Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Vice-Principal announces retirement

John Norman MacLeod, Vice-Principal and Director of Studies at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, has announced he plans to retire in July.  John Norman has led the academic affairs of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig since 1983, and is the second longest-serving member of staff, after Christine Primrose who began a year earlier.

Principal, Professor Boyd Robertson said: “One cannot overstate the massive contribution John Norman has made to Sabhal Mòr and what he has achieved during his 35 years here. His service to the College and to the language is inestimable.  John Norman has put his heart and soul into a Sabhal Mòr and he is at the beating heart of the life and work of the College.  He is the back-bone of the institution and it will be a real challenge to find someone to replace him.”

Angus MacLeod, Chair of the Board added: “Mention Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and you immediately think of John Norman. Every course at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has been designed and validated under his leadership. A fine man, wise, understanding and highly committed.”

Recruitment is currently underway for a new Principal in light of Professor Robertson’s retirement in the summer. 

“Although it is difficult to imagine Sabhal Mòr Ostaig without John Norman and Boyd”, Mr MacLeod continued, “they are both very deserving of some rest and relaxation after so many years of outstanding service between them.”

“The Board must look now to a new era at Sabhal Mòr. This is an opportunity for a new generation to take on the leadership of the College, with the mix of skills and qualities required to complement and augment the excellent work undertaken by both John Norman and Boyd for the College and for the Gaelic language in general.”