ÒRAID AN T-SABHAIL 2004

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI recently welcomed First Minister Jack McConnell MSP to the College to become the latest in a growing list of distinguished speakers to deliver Òraid an t-Sabhail, the annual Sabhal Mòr Lecture. The Calor Gas Pipe Band opened the proceedings at Àrainn Chaluim Chille and the First Minister was introduced to those present by Derek Thompson of Grampian TV, sponsors of the Lecture.

Entitled 'A Modern Scottish Renaissance - The Highlands and Islands', the First Minister's lecture focused on the cultural, social and economic renewal taking place in the Highlands and Islands over the last 40 years.

"The area's recent economic and population growth - combined with an increasing confidence in cultural identity and creative expression - is leading to a profound reversal of the region's fortunes", said Mr McConnell.

The Sleat peninsula, he said, was a prime example of the regeneration occurring in the Highlands and Islands and he recognised the vital cultural and economic role that Sabhal Mòr Ostaig had played in the development of the area:

"In the thirty years since Sabhal Mòr Ostaig came into being the Sleat peninsula has been transformed - and the College has been absolutely central to making that happen. It is now undoubtedly a hub for the creativity and innovation that can be found not just on this island and the wider Highlands, but also amongst the Gaelic community internationally", said Mr McConnell.

The First Minister acknowledged Sabhal Mòr's significant contribution to Gaelic and stated that through the funding council, the exceptional status of the College would be further recognised.

Following the Lecture the First Minister answered questions from the audience on a wide range of issues including housing prices in the Highlands, support for local arts development and the forthcoming Gaelic Bill. Dr Farquhar MacIntosh, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, brought the afternoon to a close and invited Sabhal Mòr student Eilidh MacAskill to present the First Minister with a Tommy MacKenzie print.

The full transcript of the First Minister's Lecture can be viewed on the Scottish Executive's website.

Prof Norman Gillies and Dr Farquhar MacIntosh greet the First Minister on his arrival at Àrainn Chaluim Chille	The Calor Gas Pipe Band perform in Amharclann Calor Alba
Ross MacNaughton piping in the platform party	Dr Farquhar MacIntosh welcomed those present
Students of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig who entertained the audience with a beautiful recital before the Lecture	Derek Thompson of Grampian TV introducing the First Minister to deliver the Annual Lecture
The First Minister was presented with a Tommy MacKenzie print by Eilidh NicAsgaill	Guests mingling at the reception