Chamber and committees

What does that support look like? We are talking about areas of linguistic significance. What practical support do people need to ensure that Gaelic is spoken in the community?

But what does that mean?

That does not sound expensive—to have a voice. Are you not the voice?

Do you wish to add something, Joanna Peteranna?

My question is about areas of linguistic significance. You will have heard the earlier evidence, which helped us to make a little progress on what those will look like. I would like to hear what you think an area of linguistic significance would look like and how it would be different. More important, how would we make that happen? What levers would we pull and why cannot we just do that now?

Yes, but for what?

I am asking about all policies—I am supposed to ask you the questions. [Laughter.] I would like to know about the benefit of any changes that have been implemented.

Does anyone else want to come in?

In a previous evidence session not related to this bill, we heard that those in traditional Gaelic-speaking areas are sometimes not able to recruit a sufficient number of teachers in the language, because many of them are going off to the central belt to pursue a different life, albeit still within Gaelic-medium education. Is there a danger that, if we expand provision elsewhere, the language could be undermined in its heartland?

Seonaidh, do you want to give your perspective?