Sabhal Mòr Ostaig to stage a Gaelic Open Day for the community
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI is to hold its second Gaelic Open Day on Saturday (20 April) – a fun-filled community event with Gaelic at its heart. The Open Day was held for the first time last year and proved very popular with adults and children alike.
The Open Day will include a range of events and activities aimed at promoting Gaelic and the work of various groups and organisations connected with Gaelic and the community. The event will include: the French game Pétanque, archery, music from the college’s music students, a Gaelic taster session for beginners, face painting, a bouncy castle, a tug o’ war competition, workshops, goods for sale, food and drink. A number stalls will also feature the work and activities of various Gaelic and community groups. These include SEALL, Gaelic Place-Names of Scotland, the UHI Student Association, Clì Gàidhlig and Comann nam Pàrant Shlèite.
The focus of the day is both the community and Gaelic and events begin at 12noon and finish at 5pm. The Open Day will be held outside Àrainn Chaluim Chille if the weather is favourable, and inside if not. There will also be a ceilidh at night this year, starting at 9pm, with the Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band. Tickets for the ceilidh cost £5, or £3 for students, and admission for children is free.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Principal, Professor Boyd Roberston, said: “The Open Day is one of the events being held to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Sabhal Mòr and is designed to give an insight into College life and the College community. It affords the public an opportunity to come and see the campus and find out about our facilities. Information will be provided about the courses and services we offer and about planned developments and there will be a chance to interact with students and members of staff.”
The college’s Language Development Officer, Janni Diez, commented: “The Community Open Day was really successful last year, and people got together for fun, games and chat and had a great time. It’s good to have events like this that bring the students and the community together. We want to raise awareness about Gaelic in our community and to give people an opportunity to speak Gaelic in an informal, fun situation.”