The Highland Council has won two of the categories at the first National Gaelic Awards, which covered all aspects of Gaelic culture, education and language, highlighting the excellent work undertaken to maintain growth and heritage.  The successful event was a celebration embracing a variety of traditional and modern entertainment, which captured the imagination of the large audience.

Organised by the Daily Record and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the National Gaelic Awards featured 10 Award categories. The Sport Award was won by Colm O’Rua, a teacher at Ardnamurchan High School.

Colm’s unstinting work to integrate Gaelic language use into his shinty classes clearly caught the imagination of the judging panel.  As well as being a keen musician, Colm’s passion for Gaelic in sport has rubbed off on his pupils who brave all weathers to practise their shinty and use Gaelic outside the classroom.

Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chair of the Council’s Adult and Children’s Services Committee,was delighted with the success.  He said:  “I am sure the whole community in Ardnarmurchan will be pleased that Colm’s very creative way of incorporating sport and Gaelic has been nationally recognised and I wish him and the young shinty players he coaches all the best.”