Part 2

Scots
Chapter 1

Support for the Scots language

Status of the Scots language

Status of the Scots language
33
1
The Scots language has official status within Scotland.
2
Subsection (1) is given legal effect by the provisions in this Act conferring functions on the Scottish Ministers and other persons in relation to promoting, facilitating and supporting the use of the Scots language.
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 Part “Scots language” means the Scots language as used in Scotland.

Scots language strategy

Scots language strategy
34
1
The Scottish Ministers must prepare a Scots language strategy.
2
The Scots language strategy—
a
must set out the Scottish Ministers’ objectives in relation to promoting, facilitating and supporting the use of the Scots language, including the different dialects of the Scots language used in different parts of Scotland,
b
must set out the Scottish Ministers’ plans for meeting those objectives,
c
must set out arrangements for monitoring progress towards meeting the objectives,
d
may set out any other matters relating to promoting, facilitating and supporting the use of the Scots language which the Scottish Ministers consider should be included.
3
In preparing the Scots language strategy, the Scottish Ministers must publish a draft strategy and consult—
a
persons with an interest in the promotion of the Scots language,
b
persons with an interest in the publication of books and other resources in the Scots language, and
c
such other persons as they consider appropriate.
4
When publishing a draft strategy under subsection (3), the Scottish Ministers must also publicise the arrangements for making representations about the draft strategy.
5
The Scottish Ministers must publish the results of the consultation undertaken under subsection (3).
6
The Scottish Ministers must—
a
publish the Scots language strategy in such manner as they consider appropriate, and
b
lay a copy of the strategy before the Scottish Parliament.
7
Subsection (6) must be complied with before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day this section comes into force.
8
The Scottish Ministers—
a
must keep the Scots language strategy under review, and
b
may revise it as they consider appropriate.
9
Subsections (2) to (6) and (8) apply in relation to any revised Scots language strategy as they apply in relation to the first Scots language strategy.

Reporting on Scots language strategy
35
1
The Scottish Ministers must, as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each reporting period, prepare a report setting out—
a
progress made in the reporting period in respect of the objectives and plans included in the Scots language strategy,
b
steps taken in the reporting period to keep the Scots language strategy under review.
2
The Scottish Ministers must—
a
publish the report in such manner as they consider appropriate, and
b
lay a copy of the report before the Scottish Parliament.
3
In this section “reporting period” means the period of 5 years beginning with the day on which the Scots language strategy was last published.

Effect of Scots language strategy
36
1
The Scottish Ministers must have regard to the Scots 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 Scots language strategy in exercising its functions.
3
In this Chapter “relevant public authority” means—
a
a Scottish public authority,
b
so far as not falling within paragraph (a), a cross-border public authority (but only in relation to functions exercisable in or as regards Scotland which do not relate to reserved matters),
c
a post-16 education body within the meaning of section 35 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005,
d
Scottish Rail Holdings,
e
Scottish Water, and
f
the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body.

Power for Scottish Ministers to give guidance

Power for Scottish Ministers to give guidance
37
1
The Scottish Ministers may give guidance to relevant public authorities relating to—
a
promoting, facilitating and supporting the use of the Scots language, including the different dialects of the Scots language used in different parts of Scotland,
b
developing and encouraging Scots culture.
2
In exercising its functions, a relevant public authority must have regard to any guidance given by the Scottish Ministers under subsection (1).
3
In preparing guidance under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must consult—
a
persons with an interest in the promotion of—
i
the Scots language,
ii
Scots culture,
b
persons with an interest in the publication of books and other resources in the Scots language, and
c
such other persons as they consider appropriate.
4
The Scottish Ministers must publish any guidance given under subsection (1).
5
In this section “Scots culture” includes the traditions, ideas, customs, heritage and identity of those who speak or understand the Scots language.

Financial assistance for the promotion etc. of the Scots language

Financial assistance for the promotion etc. of the Scots language
38
1
The Scottish Ministers may give financial assistance to any person for the purposes of promoting, facilitating and supporting the use of the Scots 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.

Scottish Ministers’ powers relating to research etc.
39
The Scottish Ministers may, for the purposes of or in connection with the exercise of their functions under this Chapter—
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).
S. 33 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 48(2)
S. 34 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 48(2)
S. 35 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 48(2)
S. 36 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 48(2)
S. 37 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 48(2)
S. 38 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 48(2)
S. 39 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 48(2)
S. 33 in force at 30.11.2025 by S.S.I. 2025/348, reg. 2, sch.
S. 37 in force at 30.11.2025 by S.S.I. 2025/348, reg. 2, sch.
S. 38 in force at 30.11.2025 by S.S.I. 2025/348, reg. 2, sch.
S. 39 in force at 30.11.2025 by S.S.I. 2025/348, reg. 2, sch.