Holyrood Palace hosts special 40th anniversary reception in honour of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI
His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, known as The Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, hosted a reception at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh last week to mark the 40th anniversary of the Gaelic college and National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI. The Duke was joined by staff, friends and associates of the college for the special occasion.
The Duke has been the college’s Patron for 28 years and he invited Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and a number of special guests to join him in commemorating this historic milestone for the college. Those present included the Education Secretary Michael Russell, John McClelland, Chair of the Scottish Funding Council and Lucilla Noble, widow of Sir Iain Noble who was instrumental in the founding of this unique education facility. The Duke paid tribute to the work of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and commended the college and all those involved in its success over the years as a dedicated centre of Gaelic learning and culture.
Speaking afterwards, the college’s Principal, Professor Boyd Robertson, said: “A number of events are being held this year to mark the 40th anniversary of the College but this one was rather special. His Royal Highness bestowed great honour on Sabhal Mòr by hosting a reception in such a historical and splendid setting and he conveyed in his speech his admiration for the work undertaken by the College on behalf of the language and culture. The Duke spoke to each invited guest and showed keen interest in their associations with the College.”
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Director of Development, Fundraising and the Arts, Donnie Munro, said: “This is clearly a very special year in the history of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and one which the Duke, as Sabhal Mor’s Patron, was extremely keen to recognise in this way. Over many years now, he has been a very staunch supporter of the work of Sabhal Mòr and has been a passionate advocate for the importance of maintaining, strengthening and developing minority languages and cultures throughout the world. The Duke receives regular up-dates on our progress and his on-going interest and support is deeply appreciated.”
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