TREASURED GAELIC MANUSCRIPTS TO VISIT THE ISLE OF SKYE  

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is delighted to be teaming up with the National Library of Scotland to bring treasured Gaelic manuscripts from the national collections to the Isle of Skye. 

The partnership aims to bring Gaelic heritage back to Skye’s community, and the manuscripts will be available to view at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig from the 31st of March until the 2nd of April. The manuscripts include one of Scotland’s earliest copies of the tale of Skye’s female warrior, Sgàthach, and early copies of poems by Sorley MacLean and Derek Thomson.  

Jackie Cromarty, Director of Engagement at the National Library of Scotland said:  

‘Next week, our staff, along with the Gaelic manuscripts, will be visiting Sabhal Mòr Ostaig to share and exchange knowledge with the students, staff, and community in Sleat. The week-long project will build on the partnership between the National Library of Scotland and the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, paving the way for future collaborations. These collaborations include opportunities for Sabhal Mòr Ostaig students to undertake internships at the National Library in the summer, opportunities to develop career skills, and a deeper understanding of archive work in relation to Gaelic literature.” 

Caristìona Cain, Head Librarian at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, said: 

“We’re delighted that these Gaelic manuscripts will be visiting Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for a week and that our community will have a chance to learn about the history of these texts, whilst also engaging with the physical manuscripts which are normally held in Edinburgh. We’ll be running multiple events in relation to the Gaelic manuscripts throughout the week (31st March – 2nd April), including workshops with school pupils and local archive professionals. Many of these events are free and open to the public, so please come along if you’re interested.”   

Events open to the public: