On a beautiful sunny day in June, we gathered in Staffin to celebrate 25 years of Columba 1400 and the vibrant life of our purpose-built Community and International Leadership Centre. It was a day filled with joy, inspiration and deep connection with our local and wider community.
The celebration brought together past supporters, trustees, graduates, members of our local community, our dedicated team and, of course, our Founder, Norman Drummond, alongside his wife Elizabeth. Throughout the day, guests took part in taster sessions – offering a glimpse into the experiences young people have when they arrive in Staffin for the residential element of their Young People’s Leadership Academy (YPLA).
A true highlight was hearing from four of our YPLA graduates – Jess Chappelle, Kodie Stewart, Katie Mackay and Andrew Whitehead – who spoke so movingly about their journeys, and the lasting impact Columba 1400 has had on their lives. We also heard from Calum MacSween, Head Teachers’ Leadership Academy (HTLA) Graduate and HTLA Tutor who shared the impact Columba 1400 has had on him and the impact he has seen on others in his Columban Tutor role in our work with key adults. And Columban Team Member, Laura MacDonald shared the impact working at Columba 1400 had on her when she was 16 and how this changed the trajectory of her life, enabling her to return to Staffin as a Columba 1400 Facilitator after studying and working in Glasgow. Their words brought to life exactly why we do what we do.
We were also delighted to be joined by Suzy from Radio Skye, who spent time talking to our Chief Executive Marie Clare, our Founder Norman, YPLA Graduates and team members Andrew and Katie, and Mairi MacDonald, one of our original steering group members. It was wonderful to have our story shared on air with the wider community. You can catch up on that special broadcast here: Columba 1400’s story on Radio Skye.
As evening fell, the celebration continued with more than 80 people joining us for a lively Highland Ceilidh. Traditionally, ceilidhs were spaces to share stories and keep history alive, and this evening was no different. Marie Clare opened by telling the story of who we are, before inviting others to share their own Columban experiences. There was incredible food from our talented catering team, and Columban team member Emma lifted everyone’s spirits (and feet!) with a joyful jig. Young pipers Prayr and Heavn piped through the day and evening, and local musicians Angus and Ceitidh provided the music for the ceilidh.
It was an incredible day that truly embodied everything Columba 1400 stands for – community, the warmth of welcome, the warmth of hospitality, and the warmth of being on a shared journey. From laying the very first bricks of our centre in Staffin to seeing the ongoing impact of our values-based leadership academies on young people and key adults, this celebration reminded us how far we have come and how many lives have been touched along the way.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to be alongside us. Here’s to the next 25 years – and beyond.
