SIR IAIN NOBLE MEMORIAL LECTURE 2025: GAELIC BROADCASTING IN A DIGITAL WORLD
Award-winning journalist and broadcaster John Morrison is set to deliver this year’s Sir Iain Noble Memorial Lecture on the theme of Gaelic Broadcasting in a Digital World. The Urras an Eilein lecture will take place at 7:30pm on Thursday 13 November at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, and everyone is welcome to attend.
The Memorial Lecture was set up by Urras an Eilean (Skye Gaelic Trust), with support from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, to honour Sir Iain Noble’s work and achievements after he passed away in 2010. Sir Iain Noble was known for his continued and proactive support of the Gaelic language, and this lecture aims to remember his legacy and the role he played in establishing Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Urras an Eilein in 1973.
Margaret Nicholson, Chair of Urras an Eilein, said:
“Urras na Eilein, in collaboration with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, is proud to present this year’s Sir Iain Noble Memorial Lecture, which continues the vision set out by Sir Iain and our founding members more than fifty years ago. Their commitment to promoting Gaelic language and culture on Skye remains at the heart of our work today, and we are delighted to welcome John Morrison as he explores how Gaelic broadcasting can flourish in the digital age.”
John Morrison, MG ALBA Chairman, said:
“I’m delighted to be delivering this year’s Sir Iain Noble Memorial Lecture. Sir Iain understood the power of vision and leadership in securing the future of Gaelic, and at MG ALBA we are proud to be building on that legacy. My lecture will explore the opportunities and challenges facing Gaelic broadcasting — particularly in a world where new technologies and storytelling platforms are emerging at a remarkable pace. By harnessing
digital innovation, we hope to expand Gaelic’s reach, strengthen its relevance, and ensure it continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Dr Gillian Munro, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Principal, said:
“John Morrison’s contribution to Gaelic broadcasting has been exceptional, and his leadership at MG ALBA continues to shape the landscape of Gaelic media. We are honoured to welcome him to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for the Sir Iain Noble Memorial Lecture and eager to hear his insights on how Gaelic can thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
Sabhal Mor Ostaig’s Sir Iain Noble Memorial Lecture will take place at 7:30pm on the 13h November at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Isle of Skye. Everyone is welcome to attend this free in-person event. If you wish to attend, please RSVP by emailing . The event will be delivered in Gaelic, but simultaneous translation will be provided on the night.
