Sabhal Mòr Ostaig students benefit from Gaelic bursaries

Six students from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig have received financial support this year from the Gaelic Bursary Scheme which is run by the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This is the 20th year of the Gaelic Bursary Scheme which provides a bursary to students, throughout the Highlands and Islands, who wish to learn, or study through the medium of Gaelic, with priority given to students in their first year of study who hope to gain a CertHE, DipHE or BA.

Many students have benefited from the scheme since it began and over the last ten years, 96 SMO students have been successful in their applications for a bursary.  Of the six who were chosen this year, four came to the college from within the Highlands itself and the other two from outwith.

Kirstyn Howarth, from Inverness, is on her 2nd year at SMO working towards a BA in Gaelic Language and Culture and was one of those awarded a bursary this year:  “The bursary is helpful as it enables me to purchase items and resources that are necessary for my studies.  It’s also a help in that it takes a bit of the financial pressure and stress off me, which ultimately helps my mental health.”

Councillor Calum Munro, Chair of the Gaelic Committee and Member of the Isle of Skye and Raasay Ward said, “We are delighted to be supporting the UHI Bursary Scheme as it provides students who are studying at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig the opportunity to apply for small bursaries.  It is even more important this year given the restrictions the pandemic has brought on us all, particularly on student life.  I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the students the very best with their studies and look forward to catching up with them virtually before they complete their individual educational programmes.”

SMO Vice-Principal and Director of Studies, Dr Marsaili Macleod, added to this by saying:  “Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is very grateful for the continued support of Highland Council to this scheme. The impact of Covid-19 is felt keenly by students, due to limited part-time working opportunities and the many restrictions on everyday student life. In such a turbulant year the financial support will make a real difference to the six successful students studying through Gaelic, and who hope to work in Gaelic teaching, media or in Gaelic campaign work in the future.”

This scheme is administered by the university and jointly funded by Highland Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Students wishing to apply to this scheme are required to be resident and attending the university within these Council areas.