Parliamentary Motions and Questions from Sessions 1 and 2

Motions


S2M-4940 Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): Congratulations to Eejits
That the Parliament congratulates Itchy Coo publications on the success of its book, Eejits, a best selling Scots translation of Roald Dahl's children's classic, The Twits, and on the work of its development officer, Matthew Fitt, who translated Eejits, who made over 500 school visits in the last four years to encourage pupils to recognise how much Scots language they know and use; deplores the status of the Scots tongue whereby few pupils when asked can name their own language as Scots, Doric or Lallans and not slang, and encourages the Scottish Arts Council and its successor body to continue the important funding of Itchy Coo and its work to promote Scots and, additionally, to encourage the recognition and use of Scots in public as well as private life by official bodies so that they prepare voluntarily Scots language development plans alongside the Gaelic language plans they have to prepare under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.
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S2M-4852 Shona Robison (Dundee East) (SNP): European Day of Languages
That the Parliament endorses European Day of Languages which is a celebration of language learning and linguistic diversity promoted by the Council of Europe; encourages people across Scotland to take up a new language; celebrates, moreover, Scotland's indigenous languages and dialects, including Dundonian, a vibrant and expressive language; encourages people to freely express themselves using their mother tongue, and congratulates the Dundee street poets who keep Dundonian alive.


The member has provided the following Dundonian translation:
That the Parliament endorses European Day o Languages which is a celebration o language learnin an linguistic diversity promoted beh thi cooncil o Europe; encourages fowk fae across Scotland to tak up a new language; whants ti celebrate Scotland's indigenous languages an dialects includin' Dundonian, a vibrant and expressive language, encourages fowk ti freely yaz thir mither tongue, an congratulates thi Dundee street poets wha keep Dundonian elive.
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S2M-1153 Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD) : Support for the Scots Language
That the Parliament urges the Scottish Executive to set up a board to promote the use and study of the Scots language similar to the Ulster-Scots Agency, set up under the Good Friday Agreement, which advises ministers and co-ordinates activities relating to the promotion of Ulster-Scots as a living language and to respond to international criticism such as "That Scots language in Scotland is very clearly under-funded, under-researched, under-maintained compared to Gaelic, Irish or Ulster Scots" by providing greater support for the Scots language.
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S1M-2864 Mr Brian Monteith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): Oor Wullie's 66 years in The Sunday Post
That the Parliament applauds The Sunday Post for continuing to cover the adventures of Scots comic strip hero Oor Wullie, 3,400 episodes and 66 years after he first appeared in the newspaper on 8 March 1936; thanks Dudley D Watkins for his inspiration and creativity in introducing Oor Wullie and other notable characters to our lives, and congratulates Oor Wullie on his birthday on becoming 66 years young and for his entertaining contribution to Scots culture and steadfast work in preserving Scots language for young and old alike.
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S1M-2312 Irene McGugan (North East Scotland) (SNP): Scots Language Educational Materials
That the Parliament warmly welcomes the grant of ?150,000 awarded to the Itchy Coo Project from the Scottish Arts Council's Lottery Children and Young People Scheme which will transform the image and status of the Scots language by providing resources for use throughout the education system from nursery to Advanced Higher level; notes that over the two years of the project, beginning in January 2002, Itchy Coo will produce sixteen Scots texts and other resources, aimed at specific age groups, including original works, both creative and non-fiction titles, as well as new and innovative versions of Scots literary texts; approves the participation of children in the way the books are developed, and the inclusion of ideas for children to write or perform creatively and that there will be an interactive web-site which will solicit and exhibit children's own language creations; notes that the project also includes a programme of in-service training for teachers and school visits from Itchy Coo authors and editors, and that the partnership will work to advance teachers' and young people's knowledge of the language and to develop their confidence in their Scots usage, and is especially pleased to note that the project will have a strong social inclusion element and take account of the needs of children and young people with disabilities and special needs; and acknowledges that this will enable thousands of young Scots to articulate and appreciate their own language and culture in ways that have seldom been available to them before; and therefore regrets that in contrast, the Minister in recent responses confirms that the Executive has set no targets for and has not formulated a policy on the numbers of Scots speakers, and deplores the fact that it does not consider any action is necessary to comply with the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in respect of the Scots Language.


The Member who lodged this motion has provided the following translation:
That the Parliament gledly welcomes the handsel o ?150,000 awardit tae the Itchy Coo Project frae the Scottish Arts Cooncil's National Lottery Bairns an Young Folk Scheme which will mend the image an status o the Scots language by reddin resources for use oot-throu the education system frae nursery til advanced higher level; taks note that owre the twa year o the project, stertin in January 2002, Itchy Coo will mak sixteen Scots texts an ither resources, airted at specific age groups, includin original works, baith creative an non-fiction titles, an spang-new, innovative versions o Scots literary texts forby; approves o the pairticipation o bairns an weans in the wey the books are developit an o the inclusion o ideas for bairns an weans tae write or perform creatively, an that there will be an interactive website which will speir oot an exhibit the bairns' an weans' ain language creations; taks tent that the project includes, as weel, a programme o in-service trainin for teachers an school visits frae Itchy Coo authors an editors an that the pairtnership will work tae advance teachers' an young folk's kennin o the language an tae develop their smeddum in Scots usage, an is gey pleased tae merk that the project will hae a strang social inclusion element an tak accoont o the needs o bairns, weans an young folk wi disabilities an special needs; unnerstauns that this will enable thoosans o young Scots tae gie voice til an appreciate their ain language an culture in weys that hae seldom been available til them afore an therefore regrets that, in contrast, the Deputy Minister for Sport, the Arts and Culture in recent responses, has confirmed that the Scottish Executive has set nae targets for an hasna formulatit a policy on the nummers o Scots speakers an is scunnered wi the fact that the Scottish Executive doesna consider ony action is necessary tae compluther wi the European Chairter for Regional or Minority Languages in respect o the Scots language.
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S1M-519 Kate MacLean (Dundee West) (Lab) : Draft Census (Scotland) Order 2000
That the Parliament (1) agrees that the Draft Census (Scotland) Order 2000, except to the extent that it is subject to approval by resolution of the Parliament, be not submitted to Her Majesty in Council, and (2) calls upon the Scottish Executive to (a) introduce a Bill to amend the Census Act 1920 to enable particulars to be required in respect of religion in the Census in Scotland, and (b) lay a revised draft Order which will include, within particulars to be stated in returns, a question on religion, including a breakdown of Christian denomination, a more detailed breakdown of the question on ethnic groups and a question on language spoken at home with a specific question on Scots language.
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S1M-342 Irene McGugan (North East Scotland) (SNP): Scots in the 2001 Census
That the Parliament gives its support to the demands of the Scots Language Society academic bodies and others for a question regarding Scots in the National Census of 2001 and considers that such a question is the only way of finding the information necessary in order to further the planning of a national policy for Scots in schools, broadcasting and other areas of the public life in Scotland.
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S2M-3250 Ms Sandra White (Glasgow) (SNP): Implement the National Language Strategy
That the Parliament urges the Scottish Executive to accelerate the timetable for introducing a national language strategy in Scotland as a means to improving access to services for Scotland's ethnic minority population; recognises that many people from an ethnic minority background have unequal access to a range of public services because of inadequate provision and the lack of a national language framework; notes that despite being part of the Executive's Partnership Agreement, signed in 2003, no apparent work on this strategy appears to have taken place, and finally further notes that the subsequent lack of strategy is leading to greater social exclusion, isolation and inequality among Scotland's ethnic minorities.
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S2M-4297 Ms Maureen Watt (North East Scotland) (SNP): Promoting Doric
That the Parliament notes that the Doric language plays a vital communication role in the north east, which adds greatly to Scotland's national heritage and further advances the cultural diversity of Scotland, and calls on the Scottish Executive to actively promote Doric and Lallan Scots as living languages.


