The only college in Scotland offering programmes solely in Gaelic has been praised by HM Inspectors of Education.

The only college in Scotland offering programmes solely in Gaelic has been praised by HM Inspectors of Education.

Skye's Sabhal Mor Ostaig started as a farm building but the learning and teaching process and learner progress were found to be very good, as was educational leadership, direction and management.

In addition, HMIE awarded four "very good" and three "good" grades in other elements covered by the review.

The report will now be considered by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) which distributes more than £1.6bn to Scotland's colleges and universities for teaching and learning, research and other activities in support of Scottish government priorities.

Meanwhile, Sir Iain Noble, founder of Sabhal Mor Ostaig, yesterday launched a major fundraising appeal in support of the work of the college. He said: "The recovery of pride in the language will, I believe, lead to economic improvements and anyway, children benefit from bilingualism."