The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2005 is the first piece of legislation to give formal recognition to the Scottish Gaelic language. For the national legislative body up to 1707, see Parliament of Scotland. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) is a member of the Goidelic branch of Celtic languages. ...

The Gaelic Language Act recognises Gaelic as an official language of Scotland, commanding equal respect with English. The Act establishes Bòrd na Gàidhlig as part of the framework of government in Scotland and requires the creation of a national plan for Gaelic to provide strategic direction for the development of the Gaelic language. Bòrd na Gàidhlig /borst na ga:lIk/ is the Scottish government appointed agency with responsibility for Scottish Gaelic. ...

It gives Bòrd na Gàidhlig a key role in promoting Gaelic in Scotland, advising Scottish Ministers on Gaelic issues, driving forward Gaelic planning and preparing guidance on Gaelic education. The Act also provides a framework for the creation of Gaelic language plans by Scottish public authorities.

Education Minister Peter Peacock, who has ministerial responsibility for Gaelic, said: "This is a momentous day for Gaelic as we open a new chapter in the language's history. We have come a long way since the dark days of 1616 when an Act of Parliament ruled that Gaelic should be 'abolishit and removit' from Scotland." Peter Peacock, (Born 27 May 1952) has been a Labour regional list Member of the Scottish Parliament for Highlands and Islands since 1999. ...

See also:

• List of Acts of the Scottish Parliament from 1999

Sources: This is a list of Acts of the Scottish Parliament. ...

• [Report on the website of the Scottish Parliament]
• [Full text of the act]