Scottish Labour MP Torcuil Crichton Swears Gaelic Oath on Gaelic Bible as New Western Isles Representative

The newly elected Labour Member of Parliament for the Western Isles, Torcuil Crichton (Na h-Eileanan an Iar), has taken his oath of allegiance in Gaelic, using a Gaelic Bible.

This choice, known as the “Scottish style,” marks a departure from the usual oath-taking process for new MPs.

According to parliamentary rules, MPs must pledge loyalty to the Crown upon election. This can be done using a religious text or a non-religious affirmation. While the initial oath must be spoken in English, Scottish law allows MPs to recite it in Gaelic, Welsh, or Cornish.

During the swearing-in ceremony, typically conducted by holding a sacred text and pledging fidelity to “His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors,” Crichton opted for the Scottish tradition. This involves raising the right hand without holding the sacred text, as permitted by the Oaths Act 1978.

It’s noteworthy that MPs who refuse to take the oath or affirmation forfeit their parliamentary privileges, including the right to speak, vote, or receive a salary until they comply.

Crichton’s decision reflects a range of approaches taken by MPs across Scotland and the UK. For instance, all six MPs from Cornwall chose to take their oaths in Cornish, while Labour’s Clive Lewis used his oath to protest against the monarchy, prefacing it with a statement challenging its legitimacy.

The ceremony also showcased diversity, with former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak taking his oath on the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture, and other MPs using texts such as the Quran and Torah.

Crichton’s choice to swear his oath in Gaelic on a Gaelic Bible underscores his commitment to Scotland’s cultural and linguistic heritage, resonating deeply with constituents in the Western Isles.