Media savvy Laura is Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI student of the year

An exceptional student who is dedicated to Gaelic language and culture
has been named Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI student of the year. 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’s lecturer, Morag Stewart, said: “Laura’s work in her final
year has been exceptional, with A grades for all of her assessments. As
a native Gaelic speaker, she is very committed to the language and is
happy to demonstrate this in class and on campus. She has been an
excellent role model for students and her dedication to the language and
culture is a great example to Gaelic learners and fluent speakers both
on campus and further afield.”

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI principal Professor Boyd Robertson said: “Laura
is the first student to graduate with Honours in Gaelic and media
studies and she has done so with great distinction, being awarded a
first class degree classification. In addition to her impressive
academic achievements, Laura has made a notable contribution to the
student body and has been a splendid ambassador for Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
UHI on work placements, in interactions with external agencies and
during her period of study in Ireland.”

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.”

Laura wins £150 as the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI student of the year. She
will be presented with her award at her graduation on 5 October and will
also go forward as a candidate for the overall University of the
Highlands and Islands student of the year award.

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