Joanna Kopaczyk, Professor of Scots and English Philology, University of Glasgow.

After decades of campaigning, Scots language activists have now achieved a major milestone: the Scottish Languages Bill, passed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament on 17 June 2025, gives the Scots language an official status in Scotland. But what does this mean for the Scots language communities across the country? In her talk entitled Scottish Languages Bill – What does it mean for Scots?, Professor Joanna Kopaczyk from the University of Glasgow, reflects on her work as the Academic Officer of Oor Vyce, the grassroots campaign for the official recognition of Scots, and analyses the specific provisions for the language which have made their way into the Bill.

Booking for Highlight Talks at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is recommended to guarantee entry. Due to limited capacity in the venue, any available seats will be allocated to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning that entry cannot be guaranteed without a booking.

Doors open at 2:15pm