The bill was introduced into the Scottish Parliament on 28 September 2004 by Peter Peacock.

Its usage was chosen to prevent the assumption that the Gaelic language is in any way considered to have "equal validity or parity of esteem with English".

The Act also provides a framework for the creation of Gaelic language plans by Scottish public authorities.

Former Education Minister Peter Peacock, who, at the time of the Act coming into force, had ministerial responsibility for Gaelic, said: "This is a momentous day for Gaelic as we open a new chapter in the language's history.

We have come a long way since the dark days of 1616 when an Act of Parliament ruled that Gaelic should be 'abolishit and removit' from Scotland.