Herald Education Awards Finalists: Kilbeg and Christine Primrose
We are delighted to announce that Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has been shortlisted for two Herald Education Awards 2026.
Christine Primrose MBE, our Head of Gaelic Song and lecturer on our BA (Hons) Gaelic and Traditional Music course, has been nominated in the Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member category.
Christine is one of Scotland’s greatest singers and an important ambassador for Gaelic language and culture at home and abroad. She has spent over 40 years in the education sector, teaching Gaelic song to countless individuals at all levels and from different backgrounds.
Christine began working at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in 1982 as a PA and led short courses on Gaelic song. In 2007, students on the new undergraduate degree programme in Gaelic and Traditional Music were lucky to have an exceptional level of contact time with Christine, gaining rare access to her unlimited traditional and cultural knowledge. Her influence is reflected in the many successful professional singers she has taught over the years.
The contributions of Christine, whether through teaching, mentoring, or inspiring students more generally, are integral to the College’s identity, its ongoing success, and in helping to define its legacy and future.
In the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is a finalist for its landmark development of Baile na Cille Bige / Kilbeg Village. This project has delivered much-needed affordable housing for the local area and represents the first new village on the Isle of Skye in over 100 years.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig pioneered a delivery partnership, working innovatively with the Local Authority, The Communities Housing Trust and the private sector to develop the village on college land. The aim of the project was to create a new, dynamic, sustainable, and economically active rural community, with the Gaelic language at its heart.
Since then, there has been the construction of Ionad Iain Nobail and 17 affordable homes. The homes are a mix of discounted rent and sale, and include family homes, level access and wheelchair-accessible homes.
We wish all finalists the very best of luck, and the winners will be announced on Wednesday 20 May at DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow.
