SMO Annual Lecture by Kate Forbes.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes MSP to deliver Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Annual Lecture 2026
News Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Annual Lecture
The next lecture in the series of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Annual Lectures returns with renewed focus.
This year’s lecture will be given by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Gaelic in the Scottish Government, Kate Forbes MSP.
The lecture will take place in Talla Dhonaidh Chaimbeil, Àrainn Chaluim Chille, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Sleat, Isle of Skye, at 2pm Friday 06 March 2026.
This year’s lecture is titled: Future expectations: Gaelic development in the next parliamentary term.
In the next parliamentary term, what should our communities expect from political leaders? The lessons from the recent past teach us that our expectations should be exceeded. What benefits will we see in our communities and how should we plan for this?
This year will host a lecture followed by a drinks reception.
If you wish to attend please RSVP to runaire@smo.uhi.ac.uk by 27 February 2026.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Annual Lecture has become a major keynote event in Scotland’s cultural calendar, attracting many distinguished guest speakers over the years, including: past Irish Presidents, Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese; former Chancellor and UK Prime Minister, Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP; former Scottish First Ministers, the late Rt Hon Donald Dewar MSP and the late Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP; writer and historian, Dr James Hunter; the late Sir Charles Duncan Rice, former Principal of the University of Aberdeen (1996-2010); and many other key figures from across all areas of Scottish public, political, educational and cultural life.
The lecture will also be live streamed, please register at the following link and you will be sent the link the day of the lecture.
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