Only about 60, 000 Scots speak Gaelic and Alex Salmond, the Scottish National Party (SNP) leader, is rarely seen in a kilt.

ECONOMIST: Wales and Scotland at the polls

Under , the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 Bord na Gaidhlig was required to prepare and submit to Scottish ministers a national Gaelic language plan which must include proposals as to the exercise of its functions under that Act.

BBC: National Gaelic plan debate and decision time

The European Language Equality Network (Elen) represents 37 lesser used languages, including Scottish Gaelic.

BBC: Swedish teacher in running for Gaelic school's head post