Competition in memory of Donald John MacKay
Trustees of Urras Dhòmhnaill Iain - The Donald John MacKay Educational Trust - have launched an annual competition in memory of Mr MacKay, former depute chairman of trustees and project development manager at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.
The competition marks the outstanding contribution made by Mr MacKay to Gaelic and industrial development in the Highlands and Islands.
The competition is open to any full or part-time student in Scotland at further or higher education level or working towards a doctorate.
Mr MacKay had a long association with the work of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Lèirsinn Research Centre, An Comunn Gàidhealach, of which he was the first director (1965-70), Comunn na Gàidhlig, British Alcan, the Harris Tweed Association, Highlands and Islands Development Board, the Gaelic Society of Inverness and a range of other organisations. The competition will be administered by Fèisean nan Gàidheal (FnG) on behalf of the trust and all entries should contribute to the aims and objectives of the current National Gaelic Language Plan and align to the aims and objects of the trust.
‘This competition will enable young people to demonstrate innovative ideas, fresh thinking and develop personal interests,’ said Duncan MacQuarrie on behalf of trustees.
Arthur Cormack, chief executive of Fèisean nan Gàidheal, commented: ‘We are honoured to collaborate with the Donald John MacKay Educational Trust and will work to deliver an annual competition for Gaelic students throughout the UK worthy of the memory of a key figure in the development of Gaelic and the Highlands and Islands. The competition is now open with applications required by Friday November 16.’