Directorate for Education Review Of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

Tender description

The Scottish Government, on behalf of the Scottish Ministers, has commissioned independent social research for the Scottish Government’s review of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (SMO). Lot 1: The Scottish Languages Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament in June 2025. The Bill received Royal Assent on 31 July 2025 and became an Act of Parliament on 1 August 2025. The regulations activate Section 32 of the Act in full on 15 September 2026, triggering the legal obligation on Scottish Ministers to carry out a review of SMO. It also starts the statutory timetable of 12 months during which Scottish Ministers must complete the review and use it to inform a report which must then be published and laid before the Scottish Parliament. A key aim of the review is to provide robust evidence based research findings. It will focus on SMO’s funding and collate stakeholder views on its status and future development. This will inform ministerial decisions on strategic direction, including where enhancements to SMO’s functions, operating model (including improved ways of working), financial sustainability (including income generation), and strategic impact could provide greatest value and strengthen SMO’s role a as Scotland’s national centre for Gaelic language, education and culture.. The contract shall commence on 9th November 2026 and shall expire on 31st March 2027. The contract may be extended by two periods of one month, to a date falling no later than 31st May 2027.