DRAFT Gaelic Language Plan 2026 - 2031
West Lothian Council has developed the second edition of its Gaelic Language Plan in line with the requirements of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 as amended by the Scottish Languages Act 2025.
The draft plan outlines how we will take forward, and expand on, the work that was started in 2021 to raise awareness of the language amongst both our employees and community.
As a Council we will continue our commitment to work with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, our community planning partners and others to help safeguard the Gaelic language for future generations.
The draft plan sets out how we will take forward the progress made over the last five-years to raise the profile and visibility of Gaelic in a way that is both proportionate and relevant to the West Lothian community, and it details how the Council will work to support the National Gaelic Language Plan objectives over the next five-years to meet our obligations.
The Council's Gaelic Language Plan will contribute to raising the profile and visibility of Gaelic by sharing good practice and creating opportunities for those who are interested in Gaelic to use the language in their daily lives, In doing so we show our support for the aspirations and objectives included in the National Gaelic Language Plan 2023 - 2028 and the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 as amended by the Scottish Languages Act 2025, in ensuring that Gaelic remains a living language and distinctive aspect of our country's cultural heritage.
We recognise the valuable contribution of the language already in the provision of Gaelic medium education. These are activities that we commit to maintaining and developing over the years ahead so that the part we play in helping to deliver the national plan will be one that will have a lasting effect.
We are seeking your opinions on these areas of focus and to know if there is anything missing. You can view the DRAFT plan below:
Why your views matter
This consultation is giving you the chance to let us know that the priorities that we've set out meet your needs around access to Gaelic language and culture in West Lothian.
The plan will shape what activity we will focus on in the next 5 years. Taking part will help us know that the plan is fit for purpose or if we still need to re-think to make sure we are best meeting the current need of the community.
Have your say on West Lothian Council Draft Gaelic Language Plan 2026 - 2031 (opens new window)
The consultation closes on 7 August 2026.
