This week’s blog is by Dr Gillian Rothach, Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Colleges Scotland is marking the diversity and variety of work that Scotland’s 24 colleges do with our new blog series, 24 in 2024.

The landscape of Gaelic is changing. You’ve only to look at the 2022 census data to see that the language is fluctuating in unexpected areas. As the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, we make it our aim to understand these trends and support the Gaelic language in this ever-changing climate. 

Yet, despite this shifting landscape full of both opportunities and challenges, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s aim has remained the same since we began in 1972. Our mission is to promote the growth and use of Gaelic in Scotland through our learning and cultural opportunities, with a wider aim to promote Gaelic language at a global level. 

How do we do this? Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is the only place in the world where you can get your entire education through the medium of Gaelic. From Gaelic immersion years to undergraduate degrees, to postgraduate studies – all our courses are taught through Gaelic, creating a unique language-rich campus unrivalled by any other institution in the world.

Our activity aligns with the Gaelic National Language Plan (2023 – 2028) which, at the heart of its commitments, echoes the shared core aim to increase the number of Gaelic speakers in Scotland. 

Through short courses (delivered both online and on campus), summer schools, music courses, and immersion years, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig gives Gaelic learners a clear pathway to fluency in the language.

For fluent Gaelic speakers, our degrees, validated by UHI, offer career pathways to the world of work, be that in language development, education, or cultural industries. Many of our Alumni are key influential figures within the Gaelic world, positively impacting policy, culture, and contributing directly to the growth of Gaelic. Similarly, our world-leading research provides insights into the status of the language, enabling progressive ways of thinking about Gaelic whilst positioning it within global conversations surrounding minoritised languages and policy. Our aim is not just to increase and support Gaelic speakers, but to understand and actively support the growth of Gaelic use within Scotland.  

This is why – at the heart of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig – we have built a community where Gaelic language and culture permeates day to day life. Our kitchen staff, the bar team, our sports clubs, and management teams conduct their day-to-day activity in Gaelic. This immersive experience extends out with the campus, and Gaelic language and culture is very much part of everyday life in Sleat and Skye. 

As the Scottish Languages Bill approaches parliament and promises a new commitment to the Gaelic language, culture, and communities, we’re reflecting on our role within Gaelic’s future. We will continue to support the next generation of Gaelic speakers through our courses and community, whilst also looking at innovative ways to promote and grow the language.

However, for anyone reading this article and thinking... where do I start? How do I become a part of Gaelic’s future?  How do I become fluent? The answer is this... come to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig!