This week on Radio Skye, listeners were invited into the heart of Columba 1400 – through powerful interviews with our founder Norman Drummond, Chief Executive Marie Clare Tully, Katie Mackay and Andrew Whitefield, two graduates of our Young People’s Leadership Academies (YPLA) and Mairi MacDonald, one of our original steering group members.

Each conversation shared not only personal journeys, but also the essence of Columba 1400, from its beginnings to its hopes for the future.

Norman Drummond: “A place to build something of lasting significance” Norman trained as a lawyer but quickly realised he wanted to work at the point of need, not the point of repair. His time in Skye as a parish minister – and his deep connection to the landscape and people of the North End – became the foundation of Columba 1400. He wanted to build a centre in the community which created a welcoming and supportive environment where every individual feels embraced and encouraged to discover their full potential.

He spoke of the community’s strength, the stunning view over the Quiraing, and the countless moments in our academies where young people discover “who they might yet become.”  Twenty-five years later, the vision still holds: creating transformational experiences for young people and those around them.

Marie Clare Tully: “It’s how you welcome them that makes a real difference”. Marie Clare reminded us that everything Columba 1400 does is centred on young people and the key adults in their lives – grounded in the three warmths of welcome, hospitality, and the warmth of being on a shared journey.

Quoting Maya Angelou – “People will forget what you said… but never how you made them feel” – she reflected on how being in such a beautiful, nurturing space helps young people realise their worth and sparks lasting transformation. Looking to the future, she shared a clear vision: to keep reaching those who need our work the most, and to continue trading in trust and hope across Scotland.

Katie: “It’s something that’s in your core”. Katie, from East Ayrshire participated in a Young People’s Leadership Academy (YPLA) in 2005. That first trip to Staffin changed everything. Now 33 and a core member of the Columban Team, she says the impact of her leadership academy continues to shape how she lives and works.

“Your voice doesn’t need to be the loudest in the room.”

Being part of the Columban community has become, for her, a way of life. She hopes to be involved for the long run – and wants more people to know about the power of Columba 1400.

Mairi MacDonald spoke of her pride in all that has been achieved, the key role Columba 1400 has played in the local community, from her role as part of the original steering group, to team member, supporter and now, her two daughters who are key members of the Columban Team.

Andrew Whitehead, who graduated from a YPLA when at Portree High School and now a key member of the Columban Team, spoke of the impact the YPLA had on his confidence and all that has meant he has been able to achieve. Andrew is about to take part in a sponsored walk of the Trotternish Ridge to raise vital funds for Columba 1400.

You can catch up on all of these inspiring interviews via Radio Skye’s Listen Again feature

Breakfast Show – Monday, 23rd June:

  • Norman Drummond at 1:25
  • Marie Clare Tully at 1:41
  • Katie Mackay at 2:54

Dol Dhachaigh Show – also on 23rd June:

  • Mairi MacDonald at 0:47 and 0:57
  • Andrew Whitehead at 1:14

You can support Andrew and the rest of the team taking part in the Trotternish Ridge Challenge to raise vital funds for Columba 1400 here.