National Centre for Migration Research launched at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

Ionad Nàiseanta na h-Imrich, the National Centre for Migration Research, was officially launched today at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig by Brian Wilson MP. The establishment of the Centre is a joint project between Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the University of Aberdeen and involves collaboration of staff from both institutions.

The Centre aims to promote interdisciplinary academic research in the field of migration and to provide a forum for debate on issues relating to migration studies. It is anticipated that the principal focus for research will be on the policy issues that arise from contemporary migration in Scotland, linking migration to demographic change, economic development, access to housing and social facilities and language use and change.


Leading the project are Professor Bryan MacGregor and Dr Aileen Stockdale of the University of Aberdeen and Dr Gillian Munro of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Professor MacGregor said today:

"We are delighted to be working with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on this unique project. Although a significant body of research exists which examines the impact of migration on economic development and housing, little has been done on the impact of migration on culture and language change. We look forward to having the opportunity to inform and contribute to important policy initiatives, such as those of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the new Gaelic development board."



The Centre is offering two PhD studentships with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and current research projects can be viewed on the Centre's website at http://www.ini.smo.uhi.ac.uk/.

It is hoped that through the website, seminars, lectures and electronic media the Centre will attract an international network of scholars interested in migration studies.

Professor Norman Gillies OBE, Director of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig said:

"Since the idea for the centre was first mooted by Brian Wilson MP, when he was Minister of State at the Scotland Office, we have met with sterling co-operation from the University of Aberdeen. What we have now created is a National Centre that will allow for co-operative working and the building up of a research network which will make an effective contribution to the formulation and evaluation of policy initiatives in relation to migration. Our thanks go to Highlands and Islands Enterprise who have been supportive in helping us take the original idea through to this launch stage. We now look forward to building a strong research base for migration studies."

Read the officical opening speech delivered by Brian Wilson MP

For further information on this news release contact:
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Angela Gillies 01471 888 215
sm00ani@groupwise.uhi.ac.uk

University of Aberdeen
Ewan Mathieson
01224 273 778
ewan.mathieson@abdn.ac.uk