22 October 2015
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was in Skye to deliver the annual Sabhal Mòr Ostaig lecture to talk about the importance of the Highlands and Islands to Scotland.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is the national centre for Gaelic Language and Culture and the First Minister highlighted the importance of preserving the language, announcing £100,000 to help children develop their Gaelic skills.
FM @NicolaSturgeon announces support for Gaelic education during @SabhalMorOstaig lecture https://t.co/dunbIALVPx pic.twitter.com/BbfAX2eSey
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) October 21, 2015
During her speech, she called on island communities to help shape the future of Scotland’s Islands and submit their views in the Islands Bill consultation. The full text of her speech is availably here.
She also spoke to students about their learning – and even sat in on a Gaelic class.
Agus thog na h-oileanaich SMO fèineag neo dhà leatha! And our students got a few selfies!#gaidhlig @ScotGovFM pic.twitter.com/9nWNrGrkE6
— Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (@SabhalMorOstaig) October 21, 2015
The First Minister attended the class inside the new Sir Ian Noble building which she officially opened.
Named after the founder of the college, it marks the first phase of Skye’s Kilbeg Development. She said:
The College has had a hugely beneficial effect on the Sleat peninsula and Skye more generally – doing a great deal to bring in visitors, businesses and residents to the area. Kilbeg will become the first new village on Skye in almost 100 years. That is quite staggering and a massive achievement. It is further tangible evidence of the huge success that the College has been in itself but also the huge success has been to Skye.
FM @NicolaSturgeon opens first phase of Skye's Kilbeg Development before her Sabhal Mòr Ostaig lecture. pic.twitter.com/y7OtgvCFnK
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) October 21, 2015
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at Kilbeg to open the first planned village on Skye for more than 100 years. pic.twitter.com/XkFwB1jzAb
— Colin Wight (@CWightSTV) October 21, 2015