The member has provided the following Doric Translation:
That the Pairliament merks hou the Doric leid plays a feckfu pairt in the corrieneuchins o the Nor-Aist, eikin muckle tae Scotland's national heirship an forderin the diversitie o Scottish culture, an cries on the Scottish Executif eidently tae upbigg the Doric an Lawland forms o the Scots tung as leivin leids.


S2M-4297.1 Mr Jamie Stone (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) (LD): Promoting Doric
As an amendment to motion S2M-4297 in the name of Ms Maureen Watt (Promoting Doric), leave out from "to actively" to end and insert "actively to encourage and promote Doric and all the other local variants of Scots, such as that spoken in Caithness, which together add much to the linguistic richness and diversity of Scotland."
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S2M-2083 Mr Brian Adam (Aberdeen North) (SNP): Gaelic and Scots Translations of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe
That the Parliament notes that Article IV-448, paragraph 2, of the treaty establishing a constitution for Europe allows EU member states to translate the treaty into any of the languages of that Member State and that a certified copy of any such translation may thereafter be deposited in the archives of the European Council; further notes the commitments made to Scotland's languages in the manifestos of the various political parties and in the Scottish Executive's cultural strategy, as well as in the working practices of the Parliament; considers that the translation of the treaty into the Gaelic and Scots languages would be a symbolically important means of demonstrating a continued commitment to the long-term future of these important elements of Scottish culture; considers that any such translations should be made available prior to the proposed referendum on the treaty in order to allow voters to refer to the treaty in their chosen language, and accordingly calls on the Executive to make representations to Her Majesty's Government with a view to having the translations completed.


S2M-1115 Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): Promoting Regional and Minority Languages of Scotland
That the Parliament welcomes the deliberations of the Shetland dialect conference held recently in Scalloway; notes the bearing on these deliberations of recommendations under the current review of the obligations of the Scottish Executive to meet its pledge to promote Scots under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; further notes that this must include creating conditions for the use of Scots in public life, through the adoption of a language policy and concrete measures, in co-operation with the speakers of the language, and considers that Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body should make a commitment to a thorough and explicit adherence to the spirit and letter of this review.
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S2M-1067 Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): Congratulations to the University of Aberdeen on $1.85 million Gift
That the Parliament congratulates the University of Aberdeen on securing what is believed to be the single largest gift committed by an American fund to the study of humanities within a Scottish institution; notes that the $1.85 million gift will fund what is to be known as the Gluckman Chair of Irish and Scottish Studies; recognises that the university's Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies is the first of its kind in the world for graduate study and research on the history, language, literature and culture of Ireland and Scotland and one of the largest concentrations of Scottish or Irish expertise in any European university, and notes that the first holder of the new chair will be Professor Tom Devine, University Research Professor in Scottish history and Director of the Arts and Humanities Research Board Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies at the University of Aberdeen.
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S1M-1076 Ian Jenkins (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): European Year of Languages
That the Parliament welcomes the designation of 2001 as "European Year of Languages"; further welcomes the year's aim of celebrating Europe's linguistic heritage and promoting language learning; notes that individual member states decide which languages should be included; recognises the high prestige in which the Gaelic and Scots languages are held internationally, and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to have Scots and Gaelic designated as eligible for this important project.


S1M-802 Irene McGugan (North East Scotland) (SNP): Scottish National Dictionary Association
That the Parliament notes the excellent work of the Scottish National Dictionary Association (SNDA) over 70 years, work which includes the 10 volume Scottish National Dictionary and the Concise Scots Dictionary, copies of which are held in the library of the Scottish Parliament; commends the organisation's plan to create a Scots Dictionary Database from these resources, despite an immediate funding crisis which will see money for current staff run out by July, and asks the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Arts Council to honour previously expressed commitments and take steps to secure the financial viability of the organisation in recognition of its role in advising the reporters to the Scottish Parliament on the recording of the language in proceedings and in promoting the language, and to allow the SNDA to continue to play a full part in Scotland's literary and cultural heritage.


The member provided the following translation:
At the Pairliament taks tent o the guid wark o the Scottish National Dictionary Association (SNDA) ower seiventie year, amang this, the 10-beuk Scottish National Dictionary an the Concise Scots Dictionary, wi the librarie o the Scottish Pairliament haein copies o baith; commens their plan tae mak a Scots Dictionary Database fae oot thir, for aw their sair want o siller the nou at will see siller for peyin staff rin oot bi July, an asks the Scottish Guivernment an the Scottish Airts Cooncil tae mak guid the promises thay hae gien afore, an ettle tae mak shuir o the bodie's financial siccartie, takin tent o'ts wark in advisin the reporters tae Scottish pairliament on the recordin o the leid I proceedins an I forderin the leid, an lattin the SNDA haud tae the fore I Scotland's leiterarie an cultural heritage.


