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Figures now released from the 2011 Census of Scotland have shown that a majority of the people of Scotland see themselves as Scottish only and not British. Responding to a question about nationality 62.4% said they saw themselves as “Scottish identity only”. Just 18.3% declared that they were “Scottish and British identities only”. Those who saw themselves as “British identity only” numbered only 8.4%.  

When on September 11 2013 the European Parliament adopted a resolution on protecting minority languages it did so by an overwhelming majority vote of 645 to 26. Not surprisingly amongst those voting against were French Centre-right MEPs claiming that it violated the unity of the French Republic.

Alasdair Allan, Scottish Government Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland's Languages, has announced a boost in spending to increase the number of places available in Gaelic Medium Education. Minister Allan is quoted by the STC website, Central Scotland's ITV franchise. Dr. Allan is a Scots Gaelic speaker and strong supporter of the tongue

The Irish television network RTE are reporting on criticism leveled agianst the Irish Government for its failure to make progress on the implementation of the goals outlined in the  "Twenty Year Stratgy For the Irish language".  A spokesman for  "Conradh na Gaeilge", which is  the main voluntary community organisation promoting the Irish language, charged a "very slow pace" of implementation.

On Saturday 21 September thousands marched in favour of Scottish Independence in Edinburgh. On the same day in Quimper (Breton: Kemper), Brittany, a rally in solidarity and support of Scottish independence organised by ‘YES BREIZH’ yesbreizh.net was also held. The rally and banners displayed outside of the Cathedral in Quimper drew lots of interest from local people.

Thousands of pro-independence marchers took to the streets of Scotland’s Capital Edinburgh on Saturday 21 September. Organisers estimate that 20,000 to 30,000 people took part in the day’s successful activities culminating in a rally at Carlton Hill.

One of the speakers at the rally was Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond. In front of a sea of Scottish flags and pro-independence banners he said:

Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party, has congratulated the Sabhal Mor Ostaig, which roughly translates to "Teaching Barn", on its 40th birthday. The BBC quoted First Minister Salmond: " What started as no more than a barn and an idea 40 years ago, now stands as an established globally recognised Higher Education Institution charged with protecting, promoting and celebrating Scottish Gaelic.

In a move that has huge implications for the future health of the Welsh tongue, and the health of Welsh speakers, the Office of the Welsh Language Commissioner (Meri Huws) have announced a series of public forums to be held throughout Wales until October 11, 2013 that will afford Welsh speakers an opportunity to "..share their experience of using the Welsh language when accessing primary health care services."

News from BZH New York

Edinburgh, Saturday March 21 September, Rally For Independence.

The countdown is on for the March and Rally in favour of a Yes vote for an independent Scotland. To be held in Edinburgh on Saturday 21 September 2013. Assembling between 11am – 12pm at The High Street, Edinburgh the march will go to Carlton Hill where a Rally will be held. For details go to the website of the Rally for Scottish Independence organisers. www.independencerally.com