Tuesday, 01 March 2011 01:58

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On 27th March, the last Sunday of the month, the ten yearly national census will take place.  Collecting accurate and up to date statistical information about every aspect of Scottish life allows government organisations to plan and fund services accurately, as the census will tell them vital information such as how many elderly people there are, or where there is an increase in number of young people.

For a number of decades, the census has included a question about the ability to speak or understand Gaelic.  The census figures for the Gaelic language have been vital in ensuring that efforts to revive and maintain the language are effectively targeted.  This year, for the very first time, the census will also include a similar question asking about the ability to speak or understand the Lowland Scots language.  As we’ve often reminded Newsnet Scotland readers, the British government officially recognises Scots as a distinct language requiring protection under the terms of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.