Questions on Scots


S2W-27710 - Maureen Watt (North East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 4 August 2006):
To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil servants are working on the development of policies to promote and develop the Scots language.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (28 August 2006):
The principal responsibility for Scots language issues, as well as for co-ordinating the development of the wider National Language Strategy, rests with the Cultural Policy Division of the Scottish Executive's Education Department. Five civil servants are directly employed within the Division's Language Unit, whilst others have responsibility for literature and broadcasting. However, a wide range of other officials in the Scottish Executive and Scottish public bodies have duties relating to language issues.
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S2W-27708 - Maureen Watt (North East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 4 August 2006):
To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to take on board the views of organisations representing the regional dialects of Scots when it formulates policies designed to promote and develop the Scots language.
Answered by Patricia Ferguson (28 August 2006): I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-27707 on 28 August 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.
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S2W-27707 - Maureen Watt (North East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 4 August 2006):
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take steps to set up a Scots language advisory group with responsibility for assisting it with the development of appropriate policies to support the Scots language.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (28 August 2006):
The Scottish Executive's consultation on the National Language Strategy will provide the opportunity for organisations representing the regional forms of Scots to submit their views to the Scottish Executive. Following Scottish ministers' consideration of all of the views submitted on the strategy we expect to publish a final version of the National Language Strategy and take any other steps which we consider necessary. At this stage we have no plans to set up a Scots language advisory group.
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S2W-27706 - Maureen Watt (North East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 4 August 2006):
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the discussions with Scots organisations, designed to promote and develop the Scots language, referred to in Scotland's Culture, have taken place.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (28 August 2006):
I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-27704 on 28 August 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.
Languages
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S2O-10053 - Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East) (Lab):
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an update on the development of the national languages strategy and its arrangements for consulting Scots language organisations on this matter.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (1 June 2006):
A draft of the National Languages Strategy is in preparation within the Scottish Executive. I expect that we shall publish the strategy after the summer recess, enabling Scots language organisations amongst others to comment on our proposed approach.
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S2W-25524 - Maureen Watt (North East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 2 May 2006):
To ask the Scottish Executive what support or encouragement it has given to VisitScotland or other tourist bodies to promote Doric or Lallan Scots language tourism.


Answered by Patricia Ferguson (12 May 2006):
The Scottish Executive considers Scots and its regional forms to be an important part of Scotland's distinctive linguistic and cultural heritage. VisitScotland is therefore encouraged to promote Scots language tourism where it is appropriate to do so. For example, VisitScotland supports the Doric Festival which takes place in and around Aberdeen every autumn, and EventScotland supports a number of events celebrating the work of Robert Burns. Celebrating the life and work of Burns will also be one of the themes of Year of Homecoming in 2009.
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S2W-16131 - Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab) (Date Lodged 21 April 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has committed for the protection and promotion of the Scots language in this year and the next two financial years.


Answered by Patricia Ferguson (5 May 2005):
The Scottish Executive has not earmarked a specific budget for Scots language development. It provides funding for Scots activities through the general resources which it makes available to cultural and educational bodies, local authorities and the enterprise network. There are a range of groups supporting and promoting Scots in Scotland including the Scots Language Society, the Scots Language Resource Centre, Scottish Language Dictionaries, Dictionary of the Scottish Tongue and the Association for Scottish Literary Studies. Expenditure by these bodies and groups on projects and programmes related to the Scots language is not centrally collated.
The Executive has advocated the inclusion of Scots in the school curriculum where appropriate. There is continuing support on the part of the Scottish Executive, Learning and Teaching Scotland, and the Scottish Qualifications Authority which is designed to assist schools in making pupils aware of the richness and diversity of language, including Scots, in introducing them to a range of Scottish literature, and in encouraging them to develop the ability to understand and to communicate effectively in forms of Scots.
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S2W-15733 - Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) (Date Lodged 1 April 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take on the status of the Scots language in schools. The member has provided the following Scots translation: Tae speir at the Scottish Executive whit it will dae anent the status o the Scots leid at the schuil.


Answered by Peter Peacock (28 April 2005):
I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-15708 on 26 April 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.
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S2W-15709 - Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) (Date Lodged 1 April 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools use the "Itchy Coo" Scots language project.

Answered by Peter Peacock (28 April 2005):
I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-15708 on 26 April 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.
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S2W-14410 - Michael Matheson (Central Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 11 February 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive what specific actions it has taken to implement the advice on enhancing the status of the Scots language contained in the last report of the European Committee of Experts on the United Kingdom's application of the provisions of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (8 March 2005):
The Committee of Experts recommended to the UK government that it should help create conditions for the use of Scots in public life, through the adoption of a language policy and concrete measures, in co-operation with the speakers of the language. The Executive has committed itself to the development of a national language strategy to this end.
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S2W-14379 - Michael Matheson (Central Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 10 February 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive how it funds and resources the Scots language; what level of funding it has made available to support the Scots language in each of the last three years, and how much funding it will make available in the next financial year.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (8 March 2005):
The Scottish Executive has not earmarked a specific budget for Scots language development. It provides funding for Scots activities through the general resources which it makes available to cultural and educational bodies, local authorities and the enterprise network. Expenditure by these bodies on projects and programmes related to the Scots language is not centrally collated.
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S2W-11321 - Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) (Date Lodged 7 October 2004):
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-9840 by Mr Frank McAveety on 26 August 2004, which bodies and institutions are taking action in relation to the recommendations of the Committee of Experts on the application of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages as these relate to the Scots language; what initiatives are being taken forward, and how the performance of these initiatives will be measured and assessed by the Executive and its agencies.

Answered by Ms Patricia Ferguson (3 November 2004):
The Executive is working to develop a national languages strategy to provide a framework for action in relation to Scots, as well as other languages. Along with other government departments, we shall report to the Council of Europe in June 2005 on progress to date. In addition to the Executive itself, bodies such as local authorities and cultural and educational public bodies all have a role to play. We particularly welcome initiatives from the Scottish Arts Council and Learning and Teaching Scotland in support of Scots.
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S2W-8549 - Mr Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con) (Date Lodged 25 May 2004):
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the future well-being of the Scots language, in light of its support for Gaelic culture and language.

