Sabhal Mòr Ostaig awards Honorary Fellowships

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has recognised the contribution made to the language by two leading Gaels by awarding Honorary Fellowships to Dr Kenna Campbell originally from Greepe  on the Isle of Skye and to Murdo MacLeod, a native  of Gress  on the Isle of Lewis at its recent College Graduation.    The Fellowships honour the important role played by both Dr Campbell and Mr MacLeod in promoting the language and in the development of Gaelic education in Scotland.

Dr Campbell spent many years as a teacher and as a Headteacher in schools in the Glasgow area and was at the forefront of the campaign to establish a Gaelic school in the city.  She is widely recognised as a leading exponent of Gaelic singing and as an expert in Gaelic music and has been at the heart of its revival in recent years.   After retiring from teaching, Kenna became a lecturer on the Scottish Traditional Music course at the RSAMD and she has contributed greatly to the promotion and development of Gaelic in the Glasgow area through her involvement in the Glasgow Skye Association and in the city’s Gaelic arts agency, An Lòchran.

Mr MacLeod is a noted scholar having been awarded university prizes for Celtic and Latin whilst a student at the University of Aberdeen and thereafter being awarded a scholarship by Immanuel College at the University of Cambridge.  Murdo spent many years teaching, initially in Castlebay School in Barra and was latterly in charge of Gaelic in schools in Inverness-shire.  He moved to take up post as Gaelic Inspector (HMI) and gave sterling service for over 20 years.  Murdo is also deeply involved in Gaelic activities in Inverness and is currently Chieftain of the Gaelic Society of Inverness.

Sheriff Roddy John MacLeod, Chairman of the College’s Board of Trustees said: “It is important and fitting that we recognise and pay tribute to Kenna and Murdo on the same day that we celebrate the achievements of students of the College.  Students could have no better example to follow as they embark upon a new chapter in their lives than the commitment and contribution to the language by both Kenna and Murdo.  They are extremely worthy recipients of these Honorary Fellowships.”

A total of 45 students graduated and  received their certificates from  Iain Smith, UHI Vice Principal Teaching and Learning,  marking the fact that, this year, the degrees and certificates were being awarded by UHI.  The winner of the UHI prize for the SMO student of the year was Isobel Dick from South Lanarkshire and the Farquhar MacIntosh prize for the student who attained academic excellence across all courses was awarded to Angelika Asada-Stieger from Switzerland.

Arthur Cormack, Chairman of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, delivered the Graduation lecture; “As Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig I am keenly aware of the key role Sabhal Mòr Ostaig plays in the delivery of Gaelic education.  The work of the College will be central to the successful delivery of the National Plan for Gaelic and to the task ahead of Bòrd na Gàidhlig to increase the number of Gaelic speakers.

“The College has created an exceptional learning environment for students of Gaelic, one to be envied by other students throughout Scotland.  As graduates of this unique institution I hope that you continue to speak Gaelic; to learn Gaelic; and to play an important part in passing on the language to others.”

For further information contact Angela MacGillivray, 01471 888 215 sm00ani@groupwise.uhi.ac.uk