Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Graduation 2026
Graduates from North Uist to Florida gather to celebrate.
From North Uist to Florida, graduates travelled to the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Graduation Ceremony on Friday 2 October to celebrate with family, friends and staff.
The Class of 2026 graduated with qualifications in the Gaelic language, education and media, including three First Class Honours degrees and 36 awards with distinction. Ten students also received special awards recognising their outstanding achievements.
Among those celebrating, were:
Sylvie (Rachel) Zacrep from Cocoa Beach, Florida, graduated with a BA Hons in Gaelic and received the Duais Clann ‘Ic Mhuirich award. Inspired to study Gaelic by her family roots and a love of Gaelic poetry and storytelling, graduation marks Sylvie’s first visit to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig after seven years studying via distance learning.
Sylvie said: “It is a real honour to be at graduation with the other students and everyone at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. After seven years of studying online without visiting, it feels like coming full circle. Above all, I’m looking forward to thanking the staff and lecturers – that is what means the most to me.”
Ruairidh N Greumach, from Breakish in Skye, a musician formerly with Niteworks and now with Lusa, graduated with a PGDE in Primary Education and is undertaking his probation year in Gairloch.
The graduation address was delivered by broadcaster and former student Sorley Johnston, who credited his high school Gaelic teacher, Mr MacKenzie, with changing his outlook on the language after a trip to The National Gaelic Schools Debate (Deasbad Nàiseanta nan Sgoiltean) and encouraging him to study at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. In his address, Sorley said: “At Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, I learnt so much about Gaelic and about myself, made friends for life, and had the opportunity to live somewhere Gaelic was truly alive – and close to some of Scotland’s finest mountains!”. The full address is available here.
The ceremony also honoured Rachel MacPherson and John Norman MacLeod with the Sàr Ghàidheal Award for their contributions to Gaelic language, education and culture. Rachel, a teacher from Harris, has helped develop Gaelic Medium Education at different levels.
John Norman, an educator from Staffin in the Isle of Skye, spent 35 years at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig as a lecturer, Director of Education and Vice Principal.
Dr Gillian Munro Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig said: “Graduation is a chance to recognise the work that goes into every award and qualification, and to celebrate students who have studied online and on campus, from Skye to Florida, united by a commitment to live, learn and lead in Gaelic.
“We are immensely proud of what our students have achieved. Whether their next step is in education, the media or their own communities, they leave Sabhal Mòr Ostaig with the skills and confidence to contribute positively to Gaelic’s future.”