Answered by Mr Frank McAveety (8 June 2004):
The Scottish Executive considers Scots to be an important part of Scotland's linguistic and cultural heritage. There is a range of groups supporting and promoting Scots in Scotland, some of which receive support from the Scottish Arts Council. The Executive has also advocated the inclusion of Scots in the school curriculum where appropriate.
The Executive is committed to the introduction of a national language strategy during the course of this Parliament which will take account of the distinctive position of different languages used in Scotland. The approach to Scots in the future will form part of that strategy.
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S1W-33921 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 7 February 2003):
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33444 by Mike Watson on 5 February 2003, which specific policies and practice give due regard to the objectives and principles in Part II of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in respect of the Scots language.

Holding reply by Mike Watson (21 February 2003):
I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by Mike Watson (3 March 2003):
The Scottish Executive considers the Scots language to be an important part of Scotland's distinctive linguistic and cultural heritage. The implementation of many of the objectives and principles in Part II of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages are for other public bodies and institutions. The Scottish Executive would expect that due recognition would be given to these objectives and principles at these levels.
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S1W-34089 - Michael Russell (South of Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 17 February 2003):
To ask the Scottish Executive how it will commemorate the role that the Scots language played in literary and artistic activity in the Scottish Court at the time of the Union of the Crowns in the events planned to mark the 400th anniversary of that union and what impact this commemoration will have on the use of Scots, particularly in literary terms.

Answered by Mike Watson (21 February 2003):
The advisory group is considering plans for a range of events, and an announcement will be made in due course.
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S1W-33444 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 27 January 2003):
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take with Her Majesty's Government to comply with Part II of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in respect of the Scots language.

Answered by Mike Watson (5 February 2003):
By signing the Charter, the UK Government recognises the distinctive nature and cultural value of the Scots language. The Executive has made good progress in complying with the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages in respect of Scots and the Executive considers that its policies and practice give due regard to the objectives and principles in Part II of the Charter.
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S1W-21339 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 20 December 2001):
To ask the Presiding Officer when Scots language translations of the Parliament's information leaflets will be available.

Answered by Sir David Steel (16 January 2002):
The Parliament's Factfiles are available in Gaelic, and a Welcome Guide is available in French, German, Italian and Spanish. We are currently developing our policy on translations of public information material into other languages, and a decision will be taken by the SPCB in due course.
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S1W-18122 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 13 September 2001):
To ask the Scottish Executive what joint action it plans to take with Her Majesty's Government to comply with the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in respect of the Scots language.

Holding reply by Allan Wilson (27 September 2001):
I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by Allan Wilson (1 October 2001):
The Executive does not consider any joint action is necessary to comply with the Charter in respect of the Scots language.
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S1W-15887 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 21 May 2001):
To ask the Scottish Executive why information about traditional arts, culture and the Scots language is not available on the visitscotland website.

Answered by Mr Alasdair Morrison (4 June 2001):
Decisions about the content of the website are an operational matter for visitscotland. The website links in to other sites that provide much of this information. visitscotland is currently redeveloping the website form, content and links.
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S1W-13565 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 20 February 2001):
To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to address any difficulties in the teaching of the Scots language caused by scarcity of qualified teachers and materials and small number of pupils and whether it will introduce a pilot project on Scots language teaching similar to the approach to Latin teaching currently being tested in North Lanarkshire.

Answered by Mr Jack McConnell (13 March 2001):
The Scots language is not taught as a course, as the subject of Latin is, but is an element of more general language work aimed at giving children experience of and teaching them about Scots language and literature.
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S1W-13566 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 20 February 2001):
To ask the Presiding Officer why a Scots language version of the Scottish Parliament website has not been made available.

Answered by Sir David Steel (7 March 2001):
The Scottish Parliament's website publishes information in English in line with Standing Orders, Rule 7.1 which states, "The Parliament shall normally conduct its business in English......".
There are no plans to create a full version of the website in any other language, though summary information is presented in Gaelic, and public information resources in several other languages will be available on the website in the near future.
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S1W-11754 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 5 December 2000):
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11353 by Allan Wilson on 1 December 2000, whether it will detail the specific role school co-ordinators will play in the promotion of the Scots language.

Holding reply by Allan Wilson (19 December 2000):
I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by Allan Wilson (5 March 2001):
In inviting education authorities to participate in the pilot programme we shall set out a general framework of objectives for school co-ordinators. We do not propose to identify particular areas of cultural activity in which co-ordinators should be involved. Within the general framework, that will be for schools and education authorities to determine.
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S1W-12576 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 18 January 2001):
To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that any expansion of nursery provision will not lead to the diminution of the place of the Scots language in pre-school provision.

Answered by Nicol Stephen (1 February 2001):
The Executive aims to provide a part-time pre-school education place for every three and four-year-old whose parents wish it by April 2002. Within the principles set by the Curriculum Framework for Children 3 to 5, providers are free to adjust the content of learning programmes to reflect the cultural preferences of parents. The framework makes clear that a child's home language should always be valued.
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S1W-12575 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 18 January 2001):
To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that training for nursery nurses will include the promotion and development of pupils' Scots language skills.

Answered by Nicol Stephen (1 February 2001):
Qualifications held by nursery nurses are developed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority based on occupational standards determined by the industry itself, through the relevant National Training Organisation. The Executive has no direct involvement.
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S1W-12574 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 18 January 2001):
To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to encourage the production of material in the Scots language which is suitable for use with pre-school children.

Answered by Nicol Stephen (1 February 2001):
The provision of support materials for pre-school children is a matter for each centre to decide, taking account of the Curriculum Framework for Children 3 to 5 and any parental cultural preferences.
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S1W-12458 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 12 January 2001):
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11354 by Mr Jack McConnell on 10 January 2000, in what specific ways the guidelines for initial teacher education require institutions to prepare teachers to be responsive to the linguistic needs of pupils in relation to the Scots language.

