Grassroots groups call for Humza Yousaf to appoint Scottish languages minister

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Two grassroots activists groups for Scots and Gaelic have called for Humza Yousaf to appoint a Minister for Scottish Languages.The groups, Oor Vyce and Misneachd, have said that a specific minister is needed to address the "pressing concerns" around preserving and developing Scotland's unique linguistic heritage.

They have launched a petition to back up the campaign.A spokesperson for the groups said: "As a new Government team is now in place, we see no clear accountability for Scots or Gaelic, and this lack of clarity does not provide our communities with confidence that concerns around preserving and developing our unique linguistic heritage in Scotland will be sufficiently addressed."While we heard some warm words around Scots and Gaelic and a lot about protecting minority rights during the SNP leadership campaign, we now need those words backed up with action and the rights of Scotland’s linguistic minorities advanced.

Both languages require immediate action to prevent further decline."The campaign is being run by Phil Reid, of Oor Vyce, and Màrtainn Mac A'Bhàillidh, of Misneachd.The Scottish Government is due to publish a consultation report on future support for Gaelic and Scots and on a promised Scottish Languages Bill is due in the coming months.Th groups have said it is "vital" that the report brings together groups from across the two communities to provide Scots and Gaelic a louder voice within Government.The spokesperson said: "We need a Minister for Scottish Languages who can provide accountability and work with wider Scottish society to help advance the rights of Scotland’s minority language communities."Oor Vyce and Misneachd are committed to promoting and protecting the use of Scots and Gaelic in