If we are to protect the Gaelic and Scots languages, then we must give them equal respect with English under the law, says Local Green MSP Ross Greer.
Mr Greer has lodged amendments to protect and support Gaelic and Scots as part of the Scottish Languages Bill, which will be considered by the Scottish Parliament’s Education Committee on Wednesday.
If passed, Mr Greer’s amendments will write into law the principle that Gaelic and Scots be given equal respect to English and define what is meant by their ‘official status’ as languages of Scotland.
An additional amendment from Mr Greer would apply further duties under the 2005 Gaelic Language Act to colleges, universities, ScotRail and Scottish Water.
A total of 97 amendments have been lodged for the bill, of which 46 have been lodged by Mr Greer.
Mr Greer said: “Scots and Gaelic are Scotland’s languages, but centuries of deliberate attempts to destroy them both have pushed them to the very margins of modern life.
“Gaelic is on the verge of extinction, but it can recover and thrive with the right support. My amendments aim to do exactly that. If Scotland’s Parliament does not protect Scotland’s languages, who else will?
“Far too many languages have been lost to history. We cannot allow that to happen to Gaelic. It is part of the fabric, identity and tradition of communities across Scotland and has a key role in our history.
“Treating Gaelic and Scots with equal respect to English where appropriate is the very least we can do to undo centuries of harm.
“By backing Green amendments to the Bill, MSPs can send a strong sign of support for Gaelic and Scots, and make clear that both languages have a thriving future in Scotland.”