Answered by Mr Jack McConnell (26 January 2001):
The guidelines for initial teacher education courses are not prescriptive. The competencies set out in the guidelines are generic to enable interpretation relevant to the particular education sector and situation the student teacher is training in. The competence to be attained by new teachers in relation to being responsive to the linguistic needs of pupils is therefore not specific to any language group.
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S1W-11354 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 17 November 2000):
To ask the Scottish Executive how teachers are prepared, though initial training and continuing professional development, to promote and develop pupils' Scots language skills.

Holding reply by Mr Jack McConnell (1 December 2000):
I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by Mr Jack McConnell (10 January 2001):
Guidelines for initial teacher education in Scotland require institutions to prepare teachers to be responsive to the needs of all pupils in respect of linguistic background.
Courses prepare teachers to deliver the curriculum as set out in guidance such as the 5-14 guidelines.
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S1W-11353 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 17 November 2000):
To ask the Scottish Executive what role school cultural co-ordinators will play in the promotion of the Scots language.

Answered by Allan Wilson (1 December 2000):
Cultural champions will identify ways of enabling all teachers to maximise the potential contribution of culture to young people's education, developing their self-esteem and core life skills and looking for opportunities to widen the range of experiences available to them.
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S1W-4992 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 3 March 2000):
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to include a question on the Scots language in the next Household Survey.

Holding reply by Mr Jack McConnell (17 March 2000):
I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by Mr Jack McConnell (27 March 2000):
There are no current plans to include a question on the Scots language in the Scottish Household Survey (SHS). The SHS questionnaire is revised slightly each year and a trawl for bids will take place in summer 2000 for questions/topics for possible inclusion in the SHS 2001 questionnaire.
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S1W-4828 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 29 February 2000):
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote and protect the Scots language and what funds it intends to devote for this purpose.

Answered by Mr Sam Galbraith (14 March 2000):
The Executive directly supports the Scottish National Dictionary, the Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue, the Scots Language Resource Centre and the Scottish Poetry Library (which promotes poetry in Scots as well as other languages). These grants amount to ?135,000 in the current year. Curricular guidelines encourage the teaching of Scots literature in schools and contain numerous opportunities for including Scots in the curriculum. The forthcoming national cultural strategy will provide an occasion to review the position of Scots and the means of support for it. Scots will also attract the provisions of Part II of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages which the UK Government signed on 2 March.
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S1W-3293 - Michael Russell (South of Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 14 December 1999):
To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spends in total annually on the development and promotion of the Scots language, including grants to the Scots Language Society, Scottish National Dictionary Association, Scots Language Resource Centre and other projects.

Holding reply by Mr Sam Galbraith (28 December 1999):
I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.

Answered by Mr Sam Galbraith (7 February 2000):
In 1999-2000 the grants to the Scottish National Dictionary Association, the Scots Language Resource Centre and the Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue are ?40,000, ?23,500 and ?49,000 respectively. No grant has been made to the Scots Language Society. Education Department guidelines dealing with the development and promotion of Scots do so in the context of the curriculum, and it is therefore not practicable to estimate the spending related to Scots.
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S1W-1886 - Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 6 October 1999):
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has plans to amend the census format to include a question on the Scots language in order to assist in the promotion and provision of Scots in education and other areas.

Answered by Mr Jim Wallace (20 October 1999):
The topics proposed by the UK Government for the 2001 Census of Population were announced in the White Paper (Cm 4253) published on 4 March 1999. The White Paper did not contain a proposal to include a question on Scots language in the Census in Scotland.
The Scottish Executive are now responsible for the Census in Scotland and will be making proposals about the content of the 2001 Census to the Scottish Parliament later this year.
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S2W-19464 - Adam Ingram (South of Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 22 September 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-18690 by Peter Peacock on 20 September 2005, how much funding is available for the development of educational resources for the teaching of Scottish literature and the works of Robert Burns at both primary and secondary school levels.

Answered by Peter Peacock (30 September 2005):
In 2004-05, the Scottish Executive provided ?13.7 million of funding to Learning and Teaching Scotland towards the development of educational resources. Some of this funding was directed to supporting Scots language and literacy in Scottish schools. However, there is no general prescription as to how these funds are specifically directed as it is important that Learning and Teaching Scotland respond to the changing demands of the primary and secondary teaching communities.
The Scottish Arts Council have provided the following funding towards the promotion of Scottish Literature and Robert Burns in Scottish schools:
Live Literature Scotland ?154,500 2004-05
?164,500 2005-06
Itchy Coo ?150,000 2001
?37,500 2004
BRAW ?30,000 2004
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S2W-18690 - Adam Ingram (South of Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 24 August 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is available for the development of educational resources for the teaching of Scottish literature and the works of Robert Burns at both primary and secondary school levels.

Answered by Peter Peacock (20 September 2005):
The Scottish Executive provides Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS) with core funding part of which is directed towards supporting Scots language and literacy in Scottish schools. This funding has for example enabled LTS to develop resources such as a Tam O'Shanter CD-ROM and an electronic resource on Edwin Morgan's poetry.
Funding is also available from the Scottish Arts Council who support such projects as: Itchy Coo, a Scottish story book publishing company; BRAW (Books, Reading and Writing), a Scottish Book Trust initiative with an aim of getting books, particularly Scottish into schools and Live Literature Scotland (LLS), a unique funding scheme which takes Scottish writers, playwrights, poets, storytellers and their work to every corner of Scottish society.
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S2W-17182 - Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East) (Lab) (Date Lodged 7 June 2005):
To ask the SPCB whether it will provide details of the staff time and costs incurred in dealing with each freedom of information request made to date and whether it will automatically provide this information for future requests.

