Gaelic Language and culture is the hot topic at the Moray House Annual Lecture

The Moray House School of Education and Sport Annual Lecture was delivered by Professor Boyd Robertson, the former Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture. 

The lecture was attended by staff, students, and members of the public with an interest in Gaelic. 

A current Moray House student expressed how inspiring she found Professor Robertson’s approach to the discussion surrounding the decline in Gaelic speakers in Scotland: 

Something that I found inspiring was that Professor Boyd Robertson wasn't particularly focusing on this decline but he was offering solutions as to what us as students studying on this course, and also the community in general, could do to contribute, and advocate, for the change to help introduce Gaelic in to the community again.

Anna-Louise Jones

Professor Boyd Robertson 

Professor Boyd Robertson has extensive experience of teacher education and curriculum development, including as a Gaelic and Principal Teacher at Oban High School, Senior Lecturer at Jordanhill College of Education and Sport, and Reader in Gaelic at the University of Strathclyde. 

Along with a broad range of written work on Gaelic education, Professor Robertson has been deeply involved in the work of Gaelic agencies and community bodies such as the Gaelic Books Council, Comunn na Gàidhlig, and as an initial member of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the government-appointed Gaelic development agency.  

Professor Robertson's expertise in Gaelic education, combined with Moray House's esteemed status as a top-ranked institution for Education and Sport-related research, set the stage for an insightful discussion on the future of Gaelic education. 

I am so grateful I had the opportunity to attend this lecture, it was truly inspiring for me and it makes me proud to be on the programme that I am.

Anna-Louise Jones

Have your say

Following the successful lecture hosted by Moray House and featuring Professor Robertson, the University is pleased to announce the launch of its public consultation on the new Gaelic Plan 2025-2030. The consultation period started on 19 March and will run until Tuesday 30 April, providing an inclusive platform for diverse perspectives to be heard. By actively involving stakeholders in the decision-making process, the University reaffirms its commitment to promoting and preserving the Gaelic language and culture. 

Moray House is known for its significant contribution to Gaelic teacher education in Scotland and provides a significant proportion of Gaelic teachers in Scotland. Moray House is taking proactive steps to engage students, staff, and the wider community in shaping the Gaelic Plan. Through online surveys and in-person workshops, stakeholders are invited to share their thoughts and recommendations, ensuring a collaborative approach to Gaelic education development. 

This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the University's ongoing efforts to advance Gaelic education, reflecting its dedication to meeting the needs of the Gaelic community. 

Related information 

MA Primary Education with Gaelic 

Draft Gaelic plan and consultation 

Gaelic at the University of Edinburgh