The prize gives special consideration to the promotion of mother-tongue languages in developing countries.

UNESCO: Apply for UNESCO Prizes

"We are keen to support a wide range of languages that are spoken in Scotland and recognise that we have a special responsibility towards Gaelic, " said a spokeswoman.

BBC: Scottish independence: The American perspective

These are: inland waterways, the promotion of the Irish and Ulster Scots languages, food safety, aquaculture and marine matters, trade and business development and special European Union programmes.

BBC: Paisley: Embryo all-Ireland government

They will implement all-island laws on inland waterways, the promotion of the Irish and Ulster Scots languages, food safety, aquaculture and marine matters, trade and business development and special European Union programmes.

BBC: Historic day for north-south council