Seòmar agus comataidhean

To what, if any, degree has the policy on language in Scotland been led by the principles and provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages? I had never heard of that—I hope that you have.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s current role has been mentioned a couple of times. How would the organisation’s remit change once the bill passes and in relation to the aims of the bill?

To sum up, am I right in saying that the funding that is available is better spread on the ground if it goes through Bòrd na Gàidhlig rather than going top-down?

Ninian Christie, you look as though you are interested in responding.

Claire Cullen, do you want to respond?

What is your view on what the bill envisages for Bòrd na Gàidhlig? On the back of that, in order to widen things out a wee bit and give everybody a shot, who should lead policy in relation to the Scots language?

That is excellent. Thank you very much.

Can we hae a wee jook roon the corner and talk aboot the Scots language fur a minute or two? The bill will recognise and support the Scots tongue. How will it dae that? Also, how will ye measure success in terms of the different dialectical variations across Scotland? I hope that that question is not too complicated.

When the Scottish Law Commission spoke to the committee two weeks ago, there was some discussion of the requirement on the accountant, under section 38, to refer the judicial factor to their professional body in certain circumstances.

Section 38 appears to bypass the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission, which is the usual gatekeeper for complaints. Also, in respect of a referral to the Law Society, it may apply a higher threshold for referral than the main threshold appearing in the general legislation on regulation of the legal profession.

For the benefit of the committee, can you outline the approach that you take now for solicitors? To which body—if any—do you refer a solicitor at present and in what circumstances would you make that referral? Does the wording of section 38 give you any practical or policy concerns?

Tim Barraclough, did you have something to say on that?