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Director of Organisational Development and Business for Sabhal Mòr Ostaig



 

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, has appointed a Director of Organisational Development and Business with over 20 years’ 

experience of working in development and business in the Highlands and Islands.

Shona MacLennan, who has recently taken up her post, has been linked with Sabhal Mòr for many years and in various roles.  She was previously involved in funding applications for Ionad Chaluim Chille Ile, authored Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Cultural Contribution, an independent report on the financial value of such activity, undertook a market research study for Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o’ Riches Project commissioned by Highlands & Islands Enterprise and was project officer for the Millennium Commission bid to establish Bail’ Ur Ostaig.  Most recently, she was a member of the College’s Audit Committee and was Interim Director of the Irish-Scottish ConnectG project.

Shona was a director of her own company, Solas Business Services Ltd, and worked primarily in community and Gaelic economic development, undertaking feasibility studies, impact assessment research, developing business plans and funding applications for organisations across the Highlands and Islands.  Her skills will be greatly utilised in her new role where, amongst other corporate matters, she will lead on implementation of the College’s Strategic Plan 2012-17 and co-ordination of College activities.

Shona commented on her new role, “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed to this new role in Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.   The appointment brings me the opportunity to use my passion for the Gaelic language and a wide range of professional skills and experience in an institution I have long admired.   The College has set out its vision for development in its strategic plan and I am very excited to be part of the team responsible for realising that vision.”

Shona was involved with setting up West Highland College UHI from 2010 to 2013, including establishing board committees, involvement with the recruitment of a new principal and ensuring compliance with public sector standards.  She has also been a board member of MG ALBA, Highland and Islands Airports Ltd and Grampian TV.  Shona is presently a board member of Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Welcoming her appointment, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Principal, Professor Boyd Robertson, said “We are delighted that we have recruited such a well-qualified person with a wealth of experience of public bodies for this post. Shona has been engaged in development activities for many years and she is well-versed in corporate affairs and in the governance and management of agencies and companies. Her intimate knowledge of the local area and of the Gaelic world will be a great asset.”

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