ROYAL MAIL GROUP GIVES CASH BOOST TO SABHAL MÒR OSTAIG

Students on Sabhal Mòr's 'Cuir Peann ri Paipear' course at the Skye and Lochalsh FE Centre, with tutor Gilleasbuig Fearghasdan and Carol Thayne of Royal Mail

Royal Mail Group has once again given its support to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig with a £5.5k cash boost to ensure Gaelic courses and projects are run in local communities of Skye and Lochalsh.

An innovative course for fluent speakers of Gaelic, "Cuir Peann ri Pàipear" (Put Pen to Paper) is now running in Portree, with tutor Gilleasbuig Ferguson, in partnership with Inverness College's Skye and Lochalsh FE Centre. This course, which was initially funded by the Highland Adult Literacies' Group will soon be offered in other locations, subject to demand, with Royal Mail's funding.

Gaelic Learning Workshops for Parents of Gaelic Medium Pupils will also be offered with Royal Mail support - including opportunities for family learning on the Sabhal Mòr campus, in partnership with Highland Council, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and other agencies.

Alison Dix, Head of Lifelong Learning at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig said:

"We are delighted that Royal Mail have again agreed to provide funding for Gaelic learning initiatives in Skye and Lochalsh, both for local people and for learners from other areas of Scotland. This has enabled us to expand our community provision and increase learning opportunities for fluent speakers, in particular."

Ian McKay, Scottish Affairs Director for Royal Mail Group said:

"Royal Mail Group receives numerous requests each day to support exciting initiatives and worthwhile causes, throughout Scotland. As a business we see supporting and encouraging projects which particularly support Scotland and its culture as an essential part of our corporate responsibility. The learning opportunities offered through Sabhal Mòr Ostaig are vital in promoting Gaelic language and culture, and we are delighted by the progress made with them."

"The Gaelic language fits well with our organisation. We have supported many Gaelic sponsorships over the last few years, from the Royal National and Provincial Mòds to the Là Mòr nan Caorach 2004 (Sheep Big Day 2004). We have dual signage in many areas of Scotland and we have a number of Royal Mail and Post Office colleagues who are Gaelic speakers."

If you are interested in taking part in the many courses (including on-line / distance learning) run by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig please contact Elsie MacLean on 01471 888240 or visit the website at www.smo.uhi.ac.uk.