A-grade Robyn becomes student of the year
A young woman with a passion for Gaelic has been named the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI student of the year for excelling in her studies and personal achievement.
Robyn Beaton, 19, of Diriebught Road, Inverness, studied Gaelic through UHI, the prospective University of the Highlands and Islands, for a higher education certificate. She did An Cùrsa Comais for intermediate-level learners, focussing on speaking and writing skills, based at the Gaelic college, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, on Skye.
Now doing a student placement at Clì Gàidhlig, the Gaelic learners’ organisation, in Inverness, Robyn intends to study part-time for a full degree in Gaelic and related studies while continuing to live and work in Inverness. She also plans to teach other Gaelic learners by becoming an Ulpan tutor and will help at the Gaelic parent and toddler group, Ceuman Beaga, in Inverness.
Sheila M.Hamilton, head of student support services at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, said:’Robyn is a hard-working and well-motivated young person who is dedicated to learning and speaking Gaelic, and gaining advanced qualifications through Gaelic medium so she can pass on her knowledge and skills to others.
‘She achieved A grades in all eight modules of An Cùrsa Comais and worked diligently and consistently to achieve this. Robyn embodies the UHI aims to enable young people to stay in their local area by offering them flexible learning opportunities, including the opportunity to work and study at the same time.’
Robyn represented her course on the college’s student consultative committee, and took an active part in Abair Thusa, a Gaelic conversational circle for the college community.
The former pupil of Millburn Academy, Inverness, said:’The award was a lovely surprise and means a lot to me. I couldn’t have wished for better teaching and resources, and I would recommend the course to anyone wishing to further their Gaelic. I can’t praise the college and its staff highly enough.
‘There were a lot of Gaelic speakers in my family and I want it to be an important part of my life, too. Young people are the future of the language and I want to play my part in its revival.’
Robyn wins £100 as Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI student of the year, and now goes through as a candidate for the overall UHI title, due to be announced later this month, along with local winners from others partner colleges and centres.