Concerns grow over 2011 census

In recent weeks Scots language users, campaigners and organisations have contacted the General Register Office for Scotland, and the relevant minister, Jim Mather, to express their concerns about the place of the Scots language in the 2011 census.

Under current proposals respondents in Scotland would be asked only if they can speak Scots "at home", in addition to English, and would not be asked whether they can speak, read, write or understand Scots as is proposed for both English and Scottish Gaelic. This is in direct contrast to Northern Ireland where, under current proposals, respondents would be asked the full range of questions as with English and Gaelic. This would mean that users in Scotland - the home country of the language - would not be able to obtain the same information as people in Northern Ireland. This is despite the fact that Scots now has a presence in Scottish schools.

If you are a potential user and would like to obtain full statistics for Scots in Scotland in 2011, please write to the GROS about this matter:

Mr Duncan Macniven, Registrar General,
General Register Office for Scotland,
Ladywell House,
Ladywell Road,
Edinburgh EH12 7TF,
Scotland.