Students, faculty and community members are celebrating a major milestone in Mabou with the grand opening of new student housing at Beinn Mhàbu, the satellite campus of Nova Scotia's Gaelic College, Colaisde na Gàidhlig.
A new residence at the Gaelic College campus in Mabou will provide housing for students during the school year and seasonal workers and visitors in the summer months. (Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College)
The newly completed two-storey residence features 24 modern housing units designed to support students during the academic year and provide accommodations for seasonal workers and visitors during the summer months.
"Today marks an exciting step forward for students and for the community of Mabou," said Brendan Maguire, Minister of Advanced Education. "These new units will provide safe, modern accommodations while helping ensure that more learners can access the unique programming offered by the Gaelic College."
Each unit includes a kitchenette and three-piece bathroom, with shared laundry facilities available on-site. This project responds to growing demand for housing in Inverness County while strengthening access to education rooted in Gaelic language and culture.
Beinn Mhàbu offers in-person and online programming in partnership with Cape Breton University.
Quotes:
"This new student residence supports students during the academic year and provides housing for seasonal workers and visitors in the summer. Its year-round use helps strengthen the local economy and address housing pressures in communities like Mabou."
John White, Minister of Housing
"We are grateful for the support we have received from our partners in bringing this project to completion. The opening of this residence represents an important milestone for our campus and our ability to welcome students to live and learn here in Mabou."
Rodney MacDonald, President, Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College
Quick Facts:
- a ribbon-cutting event at the site was held on April 24
- the Province contributed nearly $3 million to the college over two years for the new housing; the total cost of the project was $4.9 million
- programs at Beinn Mhàbu include community studies and, new this fall, hospitality and tourism management
- for more than 85 years, Colaisde na Gàidhlig has offered year-round programming in the culture, music, language, crafts, customs and traditions of the immigrants from the Highlands of Scotland; it is the only institution of its kind in North America
- May is recognized as Gaelic Awareness Month in Nova Scotia, celebrating the province's rich Gaelic language and culture
Additional Resources:
- News release - New Student Housing Coming to Gaelic College Campus in Mabou: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/04/11/new-student-housing-coming-gaelic-college-campus-mabou
- Beinn Mhàbu: https://www.beinnmhabu.ca/
- Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College: https://gaeliccollege.edu
- Beinn Mhàbu and Cape Breton University: https://www.cbu.ca/academics/programs/beinn-mhabu/
