Celebrating Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Class of 2025
Guests, lecturers, staff, and students gathered at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, last Friday (03 October) to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025.
A total of 72 graduates received undergraduate and postgraduate awards, including six First Class Honours degrees and ten special awards.
As part of the celebrations, the prestigious Sàr Ghàidheal Award was presented to Jo MacDonald and Norman Gillies OBE, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Gaelic language and culture.
This year also marked a special milestone for the National Centre as the first graduates from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s MEd Gaelic Education course were awarded their degrees — a proud achievement that reflects the continued growth and diversification of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s programmes.
Degree programmes are validated by the University of the Highlands and Islands, and the PDA Gaelic Translation, as well as Foundation Apprenticeships, are presented through the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Gillian Munro, Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, said:
“I’m delighted that so many families and supporters were able to join us to celebrate this year’s graduates. We are immensely proud of our students — they leave Sabhal Mòr Ostaig equipped with strong Gaelic language skills, but also skills that will allow them to live, work, and contribute to the Gaelic world. While the door here will always be open to them, I can’t wait to see the impact they make as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.”
Mark Maudsley was among this year’s graduates, and he began his Gaelic journey on Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s online beginner course, An Cùrsa Inntrigidh. Having originally trained and worked as a doctor, Mark’s dedication to the language led him to pursue full-time study at the College, and he is now graduating with a First Class BA (Hons) Gaelic degree.
Another graduate, Martin Robertson, completed three years of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s BA Gaelic and Traditional Music course, after earning a previous degree at another university. He is now working with Spòrs Gàidhlig and was the recipient of the Sir Iain Noble Award, recognizing his commitment to researching Gaelic song and music from his local community in Arnisdale, Lochalsh.
