Staff and pupils at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig are celebrating two nominations this week in the Herald’s Education Awards 2026 for their outstanding teaching and community impact.
Christine Primrose MBE, head of Gaelic song at the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, a partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands, has been nominated in the outstanding contribution from a staff member category for her contribution to Gaelic language and culture.
Christine, who joined SMO in 1982, is a lecturer on the BA (Hons) Gaelic and Traditional Music course and has played a central role in developing Gaelic song teaching. She is regarded as one of Scotland’s finest singers and is a leading ambassador for Gaelic at home and abroad.
A spokesperson for UHI said: “Her contribution through teaching, mentoring and inspiration is integral to the college’s identity, success, and future.”
The college has also been shortlisted in the Award’s outstanding contribution to the community category for their Baile na Cille Bige / Kilbeg Village development. The project features the delivery of 17 affordable homes (six homes for social rent, six affordable homes for discounted sale, two for rent, and three discounted self-build plots) as well as the Ionad Iain Nobail (the Iain Noble Centre) which opened in 2015.
The village is the first new village on Skye in over 100 years and has been created through a partnership between SMO, the Highland Council, the Communities Housing Trust and the private sector.
The UHI partnership is also celebrating nominations for Professor Stuart Gibb, director of research and knowledge exchange for UHI North, West and Hebrides, in the outstanding contribution from a staff member category; for the UHI North, West and Hebrides in the outstanding contribution to the community category for their ‘For Peat’s Sake’ peatland research and community engagement programme; and for the UHI’s ‘Where learning means more’ campaign which has been shortlisted for marketing / PR campaign of the year.
Vicki Nairn, UHI principal and vice-chancellor, said: “These nominations are a powerful recognition of the impact of the UHI partnership across the regions we serve. From inspiring marketing and public relations that reflects who we are, to outstanding individual contributions and meaningful community projects, they showcase how we deliver education that transforms lives and supports our communities. I am delighted to see this work recognised.”
The Herald Education Awards aim to celebrate excellence and innovation in Scotland’s further and higher education sector. The winners of each category will be announced in Glasgow on Wednesday 20th May.
