Graduates travelled from near and far to the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (SMO) Graduation Ceremony in Skye last Friday (2 October) to celebrate with family, friends and teaching staff.
Islanders were well represented in the Class of 2026, which included students from as close to home as Breakish in Skye and far afield as Florida in the US.
The Class of 2026 received qualifications across the Gaelic language, education and media, including three First Class Honours degrees and 36 awards with distinction.
Ten students also received special awards recognising their outstanding achievements.
They included Jane MacMillan from Lewis, who passed her BA Hons Gaelic and Education with Distinction and received the Duncan MacQuarrie Memorial Quaich.
This quaich is awarded for excellence in teaching and recognises dedication to organising comprehensive lessons, meeting the needs of every pupil and working closely with the school team. Jane is currently undertaking her probation year at Stornoway Primary, teaching GM2.
She said afterwards: “I’m really touched to be taking the Duncan MacQuarrie award home with me for excellence in teaching – what an honour.”
Maia Murray, also from Lewis, was another special award winner.
Maia qualified with a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services: Children and Young People and received the Qualifications Scotland award for the best overall marks on a Scottish Qualifications Authority course in Higher Education at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.
Màiri MacRitchie from North Uist and Christina Lawson from South Uist both qualified with a Master of Education (MEd) in Gaelic Education. Christina passed with First Class Honours and Màiri passed with Merit.
Catriona MacLeod from South Uist qualified with a DipHE Gaelic Media, also passing with First Class Honours.
Other remarkable graduates included Sylvie (Rachel) Zacrep from Cocoa Beach in Florida, graduating with a BA Hons in Gaelic, receiving the Duais Clann ‘Ic Mhuirich special award – and visiting the campus for the first time after seven years of distance learning.
She said: “It is a real honour to be at graduation with the other students and everyone at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. After seven years studying online without visiting, it feels like coming full circle.”
Another notable graduate was Ruairidh N Greumach from Breakish, Skye, a musician formerly with Niteworks and now with Lusa. Ruairidh graduated with a PGDE in Primary Education and is undertaking his probation year in Gairloch.
The graduation address was delivered by broadcaster and former student Sorley Johnston, who credited his high school Gaelic teacher, Mr MacKenzie, with changing his outlook on the language after a trip to The National Gaelic Schools Debate (Deasbad Nàiseanta nan Sgoiltean) and encouraging him to study at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.
In his address, Sorley said: “At Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, I learnt so much about Gaelic and about myself, made friends for life, and had the opportunity to live somewhere Gaelic was truly alive – and close to some of Scotland’s finest mountains!”
The ceremony also honoured Rachel MacPherson and John Norman MacLeod with the Sàr Ghàidheal Award for their contributions to Gaelic language, education and culture.
Rachel, a teacher from Harris, has helped develop Gaelic Medium Education at different levels. John Norman, an educator from Staffin in the Isle of Skye, spent 35 years at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig as a lecturer, Director of Education and Vice Principal.
Dr Gillian Munro, Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, said: “Graduation is a chance to recognise the work that goes into every award and qualification, and to celebrate students who have studied online and on campus, from Skye to Florida, united by a commitment to live, learn and lead in Gaelic.
“We are immensely proud of what our students have achieved. Whether their next step is in education, the media or their own communities, they leave Sabhal Mòr Ostaig with the skills and confidence to contribute positively to Gaelic’s future.”
