The Scottish Government has set out its plans to increase opportunities for Gaelic speakers to use the language when interacting with the organisation.
Minister for Gaelic Fiona Hyslop announced publication of the Government's own Gaelic Language Plan during a visit to Benbecula and South Uist, where she met organisers of Ceòlas, the Gaelic music summer school.
The five-year Plan was prepared following a request from Bòrd na Gàidhlig - the national Gaelic development body - under the terms of the Gaelic (Scotland) Act 2005. All activity in the Scottish Government's Plan is being delivered within existing departmental resources.
Fiona Hyslop said: "This is a critical time for the future of Gaelic, and a new generation of Gaelic speakers will be key to securing the future of the language. Gaelic Language Plans are about increasing the visibility of the language in everyday life and motivating people to learn and use it.
"The Scottish Government recognises the importance of creating opportunities for the practical use of Gaelic. For example, anyone who writes to us in Gaelic now receives a reply in Gaelic, and we welcome the completion of forms in Gaelic.
“We will increase the number of summary documents produced in Gaelic. Staff who already have some Gaelic will get the opportunity to develop their skills and opportunities to learn the language will be offered to others.
"Last week Creative Scotland - or Alba Chruthachail - became the first public body whose name has equal status in Gaelic and English.
"All of these small steps increase the use of Gaelic in everyday life and are vital to the language's survival."
Arthur Cormack, chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig has welcomed said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig sees the publication of the Scottish Government's Gaelic Language Plan as a welcome and positive indication of its continuing commitment to the language.
“The Scottish Government has signalled that there is real benefit in sustaining and developing Gaelic and this is a practical Plan that not only applies to its own operations, but which offers a lead to other organisations including Government agencies with a clear message that the Scottish Government wants to see a sustainable future for Gaelic.
“I am confident that other bodies will follow the Scottish Government's lead in making commitments to the Gaelic language, and in implementing their own Gaelic Language Plans.
"Even although times are challenging economically, I believe we are in a time of unprecedented opportunity for the Gaelic language, and it will be important to build on the momentum that has built up over the past few years in increasing the status and use of Gaelic.
“As recently outlined in the Bòrd's new action plan, Ginealach Ùr na Gàidhlig, we are now focusing on the task of increasing the numbers of Gaelic speakers and the Scottish Government's support in this will be both welcome, and vital."