Laura MacLennan

An exceptional student who is dedicated to Gaelic language and culture has been named Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI student of the year 2012. Laura MacLennan, a 21 year old from Lewis, has just completed the final year of her BA (Hons) Gaelic and media studies degree.

A native Gaelic speaker who grew up in Barvas on the West of the Island, Laura was commended for her outstanding course work as well as her passion for the language. She undertook an original comparison for her fourth year dissertation, investigating language use and broadcasting in Scotland and Ireland. Tutors at the Gaelic college, which is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, believe the work will inform and stimulate further research in this field.

Laura added practical experience to her C.V. by securing a summer job at BBC Scotland in Stornoway and she is currently employed as a researcher with BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. While she has presenting experience, she ultimately hopes to work behind the scenes in Gaelic broadcasting.

Laura said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been named as the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI student of the year and it was a very nice surprise to have won it. I have thoroughly enjoyed my past four years in Skye and was very lucky to have had the best lecturers for both Gaelic and media studies. This is a great way to see out my last year at Sabhal Mòr.”