Answered by Robert Brown (21 June 2005):
Prior to 1 May 2005, we did not record the amount of staff time incurred in dealing with each individual FOI request. Information about time spent is recorded once the enquiry has been completed. Details of the time spent on each request completed between 1 May 2005 and 15 June 2005 are given in the attached table. Staff costs are calculated using an average hourly rate of ?20. This does not include overheads such as photocopying, printing and postal charges or the provision of legal advice, figures for which are not available.
Summary of request ResponseSent Hours Estimated Cost
Information relating to Freedom of Information requests received by the Scottish Parliament 09/05/2005 4.8 ?96.00
Details relating to the value and payment of wine stored at the Scottish Parliament 05/05/2005 5 ?100.00
Request for copy of items listed in the disclosure log 17/05/2005 4 ?80.00
Request for copy of items listed in the disclosure log 17/05/2005 3 ?60.00
All communications related to an alleged telephone interception incident between the constituency office of Christine Grahame MSP and Parliament Headquarters 19/05/2005 18.5 ?370.00
Request for the identity of the 48 MSPs who have used their Allowance to purchase private properties 02/06/2005 7.75 ?155.00
Details of David McLetchie taxi claims to Queen Street Edinburgh or Tods Murray solicitors. 01/06/2005 1.25 ?25.00
All information held by CE and CE Office which relates to the requester1 19/05/2005 7.75 ?155.00
Request for copies of 14 FOI responses listed in the disclosure log 20/05/2005 5.5 ?110.00
Communications from the Sheriffs' Association relating to the Justice 1 Committee's Regulation of the Legal Profession Inquiry 20/05/2005 6 ?120.00
A breakdown of all Gordon Jackson MSP's expense claims for 2003/04. How many days did Parliament sit in 2003/04. Is there a register of MSP's attendance. If so, provide figures of each MSP's attendance 05/05/2005 1 ?20.00
A detailed breakdown of all Edinburgh Accomodation Allowance paid to MSPs for the period 2003/04 10/05/2005 2 ?40.00
Name of MSP referred to in News of the World story relating to alleged sexual activity in the Parliament precincts 11/05/2005 2.5 ?50.00
The name of the person who submitted FOI request reference 2005-006611 11/05/2005 0.25 ?5.00
Information on fees paid to DLE, EMBT/RMJM and to RMJM Services during the construction of Holyrood 26/05/2005 11 ?220.00
Copy of the contract between the Scottish Executive and BEAR Scotland relating to the M90 motorway 03/05/2005 0.25 ?5.00
Copies of David McLetchie's travel claims supporting mileage, air travel, car hire and taxis in 1999-2000 and 2000-011 12/05/2005 10.17 ?203.40
Request for Argyll and Clyde Health Board accounts for 2004/2005 04/05/2005 0.4 ?8.00
Request for Keith Raffan MSP FOI responses 17/05/2005 4.67 ?93.40
Copies of correspondence sent to the Chief Executive and Presiding Officer regarding changes to the rules on Time for Reflection 07/06/2005 6.5 ?130.00
Claims made by Keith Raffan against his winding up allowance 08/06/2005 6.76 ?135.20
Copy of the 2002 report entitled "Assessment of the Potential for Event Staging at the Scottish Parliament Building, Holyrood" 09/06/2005 4 ?80.00
Copy of SPICe Briefing Paper 'Contact Orders under Children (Scotland) Act 1995' 09/05/2005 1 ?20.00
Appointment and employment details for the Clerk/Chief Executive 03/06/2005 3 ?60.00
Request for information on the number of English MSPs 24/05/2005 1 ?20.00
Request for information on Scots language use 31/05/2005 3.8 ?76.00
Total 121.85 ?2,437.00
Note: 1. Including review.
We do not currently publish this information routinely on our website.
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S2W-15708 - Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) (Date Lodged 1 April 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to teach more school pupils through the medium of Scots.

Answered by Peter Peacock (26 April 2005):
The detailed delivery of the curriculum is a matter for local authorities. This covers both teaching in and about Scots. The Scottish Executive's National Guidelines on English Language 5-14, advises schools to "encourage discussion and develop perceptions of Scottish languages, and how they relate to the lives and experiences of Scottish people". This guidance also comments on the status of Scots in schools by suggesting that Scottish writing and writing about Scotland should permeate the curriculum and be introduced from an early stage, taking its place beside English literature. The guidelines note that the language children bring to school is often distinctive and schools should "enable pupils to be confident and creative in this language". Scottish ministers welcome the use of Itchy-Coo materials and personnel in schools but recognise that the selection of these and other Scots materials is a matter for schools and education authorities.
The Scottish Executive does not hold information on the number of schools using the Itchy-Coo Scots language materials or project.
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S2W-11830 - Mr Kenny MacAskill (Lothians) (SNP) (Date Lodged 29 October 2004):
To ask the Scottish Executive what Scottish literature is promoted and used within the school curriculum for (a) English and (b) other studies; what mandatory study of Scottish literature there is in the school curriculum, and what minimum knowledge of Scottish literature is required for children completing their education in Scottish schools.

Answered by Peter Peacock (12 November 2004):
The national Curriculum Guidelines 5-14, for English language currently advise that Scottish texts should be actively sought and used in classrooms, the aim being to foster a sense of personal and national identity through pupils' experience and study of Scots writing and Scots songs and through their conscious awareness and use of Scots language. The guidelines for Social Subjects (History), Expressive Arts and Personal and Social Development stress the importance of maintaining a focus on the Scottish context
There is, however, no statutory curriculum in Scotland and responsibility for the delivery and content of the curriculum rests with individual education authorities and headteachers who must assess the needs of their pupils and design an appropriate curriculum. This includes the extent to which Scottish literature is included in the curriculum.
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S2W-9841 - Chris Ballance (South of Scotland) (Green) (Date Lodged 29 July 2004):
To ask the Scottish Executive which minister has responsibility for ensuring that it meets its obligations in respect of the Charter for Regional or Minority Languages as these relate to Scots.

Answered by Mr Frank McAveety (26 August 2004):
I have lead ministerial responsibility within the Scottish Executive for matters relating to the Scots language.
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S2W-8183 - Mr Kenny MacAskill (Lothians) (SNP) (Date Lodged 12 May 2004):
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to implement the recommendations of the Council of Europe Committee of Experts' report into the Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; whether it will provide the Scottish Language Resource Centre (SLRC) with any additional funding to implement those recommendations and, if not, how it envisages implementation of the recommendations will be achieved, and whether it intends to consult the SLRC, or other organisations, on the recommendations and, if so, who it will consult and when.

