A strategy to increase the use of Gaelic language must deliver tangible results, particularly after increased funding, the Conservatives have said.

The Scottish Government's national Gaelic plan for 2014/15 is aimed at safeguarding the future of the declining language by promoting learning, increasing its use and enhancing its status.

Languages Minister Alasdair Allan told MSPs the plan, to be managed by public body Brrd na G'idhlig, is an "unapologetic strategy for growth".

Conservative MSP Annabel Goldie welcomed the plan but said: "In times of limited budgets and scarce resources, the Scottish Government as well as the board must be able to show the money is being spent wisely and effectively by delivering material outcomes."

Labour's Hugh Henry said Gaelic made a "huge contribution to the cultural, social and, indeed, economic life of Scotland" but warned that if it was not a living language it could be at risk.

He said: "The surest way to lose a language is to allow it to wither on the vine, to become complacent and to become lazy about its use.

"It's true that we need to encourage more Gaelic speakers.

"The fact that something like a thousand Gaelic speakers are dying every year means there is an urgency to replace those who have Gaelic as their first language."