Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Fàs Building set to reopen after £4m boost

By Jamie McDonald

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is to receive £4 million from the Scottish Government to reopen one of its key centres.

The Fàs building, which has been out of use since 2022, will be refurbished to become the new Centre for Gaelic Creativity.

The redevelopment will also include a media studio for broadcast training, the Fàs Mòr nursery, and a space for community activities and businesses.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said:

“The Fàs Building is at the heart of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig – the renovation of this building will enable the college to expand its support for and promotion of Gaelic in Skye, in Scotland and beyond. One of the most important things we can do for Gaelic’s future is train and support more Gaelic medium education teachers, and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the Fàs building has a key role in this. This is about more than a building, it is a commitment to Gaelic at a critical moment for the language, backed by investment and a determination to see Gaelic thrive for generations.”

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Principal Dr Gillian Munro welcomed the announcement. She said:

“Regenerating Fàs supports our work expanding and modernising our curriculum, digital learning opportunities, research capacity, and our work with the community. Gaelic deserves institutions that operate innovatively – and this investment ensures we can continue to do that for our students, the local community, and for all of Scotland.”

The college, which has over 1,600 full time and part time students, has been Scotland’s national centre for Gaelic language and culture for more than 50 years.