A NEW campaign has been launched demanding official recognition for the Scots Language. Oor Vyce brings together entertainers, writers, academics and political campaigners who want the Scottish Parliament to pass a law similar to the 2005 Gaelic Language Act to promote “the mither tongue”.

They also want an official body, similar to Bord na Gaidhlig, to raise the status and profile of Scots.

The campaign had its “soft launch” on social media yesterday, ahead of the main launch after lockdown is lifted.

Oor Vyce founder Jack Capener said that the 2011 census showed one in three people spoke Scots, and it was time their voices were heard.

“It’s time for Scots voices to be heard. Despite its prevalence in everyday life, Scots lacks any sort of official status. There’s no legislation in place recognising it. We need to protect and promote it like Gaelic.

“When sae mony fowk dinnae see the wey they blether wi yin anither aw the time in their ain country respectit bi politeecians, it maks them scunnert an feelin hoo they talk micht somehoo be wrang. An we ken fine it’s no wrang, it’s yin o oor ain vyces.

“That’s why we’re calling for the Scottish Government to legislate for a Scots Language Act to officially recognise the rights of Scots speakers and set up a board with powers to protect and promote the language.

“According to the 2011 census, Scots has more than a million and a half speakers, making it Scotland’s second most spoken language.

“It’s around us all the time, used as the language of work, home and family in communities from Shetland to Galloway, Banffshire to the Borders, as well as playing a key role in our cultural heritage through song and literature.”

The social media campaign is running at facebook.com/oorvyce, twitter.com/oorvyce and instagram.com/oorvyce