Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

JOHN Swinney has condemned arguments that the Gaelic language should not be encouraged in Scotland.

The Deputy First Minister reaffirmed the Scottish Government's determination to strengthen the language as he delivered the Angus Macleod Memorial lecture during the Mod in Stornoway.

Swinney was making his first major speech on the subject since assuming ministerial responsibility for the Gaelic language following May's election.

His speech comes as part of the Scottish Government's ambition to build participation and economic activity in the future.

Rejecting arguments that Gaelic should be anything other than encouraged, Swinney said: "I know many of you have encountered this hostility to Gaelic.

"These views on Gaelic are just as groundless and unwelcome as they are inaccurate and misleading. They betray a poor understanding of our country, its history and the respect we should show to minority communities. My very clear view on this is that this hostility to Gaelic has no place in Scotland.

"So let me set the record straight. Gaelic is a language of daily use. The support for Gaelic is a good use of public funds.

"Gaelic offers a range of benefits to Scotland. It is a valuable language to learn and it deserves the support of people of all political backgrounds in Scotland. And it will have that support from this Scottish Government and from this Deputy First Minister of Scotland."

(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

Swinney also raised an argument about the significant economic opportunities arising out of development of the Gaelic language.

He said: "I want us to frame a dynamic agenda for economic growth and development in the use of the language and to see the opportunities to ensure the language can generate to create wealth, employment and opportunities in Scotland.

"Harnessing the energy of the Gaelic movement, combining it with the unlimited potential of digital technology, I believe we have an unrivalled opportunity to create a much stronger footprint of economic activity from Gaelic than at any time in our history.

"Digital stretches the reach of the language in a way many of us could never have contemplated. The language can contribute to the economic renaissance of Scotland and make our society rich in the truest sense of the word."

In his speech, Swinney reflected on the significant developments in protecting the Gaelic language since an unsuccessful attempt by the late MP Donald Stewart to secure it in House of Commons legislation in 1981.

He added: "The picture of Gaelic development through the years has progressed from campaigning for recognition, to putting structures and projects in place.

"Now that we are at the point where we have good structures in place, we must ensure these are effectively used to strengthen the language and to reap the rewards of its contribution to the diversity that exists in Scotland.

"Why is this important? The clear reason behind this activity is to ensure that the Gaelic language has a secure future in Scotland.

"I want to make clear to you my determination to work with all who have an interest in nurturing the language, with the structures and gains we have made, to pursue the aim of increasing the numbers learning, speaking and using Gaelic.

"That is the Government's clear aim and priority and we must use all the gains of the last decades to make further progress with this aim. The reason for this commitment is quite simple. Gaelic belongs in Scotland."