Conservative and Unionist Party (Scottish)

There is no reference to the Scots language in the party manifesto

(Scottish) Labour Party

There is no reference to the Scots language in the party manifesto

In relation to language in general, the party manifesto states that:

“Scottish Labour is proud to celebrate the diversity of Scotland’s many languages, including Gaelic, British Sign Language (BSL) and the many languages spoken by those new to our country.”

(Scottish) Liberal Democrats

There is no reference to the Scots language in the party manifesto.

Scottish Green Party

The party manifesto states that:

“We recognize the cultural benefits of supporting Scotland’s many languages, including British Sign Language, Scots, Gaelic and minority community languages, through their inclusion in education and multilingual public information.”

Scottish National Party

The party manifesto refers to the Scots language in two sections: ‘Modern Languages and Scottish Studies’ and ‘Culture and Creativity’.

In the former, the manifesto states:

“We will develop the concept of “Scottish Studies” in our schools, creating a distinct strand of learning focused on Scotland and incorporating Scottish History, Scottish Literature, the Scots and Gaelic Languages, wider Scottish culture and Scottish current affairs. All pupils will have access to this strand at Primary and Secondary levels.”

Within the section on Scotland’s languages, the party manifesto states:

“We support the introduction of a Scottish Studies element within the curriculum and see this as an important vehicle for protecting and promoting Scotland’s languages and also their literature. We will develop a national Scots language policy, with increased support for Scots in education, encouragement of a greater profile for Scots in the media, and the establishment of a network of Scots co-ordinators.”