SABHAL MÒR OSTAIG APPOINTS NEW "HONORARY VISITING FELLOWS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP"

Two of Scotland’s most successful businessmen, Donald Macdonald, founder and Executive Chairman of Macdonald Hotels and Sir Tom Farmer, founder and former Chief Executive of Kwik Fit International, have agreed to join Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for the Gaelic language and culture on the Isle of Skye, as Visiting Honorary Fellows of Entrepreneurship. Both men, have enjoyed illustrious careers in business, and have long been aware of the work of the college.

Mr Macdonald, a native Gaelic speaker from the Isle of Harris and a former member of the Court of Napier University, said this week from his family home on Harris,
“I am a great admirer of the work of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and of the innovative and exciting approach which the centre has adopted throughout its history. In particular, how it has recognised the positive impact which the regeneration of the language and culture has on our communities and the important part it has to play in the wider economic development of the entire region. Sabhal Mòr, from the outset, has recognised that for the Gaelic community to grow, strengthen and prosper, it is of the utmost importance that an entrepreneurial spirit is fostered and encouraged. I look forward greatly to having the opportunity to contribute to that process through my links with the centre”

Sir Tom Farmer, Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, who has visited the College a number of times in the recent past and has long been an admirer of its work, said of his new role today,
“Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has developed an international reputation as a centre of excellence and innovation, a fact recognised through its being awarded the prestigious ‘Queens Anniversary Prize’. It has always been willing to push the boundaries, face the challenges and seize the opportunities and, through the promotion of a positive ‘can do’ culture, has become one of the most significant economic ‘drivers’ in the area. I look forward to being able to contribute to its important work in encouraging enterprise and growing our entrepreneurs of the future”

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s new Director, Prof Boyd Robertson, said of the appointments,
“I am delighted that we have secured the services of businessmen of such stature and acumen. Their input will extend and enhance the important contribution Sabhal Mòr makes to the economic and social regeneration of Skye. Their expertise in entrepreneurship will enable the College to develop the creative and cultural industries already established in the Fàs building and will reflect the philosophy espoused by Sir Iain Noble in founding the College in 1973.”

Donella Beaton, Chief Executive of the highly successful College owned company, Cànan, said from the company headquarters in the Fàs building at Sabhal Mòr,
“There is no doubt that for individuals, businesses and communities to achieve their capacity and flourish in a global market place, that, they need to have an enterprising, innovative attitude to life, as well as possessing excellent core skills. I am absolutely delighted that two individuals held in such high international regard will be involved with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone associated to learn from people who have really proven what they can do and what can be done”.

Fàs, the new Centre for Creative and cultural industries at Sabhal Mòr is now operating at capacity and is home to a number of major international projects, companies and initiatives within the cultural heritage, creative industries, new media and arts sectors and also houses the new MG Alba Studios, one of the most technologically advanced TV studio recording and post production facilities in the country. Sabhal Mòr is currently developing plans for the next phase of its estates strategy.

SMO Director of Development, Donnie Munro said,
“Sabhal Mòr is now operating at capacity and therefore the need for expansion is critical if we are to continue to meet the development needs of the language and culture. We are currently exploring a range of exciting opportunities and potential strategic partnerships which will enable the delivery of the next phase of our estate development strategy and also increase the infrastructure and amenities serving the local area”.

Robert Muir, HIE Area Manager for Lochaber Skye and Wester Ross said today,
“HIE has played a key role in the development of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and of Fàs. The contribution that each is making to the local, regional and national economy and to the cultural identity of the Highlands and Islands is providing an outstanding return on this agency's investment. It is a testament to the scale of achievement at SMO that it has drawn Honorary Fellows of the entrepreneurial status of Sir Tom Farmer and Donald Macdonald. The involvement of such astute business minds will, without doubt, be a significant assistance to the college in achieving its enormous potential.”