Answered by Mr Frank McAveety (25 May 2004):
The Executive is committed to policies which will enable it to work toward meeting those Charter obligations for which it has responsibility, including those covered in the recommendations of the Council of Europe Committee of Experts.
The aims of the Scots Language Resource Centre, which receives funding from the Scottish Arts Council, relate only to one of the recommendations of the Committee of Experts, "to create conditions for the use of Scots . . . in public life, through the adoption of a language policy and concrete measures, in co-operation with the speakers of the language". This will be considered within the context of the Scottish Executive's National Languages Strategy which will be developed in consultation with all relevant interests later this year.
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S2W-7400 - Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD) (Date Lodged 1 April 2004):
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set up a board to promote Scots as a living language, similar to the Ulster-Scots Agency set up under the Good Friday Agreement, which advises ministers and co-ordinates activities relating to the promotion of Ulster-Scots as a living language.

Answered by Mr Frank McAveety (4 May 2004):
The establishment of an Ulster-Scots agency was in response to a particular set of circumstances in Northern Ireland. The Scottish Executive currently has no plans to set up a similar agency in Scotland. There is at present a wide range of groups and organisations in Scotland that support and promote Scots in its various forms.
The Scottish Executive considers the Scots language to be an important part of Scotland's distinctive linguistic and cultural heritage. It appreciates that Scots is the language many children bring to school and advocates the inclusion of Scots in the school curriculum where appropriate. The Executive expects to develop a National Language Strategy to bring a new focus to all of Scotland's languages, including Scots.
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S1W-31627 - Michael Russell (South of Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 15 November 2002):
To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been made available to support the production of education resources that encourage language diversity in each year since 1999, as referred to in key priority 2.1 of strategic objective 2 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past.

Answered by Dr Elaine Murray (26 November 2002):
As stated in the second annual report of Scotland's National Cultural Strategy, published 12 November 2002, core funding of ?80,000 from the Scottish Arts Council, with ?30,000 for establishment costs, has secured the new body, Scottish Language Dictionaries, offering a definitive resource relating to the Scots language.
The first annual report of the strategy referred to St򲬡nn - a national resource for Gaelic teaching materials. In 1999-2000 the Executive provided ?80,000 to St򲬡nn; in 2000-01 ?120,000 in 2001-02, ?145,000, and in 2002-03 ?160,000.
I can also report that since 1999 the Scottish Arts Council has granted a total of ?2,312,392 towards education resources designed to encourage language diversity in Scots and Gaelic. This breaks down into ?409,321 in 1999-2000; ?545,013 in 2000-01; ?746,233 in 2001-02, and (to date) for 2002-03, ?611,825.
Further support of resources encouraging language diversity and learning is evidenced in the Executive's specific funding of Gaelic-medium education, modern language teaching resources, and of Glasgow's International Language School: ?7,902,000; ?1,145,532, and ?962,000 respectively covering the three-year period from April 1999 to March 2002.


Questions on the National Languages Strategy


S2W-27705 - Maureen Watt (North East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 4 August 2006):
To ask the Scottish Executive how often it plans to meet Scots language organisations to assist in the process of developing its national languages strategy.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (28 August 2006):
I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-27704 on 28 August 2006.


S2W-27704 - Maureen Watt (North East Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 4 August 2006):
To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings have taken place between civil servants and Scots language organisations in connection with the development of the national languages strategy, since February 2006.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (28 August 2006):
Scottish ministers intend to issue the National Language Strategy for consultation later this year and to have it finalised within the life of this Parliament. This timetable is consistent with the Executive's commitments set out in the Partnership Agreement for a Better Scotland. This will provide the opportunity for organisations representing the regional forms of Scots to submit their views to the Scottish Executive.
Since February 2006, Scottish Executive officials have met with the representatives of two Scots language organisations. At present there are no plans for further specific meetings with Scots language organisations before the draft National Language Strategy is published.


S2W-18947 - Sandra White (Glasgow) (SNP) (Date Lodged 5 September 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive what the provisional date is for publishing the national language strategy.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (13 September 2005):
The Scottish Executive is committed to introducing a national language strategy within the lifetime of this Parliament.


S2W-18946 - Sandra White (Glasgow) (SNP) (Date Lodged 5 September 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its officials are currently working on the national language strategy.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (13 September 2005):
The responsibility for the preparation and oversight of the National Languages Strategy resides with the Tourism, Culture and Sport Group of the Scottish Executive Education Department. Officials within this group are also drawing on the expertise of officials with other language interests elsewhere in the Executive.


S2W-8404 - Alasdair Morgan (South of Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 20 May 2004):
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7400 by Mr Frank McAveety on 4 May 2004, whether its statement that it expects to develop a national language strategy allows for the possibility that such a strategy will not be developed.

Answered by Mr Frank McAveety (4 June 2004):
The Partnership for a Better Scotland, which sets out the policies and direction of the Scottish Executive for this Parliament, states that, "We will develop a new focus for Scotland's languages recognising both our heritage and our diversity. We will legislate to provide secure status for Gaelic through a Gaelic Language Bill. We will introduce a national language strategy to guide the development and support of Scotland's languages, including British Sign Language and ethnic community languages. We will give local authorities and other public bodies a responsibility to draw up a languages plan which reflects the communities they serve".


S2W-8196 - Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD) (Date Lodged 13 May 2004):
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7400 by Mr Frank McAveety on 4 May 2004, who will be involved in developing the National Language Strategy referred to in the answer.

Answered by Mr Frank McAveety (25 May 2004):
The National Language Strategy is a partnership commitment of the Scottish Executive and as such is the responsibility of Scottish ministers, working with relevant interests where appropriate.


S2W-3647 - Alasdair Morgan (South of Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 27 October 2003):
To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the recommendations of the report An Institute for the Languages of Scotland in relation to the commitment in A Partnership for a Better Scotland to introduce a national language strategy to guide the development and support of Scotland's languages, including British Sign Language and ethnic community languages .

Answered by Mr Frank McAveety (10 November 2003):
We are currently preparing proposals for a national language strategy and the recommendations of the report An Institute for the Languages of Scotland are being considered as part of that process. Consultation on the strategy will take place in due


S2W-18947 - Sandra White (Glasgow) (SNP) (Date Lodged 5 September 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive what the provisional date is for publishing the national language strategy.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (13 September 2005):
The Scottish Executive is committed to introducing a national language strategy within the lifetime of this Parliament.


