The world's only Gaelic-medium college will receive over £4
million to bring one of its important centres for education and
culture back into use.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig's Fàs building on the Isle of Skye, out of
operation since 2022, will see a new Centre for Gaelic
Creativity, a media studio for broadcast training, the Fàs Mòr
Gaelic-medium nursery and a space for community activities and
business opportunities. The refurbishment will strengthen
capacity to deliver courses and undertake research in Gaelic.
Demand for Gaelic-medium education continues to grow, with the
2022 census showing an increase of almost 50% in the number of
people with some Gaelic skills compared to 2011. Sabhal Mòr
Ostaig also has an important role in providing teacher education
and support.
Education Secretary said:
"The Fàs Building is at the heart of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig – the
renovation of this building will enable the college to expand its
support for and promotion of Gaelic in Skye, in Scotland and
beyond. The building has been out of use for too long, and
this investment will bring it back as a centre of education,
culture and creativity for the language and the communities that
cherish it.
"One of the most important things we can do for Gaelic's future
is train and support more Gaelic medium education teachers, and
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the Fàs building has a key role in
this. This is about more than a building, it is a
commitment to Gaelic at a critical moment for the language,
backed by investment and a determination to see Gaelic thrive for
generations."
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Principal Dr Gillian Munro said:
"We welcome this announcement, which is testament to Sabhal Mòr
Ostaig's academic excellence as the National Centre for Gaelic
Language and Culture and national leadership over the last 53
years.
“Regenerating Fàs supports our work expanding and modernising our
curriculum, digital learning opportunities, research capacity,
and our work with the community.
“Gaelic deserves institutions that operate innovatively - and
this investment ensures we can continue to do that for
our students, the local community, and for all of Scotland."
Background
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is Scotland's national centre for Gaelic
language and culture and the world's only college operating
entirely through the medium of Gaelic. The college has more than
1,600 full-time and part-time students.
