The designation forms part of a range of measures coming into effect through the Scottish Languages Act 2025. These include powers for ministers to commission research into the use of Gaelic and Scots and establish teaching standards for the languages.

The Scottish Languages Bill was introduced on St Andrew’s Day in 2023. The bill was passed in June and received Royal Assent on 1 August 2025.

Other measures of the Act include:

• empowering parents to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area
• supporting the creation of areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities so that ministers can better target policies to support the language’s growth
• enabling parents in every part of Scotland to apply for Gaelic nursery and early years places for their children
• ensuring that more qualifications are available in Gaelic
• introducing targets on the number of people speaking and learning Gaelic

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “St Andrew’s Day is a fitting time to celebrate Scotland’s identity by recognising Gaelic and Scots as official languages. This is a historic milestone which acknowledges the vital place these languages hold in Scotland’s culture and heritage.

“This has been made possible through the Scottish Languages Bill which received unanimous support from MSPs.

“To support the continued growth of both languages the Scottish Government has already allocated £35.7 million for Gaelic and Scots initiatives this year, ensuring that this milestone translates into meaningful change for communities across the country.”