Former Mabou convent to be renovated, transformed into Gaelic College satellite campus

“Atlantic Canada is full of spectacular landscapes, rich cultural experiences and epic adventures. We are committed to supporting the unique offerings and qualities that make Cape Breton so special for residents and visitors, alike. By building on our strengths, we are positioning the region for a strong economic recovery.”
-  The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Mabou is the centre for Gaelic culture in Cape Breton, and Beinn Mhàbu will provide a unique educational facility immersing students in this vibrant, rural community. This important addition to the Island’s cultural infrastructure will also create much-needed accommodation for seasonal staff - so tourism operators can continue to deliver authentic, world-class visitor experiences.”
- Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso

“The investment announced today by ACOA is welcome news. Beinn Mhàbu, and all that it offers, will be a catalyst of change and opportunity for the region and Nova Scotia’s Gaelic community.” 
- Rodney MacDonald, President, Colaisde na Gàidhlig / Gaelic College

“ 'S e ceum mòr a tha seo agus tha sinn a' dèanamh fiughair ri na tha romhainn. This is such a vital step for the Gaelic community and we're looking forward to the foundation it will provide for so many meaningful and positive initiatives, locally and further afield.”
- Kenneth MacKenzie, Vice-President, Beinn Mhàbu

• Colaisde na Gàidhlig, founded in 1938, is a not-for-profit institution and the only school of its kind in North America. It offers classes in Cape Breton fiddle, piano, guitar, step-dancing, and piping, highland dancing, weaving, and Gaelic language, attracting 800 to 900 students a year before the pandemic.

• Renovations to the 32,000 square foot former St. Joseph's Convent and Renewal Centre in Mabou began in June 2021, and include green technology upgrades such as solar panels and heat pumps. The improvements are expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

• The project will create 17 full-time jobs.

• Beinn Mhàbu expects to begin offering classes in September 2022. It hopes to welcome 35 live-in students in its first year.

• The college will offer a Foundation Year Program featuring broad course options including Gaelic culture and history, an executive certificate in cultural organizations/event management and an executive certificate in music and ethnomusicology.

• The campus will also house North America's first Gaelic immersion primary school, an internet radio station with podcasts, traditional music and student showcases, an Artists-in-Residence program, continuing education offerings in music, dance and Gaelic language for youth, a dining experience, rental space and a craft shop.

• Funding for this project is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund.

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca

Chris Brooks
Communications Director, Nova Scotia
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839
Chris.Brooks@ACOA-APECA.gc.ca

Rodney MacDonald
President
Gaelic College
902-295-0939
ceo@gaeliccollege.edu

Kenneth MacKenzie
Vice President
Beinn Mhàbu
902-623-0455
school@gaeliccollege.edu

Stay connected

Follow ACOA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.