We would like to inform you that the first set of commencement regulations for the Scottish Languages Act 2025 was laid before the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, 13 November 2025. These regulations will bring into force a range of sections of the Act on 30 November 2025, including provisions that grant official language status to Gaelic and Scots and strengthen support and education for these languages.
This is a significant milestone, marking two years since the Scottish Languages Bill was introduced to Parliament and launched on St Andrew’s Day 2023. A full list of the sections being commenced can be found in the schedule to the attached instrument at the following link – The Scottish Languages Act 2025 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025:
Key provisions include:
- Status of the Gaelic and Scots languages,
- Powers for Scottish Ministers to commission research and provide financial assistance to promote, facilitate, and support the use of Gaelic and Scots,
- Duty on Scottish Ministers to promote and set standards for Gaelic education,
- Requirement on Scottish Ministers to support the development of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig as the national centre for Gaelic language, education, and culture, and to review its current status and publish findings,
- Powers for Scottish Ministers to issue guidance to relevant public authorities on promoting and supporting the use of Scots, including its dialects,
A link to the Scottish Languages Act 2025 and explanatory notes is also provided – Scottish Languages Act 2025.
If you have any questions, please contact the Gaelic and Scots Division.
Gaelic & Scots Division / Roinn na Gàidhlig & Albais
Education Reform Directorate, Area 2-B (North), Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH6 6QQ /
Buidheann-stiùiridh Ath-leasachadh Foghlaim, Raon 2-B (Tuath), Cidhe Bhictòria, Dùn Èideann, Alba, EH6 6QQ