A Guidance and directions by Scottish Ministers

(1) The Scottish Ministers may give guidance to relevant public authorities relating to Gaelic language plans.

(2) A relevant public authority must have regard to any guidance given by the Scottish Ministers under subsection (1).”.

(7) Section 8 (guidance, assistance, etc. by the Bòrd) is repealed.

Financial assistance for the promotion etc. of the Gaelic language

10 Financial assistance for the promotion etc. of the Gaelic language

(1) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified as follows.

(2) After section 7A (as inserted by section 9(6)) insert—

“Financial assistance for the promotion etc. of the Gaelic language

7B Financial assistance for the promotion etc. of the Gaelic language

(1) The Scottish Ministers may give financial assistance to any person for the purposes of promoting, facilitating and supporting the use of the Gaelic language.

(2) In subsection (1), “financial assistance” includes grants and loans.

(3) Financial assistance under subsection (1) may be made subject to such conditions as the Scottish Ministers think fit.”.

Scottish Ministers’ powers relating to research etc.

11 Scottish Ministers’ powers relating to research etc.

(1) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified as follows.

(2) After section 7B (as inserted by section 10(2)) insert—

“Scottish Ministers’ powers relating to research etc.

7C Scottish Ministers’ powers relating to research etc.

The Scottish Ministers may, for the purposes of or in connection with the exercise of their functions under this Act—

(a) conduct research and inquiries,

(b) collect data and publish statistics or other information,

(c) provide training,

(d) encourage or assist other persons to do any of the things mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c).”.

Enforcement of duties

12 Power to enforce duties of relevant public authorities

(1) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified as follows.

(2) After section 9 insert—

“Enforcement of duties

9A Power to enforce duties of relevant public authorities

(1) If the Scottish Ministers are satisfied, either on complaint by any person interested or otherwise, that a relevant public authority has failed to discharge any duty imposed on it by or for the purposes of this Act, the Scottish Ministers may make an order—

(a) declaring the authority to be in default in respect of that duty, and

(b) requiring the authority before a date specified in the order to discharge that duty.

(2) If the relevant public authority has not discharged the duty by the date specified in the order under subsection (1)(b)—

(a) the Scottish Ministers may make such arrangements as they see fit for the discharge of the duty, or

(b) the Court of Session may, on the application of the Lord Advocate, order specific performance of that duty.”.

Interpretation

13 Interpretation: meaning of relevant public authority

(1) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified as follows.

(2) In section 10 (interpretation), in subsection (2)—

(a) the “and” at the end of paragraph (b) is repealed,

(b) after paragraph (b) insert—

“(ba) a post-16 education body within the meaning of section 35 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005,

(bb) Scottish Rail Holdings,

(bc) Scottish Water, and”.

Land rights and responsibilities statement

14 Land rights and responsibilities statement: regard to be had to supporting Gaelic

(1) The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 is modified as follows.

(2) In section 1 (land rights and responsibilities statement), in subsection (3), after paragraph (e) insert—

“(ea) promoting, facilitating and supporting the Gaelic language,”.