Dear Editor,
We are pleased to share an important next step in the evolution of Colaisde na Gàidhlig and our Mabou Campus. Following recommendations from staff and informed by additional external expertise in branding and post-secondary recruitment, the Board of Governors made the decision to identify our Mabou site as Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College, Mabou Campus. This is not a move away from the identity or meaning of Beinn Mhàbu, but rather an opportunity to connect the Mabou Campus more clearly with the established history, reputation, alumni, partnerships, and international recognition of Colaisde na Gàidhlig, an institution with roots dating back to 1938.
This clarity is particularly important as we grow our post-secondary offerings and seek to attract students from across Nova Scotia, Canada, and internationally. For a prospective student encountering the college for the first time, whether through a Google search, social media, a recruitment event, a university directory, or an advertisement, the name Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College, Mabou Campus immediately answers the fundamental question: What is this? It connects the Mabou Campus directly to the established Gaelic College brand, making it easier for students and families to understand the institution, discover our programs, and recognize the value of studying here. At the same time, Talla Beinn Mhàbu | Mabou Hill Hall preserves a strong sense of place and helps give the campus a distinctive identity of its own. This is about making it easier for students to find us, understand us, and ultimately choose us. One College. Two Campuses. One strong institutional identity and a stronger foundation for the next generation of students.
Please note that you will see our Gaelic names, Colaisde na Gàidhlig and Talla Beinn Mhàbu, used regularly in our advertising.
The overall cost of this change is very manageable. Website and social media updates are being completed in-house at no cost. Printed materials for prospective students and recruitment are produced annually, so there are no additional costs in this regard. The timing of this decision was an important consideration, as it allows the updated branding to be incorporated before materials are prepared for provincial, national, and international recruitment.
There is a cost for the main sign on the property, but it is minimal, as the structure of the old sign is being reused. A new Talla Beinn Mhàbu sign will be placed on the main building, and a few banners are being replaced using the existing hardware. The total cost of the branding change is $1,600 plus tax.
Courses
In September 2027, Colaisde na Gàidhlig, Mabou Campus, in partnership with Cape Breton University, will once again offer the first year of the Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies program. This foundation year provides a post-secondary education rooted in Gaelic culture and community, with courses such as History of the Gael, Literature of the Gael, Music and Dance, Gaelic Language, and Folklore.
In addition, we will be offering a Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, which is an exciting new program for us. Students in this program will take part in an internship and build practical skills for a career in tourism and hospitality while exploring sustainable tourism through a cultural lens.
At our Mabou Campus, we currently have 225 students taking weekly online Gaelic courses from September to April. We are also offering community classes in Gaelic language, fiddle, and step dance; continuing the Shannon Artist-in-Residence program, hosting Master of Education classes for Acadia University; renting out our facilities to groups; and providing accommodations for individuals employed in the local area. We will also be hosting weekly pub nights showcasing the best of Cape Breton music, starting in November 2027.
Recruitment for 2027, in partnership with Cape Breton University, is taking place provincially, nationally, and internationally. Recruitment began this week in the Halifax Regional Municipality and will also include school visits throughout Cape Breton Island. For more on our Mabou Campus, visit gaeliccollege.edu/mabou-campus.
Once again, our sincerest thanks for your interest in Colaisde na Gàidhlig and our Mabou Campus.
Rodney MacDonald
President
Colaisde na Gàidhlig