S2W-14410 - Michael Matheson (Central Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 11 February 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive what specific actions it has taken to implement the advice on enhancing the status of the Scots language contained in the last report of the European Committee of Experts on the United Kingdom's application of the provisions of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (8 March 2005):
The Committee of Experts recommended to the UK government that it should help create conditions for the use of Scots in public life, through the adoption of a language policy and concrete measures, in co-operation with the speakers of the language. The Executive has committed itself to the development of a national language strategy to this end.


S2W-14377 - Michael Matheson (Central Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 10 February 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive whether any advice has been issued to civil servants concerning the application of the provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages as these relate to Scots and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (8 March 2005):
Officials of the Scottish Executive have been charged with advising ministers on the development of a national language strategy which will include measures in relation to Scots. The development of such a strategy is one of the government's partnership commitments.


S2W-13617 - Michael Matheson (Central Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 18 January 2005):
To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the study carried out in line with the National Cultural Strategy and funded by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland into the feasibility of an institute for the languages of Scotland.

Answered by Patricia Ferguson (31 January 2005):
The proposal for an Institute for the Languages of Scotland was made by a group of Scottish language interest groups and universities on the basis of an opinion survey. The proposal is uncosted and assessing its feasibility and value for money would require substantial further work. The Executive will consider how best to proceed in the context of its commitment to develop a National Language Strategy.


S2W-9840 - Chris Ballance (South of Scotland) (Green) (Date Lodged 29 July 2004):
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-8183 by Mr Frank McAveety on 25 May 2004, what specific initiatives it has taken in response to the recommendations of the Council of Europe Committee of Experts' report into the Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, as they relate to Scots.

Answered by Mr Frank McAveety (26 August 2004):
Action in relation to the recommendation of the Committee of Experts and the Charter undertakings for Scots are for a range of bodies and institutions. A wide range of Scots initiatives is being taken forward throughout Scotland. The Executive will also consider these matters within the context of the Partnership commitment to develop a National Language Strategy.


S2W-8549 - Mr Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con) (Date Lodged 25 May 2004): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the future well-being of the Scots language, in light of its support for Gaelic culture and language.

Answered by Mr Frank McAveety (8 June 2004):
The Scottish Executive considers Scots to be an important part of Scotland's linguistic and cultural heritage. There is a range of groups supporting and promoting Scots in Scotland, some of which receive support from the Scottish Arts Council. The Executive has also advocated the inclusion of Scots in the school curriculum where appropriate.
The Executive is committed to the introduction of a national language strategy during the course of this Parliament which will take account of the distinctive position of different languages used in Scotland. The approach to Scots in the future will form part of that strategy.


S2W-8404 - Alasdair Morgan (South of Scotland) (SNP) (Date Lodged 20 May 2004):
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7400 by Mr Frank McAveety on 4 May 2004, whether its statement that it expects to develop a national language strategy allows for the possibility that such a strategy will not be developed.

Answered by Mr Frank McAveety (4 June 2004):
The Partnership for a Better Scotland, which sets out the policies and direction of the Scottish Executive for this Parliament, states that, "We will develop a new focus for Scotland's languages recognising both our heritage and our diversity. We will legislate to provide secure status for Gaelic through a Gaelic Language Bill. We will introduce a national language strategy to guide the development and support of Scotland's languages, including British Sign Language and ethnic community languages. We will give local authorities and other public bodies a responsibility to draw up a languages plan which reflects the communities they serve".


S2W-8196 - Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD) (Date Lodged 13 May 2004):
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7400 by Mr Frank McAveety on 4 May 2004, who will be involved in developing the National Language Strategy referred to in the answer.

Answered by Mr Frank McAveety (25 May 2004):
The National Language Strategy is a partnership commitment of the Scottish Executive and as such is the responsibility of Scottish ministers, working with relevant interests where appropriate.


S2W-7400 - Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD) (Date Lodged 1 April 2004):
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set up a board to promote Scots as a living language, similar to the Ulster-Scots Agency set up under the Good Friday Agreement, which advises ministers and co-ordinates activities relating to the promotion of Ulster-Scots as a living language.

Answered by Mr Frank McAveety (4 May 2004):
The establishment of an Ulster-Scots agency was in response to a particular set of circumstances in Northern Ireland. The Scottish Executive currently has no plans to set up a similar agency in Scotland. There is at present a wide range of groups and organisations in Scotland that support and promote Scots in its various forms.
The Scottish Executive considers the Scots language to be an important part of Scotland's distinctive linguistic and cultural heritage. It appreciates that Scots is the language many children bring to school and advocates the inclusion of Scots in the school curriculum where appropriate. The Executive expects to develop a National Language Strategy to bring a new focus to all of Scotland's languages, including Scots.


S2W-6837 - Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab) (Date Lodged 9 March 2004):
To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Council of Europe to publish its report on the application of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in the United Kingdom.

Answered by Peter Peacock (10 March 2004):
That report was published today, and it addresses recommendations to the UK Government on areas where the Council of Europe considers action is required to ensure that its charter obligations are met. Specific recommendations are made in relation to Scots and Gaelic.
Progress has already been made since the Council of Europe collected the information on which its report is based. B�rd na G�idhlig has been established as the primary Gaelic development agency in Scotland and is channelling government funding to priority areas of Gaelic language development. The Executive has consulted on a draft Gaelic Language Bill, which will be introduced to Parliament later this year. Steps are being taken through the Standards in Scotland's Schools Act 2000 to improve the delivery of Gaelic Medium Education. The UK Government and the Scottish Executive are in dialogue about funding for the Gaelic Media Service. The Executive is also committed through A Partnership agreement for a Better Scotland to develop a national language strategy, which will develop a new focus for all of Scotland's languages, including Scots. Work on the strategy will start this year.
The implementation of the objectives and principles of the charter is a matter not only for the Executive but for local authorities and other public bodies and institutions, and the Executive expects that due recognition will be given to charter obligations at these levels. We will shortly write to all those with an interest in the charter reminding them of the UK's obligations and what practical steps can to be taken to meet them.
The Executive is committed to policies which will enable it to work toward meeting those charter obligations for which it has responsibility, and looks forward to the opportunity to contribute to the UK's next report to the Council of Europe.