Scottish Languages Act 2025

17 Guidance to public authorities relating to Gaelic education

(1) The Education (Scotland) Act 2016 is modified in accordance with subsections (2) to (6).

(2) After section 6B (as inserted by section 16(2)) insert—

“6C Guidance to public authorities relating to Gaelic education

(1) The Scottish Ministers must give guidance to Scottish public authorities relating to—

(a) Gaelic learner education and Gaelic medium education,

(b) the teaching of the Gaelic language in the provision of further education by education authorities,

(c) the development of education mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b).

(2) A Scottish public authority having functions relating to education must, to the extent that guidance under subsection (1) relates to those functions, 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) Bòrd na Gàidhlig,

(b) education authorities,

(c) the body known as Comann nam Pàrant (Nàiseanta), and

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

(4) The Scottish Ministers must publish any guidance given under subsection (1).”.

(3) In section 8(5)(a) (GMPE assessment areas), for “9 of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005” substitute “6C”.

(4) In section 12(6)(b) (full assessments), for “9 of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005” substitute “6C”.

(5) In section 15(6)(c) (duty to promote and support Gaelic medium education and learning), for “9 of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005” substitute “6C”.

(6) Section 16 is repealed.

(7) The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is modified in accordance with subsection (8).

(8) Section 9 and the italic heading immediately preceding it are repealed.