The debate will coincide with Parliament's Gaelic Day, the final of the BT Gaelic schools debate and the launch of the Scottish Parliament's Gaelic Plan.

Mr. Allan commented: "This is a great opportunity for the parliament to show it's commitment to Gaelic and I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity to have my motion on the future of the Gaelic language debated at such a crucial time for the language. I look forward to the debate attracting cross-party support and hope that members will take part whether Gaelic speakers or not.

"The debate will take place as much as possible in Gaelic and I plan to speak entirely in Gaelic, with a simultaneous translation taking place in English.

"Gaelic is at an important cross-roads in its history, with lots happening such as the new Gaelic channel, more Gaelic schools opening and being approved and the Scottish Government working on its own Gaelic language plan. This debate will recognise that support for Gaelic is ongoing and urgent if we are to reverse the decline in Gaelic speakers and to stabilise the number of speakers at 2001 levels as a pre-requisite for long term growth. I look forward to a positive and encouraging debate."