The plan is intended to increase everyday use of the language

It proposes measures to "normalise" the use of Gaelic and promote development of the language and its culture both in the home and in community life.

Figures from the Registrar General for Scotland show that about 92,000 people can speak Gaelic.

Consultation meetings will be run by B�rd na G�idhlig, the statutory Gaelic Development Agency.

The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 came into force in February.

We hope that these meetings will attract considerable interest Allan Campbell B�rd na G�idhlig Chief Executive

B�rd na G�idhlig Chief Executive Allan Campbell said: "The draft plan suggests priorities and measures for the further development of Gaelic and it is clearly very important that the Gaelic community takes ownership of the plan and works in effective partnership to realise its aspirations for Gaelic.

"The draft guidance on Gaelic Language Plans details the way forward for public bodies in the production of Gaelic plans as required by the act, but the guidance will also be of value to private and voluntary sector bodies wishing to develop Gaelic plans."

The B�rd will be holding a programme of public meetings across Scotland to present the draft national plan.

Mr Campbell added: "We hope that these meetings will attract considerable interest and that they will assist people to respond effectively to the consultation."

Web submissions

The public meetings start in Stornoway and Inverness on 21 August.

All meetings will be advertised in local newspapers and submissions to the consultation process can be made in writing to the B�rd offices, or through the B�rd website.

The consultation document can also be downloaded there along with the guidance on Gaelic Language Plans.

Minister for Gaelic, Peter Peacock, said: "We've already made great progress in strengthening the position of Gaelic in Scotland and the publication of the draft National Gaelic Language Plan is another major step forward.