A north MSP has raised concerns after the number of students sitting exams in Gaelic fell by 21%.
And newly released figures also showed that the number of pupils passing the first year of national exams dropped by 25%.
Rhoda Grant, Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands MSP questioned what efforts were being made by the Scottish Government to promote study of the language.
In parliament she questioned culture secretary Fiona Hyslop, who said that the government had supported Gaelic organisation such as the Bord na Gaidhlig and BBC Alba.
In parliament Mrs Grant said “The minister will be aware that Gaelic culture and heritage is passed down in poetry and song. To access this we need to be able to speak and understand the language.
“There has been a marked drop in the number of pupils choosing Gaelic as a language which has led to a fall in the number of students gaining a qualification.
“What are the Scottish Government doing to ensure that the education system is providing the education and skills required to access our culture and heritage.
Speaking after the exchange she added: “For the last three financial years around the £20million mark has been spent on Gaelic and now we learn that there are is a drop of about 25% in the take up of this language and of those sitting it this year nearly a quarter failed to pass it”.
“If the government are serious about making sure that we have an education system that is providing the education, the skills and the training that our young people need, then there needs to be an urgent review of the new exams system and also a look at why there are less pupils choosing Gaelic as a language in the first place.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Under this government the number of P1 pupils entering Gaelic medium education has risen 44% since 2007. There are also a number of new Gaelic schools opening, more teachers entering the profession to teach in Gaelic classes and support from authorities and public bodies.
“This shows our investment in Gaelic resources, teachers and schools is paying off. However, we recognise there is much more to do in ensuring that pupils see a future career with Gaelic connections and Gaelic education has a vital role to play in creating a secure future for the language in Scotland.”