The Gaelic and Scots languages have gained official status in a “historic milestone” as people across Scotland mark St Andrew’s Day.

It is one of a range of measures which come into force on November 30 through the Scottish Languages Act .

The Act also empowers parents to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area and aims to ensure that more qualifications are available in Gaelic.

It also includes powers for ministers to commission research into the use of Gaelic and Scots and establish teaching standards for the languages.

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “St Andrew’s Day is a fitting time to celebrate Scotland’s identity by recognising Gaelic and Scots as official languages.

“This is a historic milestone which acknowledges the vital place these la

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