Graduations at Sabhal Mor Ostaig
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (SMO) hosted an evening of celebration in Sleat on Friday October 5 as the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture enjoyed one of its most successful graduation ceremonies in its 45-year history.
In total, 64 students graduated from the undergraduate and postgraduate programme which the college offers, with particular success in the increased number of students graduating with honours degrees and indeed the highest number of first-class honours awards achieved since SMO was established in 1973.
Chairman of the board of directors at SMO Angus Macleod addressed those present: ‘Forty-five years ago, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig was established to reignite Gaelic and create new opportunities. The underlying philosophy for the Gaelic language and culture was to protect, utilise, encourage and develop it. That is still our main aim, every day and every year.’
This year’s graduation welcomed a new principal and vice-principal, with Dr Gillian Rothach and Dr Marsaili MacLeod having recently taken over from Prof Boyd Robertson and John Norman Macleod.
Vice-principal and director of education, Dr MacLeod said: ‘It gives us great pleasure that more than 60 students are graduating today and that the highest number in the college’s history are graduating with a first class degree.
‘We are very proud of all those graduating and now joining our alumni community of more than 1,000 students whose talents and skills are flourishing the world over.’
The degree programme offered at the college includes a range of subjects with Gaelic, such as teaching, media studies, Gaelic development, traditional music and Gaelic culture, which are all taught through Gaelic immersion techniques.
Dr Rothach, principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, was ‘extremely proud’ of the graduating students, saying: ‘Where once there was not even primary education available in Gaelic, today we at Sabhal Mòr can offer students a full range of tertiary qualifications, from an apprenticeship, to an HNC, HND, BA, BA Honours, continuing professional development, masters and PhD. We wish our graduates every success and hope that they will keep in touch!’
In addition to celebrating the academic achievements of students, the annual honour of Sàr Ghàidheal was awarded to two individuals in recognition of their tremendous contribution and dedication to the Gaelic language and culture – Margaret MacLeod from Peterhead and Lewis, and Iain MacFarlane from
Mull. An award was also given in memory of Niamh Henderson, from Mallaig, who was a student at the college and who died suddenly last year. Niamh was a first-year student studying Gàidhlig is Conaltradh.
This year’s graduation lecture was delivered by Flora Guidi, head teacher of Bunsgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh, who thanked all staff, past and present, for their work in the continued reignition of the Gaelic language.