SABHAL MÒR OSTAIG WELCOMES THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, welcomes three new members to its Board.

The new appointees bring a wealth of experience across education, community development, public service, and strategic leadership—further reinforcing the institution’s commitment to advancing the Gaelic language and supporting its cultural growth across Scotland and beyond.

The newly appointed Board members are:

 
Calum Steele
Born and raised in a crofting family in South Uist, Calum Steele joined the Northern Constabulary at the age of 19 and went on to serve communities across the Highlands and Islands. He was General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation for 15 years and held international leadership roles with both ICPRA and EuroCOP. Beyond his professional commitments, Calum writes a weekly column for The Herald.

Kenna MacDonald

Gaelic education, community development, international Gaelic advocacy.

Kenna was born and raised in Upper Bayble, Lewis, in a Gaelic-speaking community. After local schooling, she studied at Jordanhill College of Education, qualifying in Primary Teaching, Additional Support Needs, and Early Years Education. Her teaching career took her to both Lewis and Glasgow before she moved to Nova Scotia in 1979, where she became deeply involved in Gaelic development. Returning to Scotland in 1989, she settled in the Isle of Skye and worked with Highland Council in a range of Gaelic education roles until her retirement in 2022.

Danny MacRae

Originally from Harris, Danny MacRae was educated on the island before attending Inverness Royal Academy. He spent more than forty years in banking, primarily in commercial banking, and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. A native Gaelic speaker, Danny has held significant leadership roles within the Gaelic community, including serving as Director and Vice-President of An Comunn Gàidhealach and as Trustee and Treasurer of the Gaelic Promotion Trust.

Their combined expertise will support the Board as it oversees Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s strategic development, fostering partnerships and strengthening the institution’s role as a leading centre for Gaelic learning, research, and cultural engagement.

Angus MacInnes, Chair of the Board, welcomed the new members, saying:

“We are delighted to have such high calibre Board members joining us at an important juncture in Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s evolution. Each new member brings invaluable insights that will help the National Centre for Gaelic Language Education and Culture as we continue delivering world-class immersive learning, research and cultural opportunities for current and future generations.”

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Principal, Gillian Munro, added:

“Our Board plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic future of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Together with our new members, I look forward to building on our academic excellence, strengthening our national leadership and empowering our students, staff and partners to shape a confident and ambitious future for Gaelic.”

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is currently recruiting new Board Members. If you are interested, click here for further information.