The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 required of Bòrd na Gàidhlig that it carry out a three month public consultation as part of its preparation of the National Plan for Gaelic and the Guidance on Gaelic Language Plans. 

Drafts of the Plan and the Guidance were publish in August 2006, and the responses from authorities, groups and individuals - which had been received in high number - were considered in amending both for presentation to the Scottish Ministers for their views and seeking permission to publish.

An independent report on the responses was commisioned by the Bòrd from Prof Kenneth MacKinnon.