Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Student of the Year
The award for Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Student of the Year was given to Shannon Maclean from the Isle of Mull. Shannon completed three years on the BA Gaelic and the Media degree course and then undertook the Diploma in Gaelic Media thereafter.
Shannon was brought up in Tobermory and her mother hails from the west side of Lewis. She went through GME in Salen Primary School and then on to Tobermory High School. She was always keen to promote Gaelic in school and established Gaelic Week and other events. She also had a real interest in filmmaking and participated in FilmG once or twice with the school, and then entered independently.
Shannon first came to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig to do the first-year course, Gàidhlig is Conaltradh, and her plan was then to go to Glasgow University the following year. However, although she got a place at GU, she could not leave the College community she had grown so fond of and she also knew she wouldn’t get a better Gaelic community anywhere else.
Programme Leader for the BA Gaelic and the Media course, Morag Stewart, said: “While she was a student on the BA course, Shannon was a diligent student; consistently keeping to deadlines, delivering well-presented work and always in excellent Gaelic.”
After completing the BA, she knew that the TV course was the appropriate next step for her. It was the most challenging and busiest year, but she learned a great deal and got fantastic opportunities to work with industry experts throughout the year.
As part of the course, Shannon produced a 10-minute documentary programme about Janet Macdonald, from Mull. Janet used to teach on the College’s Distance Learning courses and has contributed much to Gaelic, especially in Mull and Iona.
Diploma in Gaelic Media course Leader, Catriona Johnson said: “Shannon continued to perform to the highest level on the Diploma and all her feedback comments from lecturers were very positive and her professional attitude was noted by all. Every visiting industry practitioner who taught Shannon was impressed by her dedication and her ability to apply what was being taught immediately. Shannon is a real team player, an organiser and a motivator. She was everyone’s ‘go to’ person and was always ready to help. She has a determination to succeed and be the best at what she does and will be a huge attribute to whichever company is fortunate enough to employ her in the future.
The prize and certificate, which is provided by the University of the Highlands and Islands, was presented by Prof. Neil Simco.