HRH THE PRINCE CHARLES, DUKE OF ROTHESAY, COMMENDS VISION AND COMMITMENT OF SABHAL MÒR OSTAIG

Staff and students of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig were greatly encouraged this week following a formal visit by College Patron, His Royal Highness The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay. On this, the Prince's second visit to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, he praised the work of the College and delivered a powerful statement on the role of Gaelic language and culture in modern Scottish society.

"It is a great pleasure to visit Sabhal Mòr Ostaig which, as Patron, I recognize not only as a centre of excellence for the Gaelic language, but also as a symbol of what can be achieved through the vision, commitment and absolute determination of individuals who care enough to turn dreams into realities", said His Highness.

"There a few responsibilities more absolute than those which flow from custodianship of a language and culture", he said, "In my view, the Scottish identity as a whole is immeasurably enriched by its Gaelic dimension".

His Royal Highness was greeted on arrival by the pupils of Bunsgoil Shlèite before being taken on a tour of Àrainn Chaluim Chille (the Saint Columba Campus) by College Director, Professor Norman Gillies. The tour included a visit to the College Library where the Prince viewed some of the rare volumes in the Library's Special Collections in the company of Donald MacCormick. The Prince then visited the Solar Domes in the College gardens where Head Groundsman Donald John Campbell demonstrated how the innovative recycling project, Big Hana, turns catering waste into organic fertiliser to grow vegetables for the College kitchens.

The Prince also met with full-time students and teaching staff and with members of the local community who had undertaken classes at the College's Local Learning Centre. The tour ended with a musical performance from lecturer Christine Primrose and her students, where the Prince was presented with Ceòlmhor Ostaig, the acclaimed album produced by Iain MacDonald, the College's Musician-in-Residence.

Following the Prince's departure, Professor Gillies said, "We were delighted to welcome His Royal Highness Prince Charles back to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on his second visit as College Patron. It was an extremely positive visit and we were greatly encouraged by His Royal Highness' statement which highlighted the efforts of the College and the importance of the Gaelic language and culture to Scotland as a whole."

His Royal Highness was greeted on arrival by pupils of Bunsgoil Shlèite	Donald John Campbell demonstrated to the Prince the various stages of the composting process as part of the Big Hana project	His Royal Highness met with members of the Sleat community who have benefited from using the local Learning Centre
Anna Rothach, 3rd year student and one of the student performers, meeting Prince Charles	His Royal Highness enjoying a piping recital by 3rd year student Liam Brown	The Prince showing his appreciation of the excellent performance by Christine Primrose and her students

See press articles and a news clip on Prince Charles' visit

Read the Prince's Speech / Leugh Òraid a' Phrionnsa

See more photos of Prince Charles' visit