(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.