Sabhal M�r Ostaig: "A key centre for ideas and innovation"

The centre is based at Sleat on the Isle of Skye.

It was set up in 1973 with eight full-time students. It now caters for more than 100 and promotes Scottish Gaelic around the world.

The funding package will be detailed by Education Minister Peter Peacock on a visit to the college on Monday.

Mr Peacock, who has ministerial responsibility for Gaelic, said: "Scotland is rightly proud of its past but we are also a country with a flourishing future.

Sabhal M�r Ostaig is a high-quality unique institution embracing education, arts and culture and economic development activity Peter Peacock Education Minister

"I want the Gaelic language and culture to be part of that future, not just destined to become a historical curiosity."

He added: "Our ambitious plans for Gaelic language and culture need somewhere like Sabhal M�r Ostaig, a national centre where Gaelic can be developed and promoted.

"Sabhal M�r Ostaig is a high-quality unique institution embracing education, arts and culture and economic development activity.

"It is a key centre for ideas and innovation within Gaelic."

Deputy First Minister and Lifelong Learning Minister Nicol Stephen said that Sabhal M�r Ostaig had "an important role to play in providing valuable support, not only for fluent Gaelic speakers but also for learners".

He added: "I am delighted that the executive's lifelong learning programme is helping support these developments.

"This will allow the college look to the future, build on its successes and meet the challenges of tomorrow."