Michelle MacLeod

Michelle MacLeod is a Professor of Gaelic and Head of the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture at the University of Aberdeen, where she has been a faculty member since 2004 and was promoted to Personal Chair in 2019. She is currently Dean for Impact and Engagement and leads research and teaching in Scottish Gaelic language, literature, and identity.

• Education: M.A. (Hons), PhD (University of Aberdeen)

Her research centers on modern Gaelic literature, Gaelic drama, language planning, and the sociolinguistics of minority languages. She is deeply engaged in questions of Gaelic identity, adult language acquisition, and community language policy. Her work bridges academic scholarship and public policy, particularly through her role on Bord na Gaidhlig.

The most recent publications show a strong focus on Gaelic cultural expression, language policy critique, and sociolinguistic analysis of new speakers and family language use. Her work increasingly integrates interdisciplinary methods, including digital pedagogy and motivational psychology in language learning.

Scientific awards include:

• Donald Meek Prize for best non-fiction Gaelic book (2021)
• AHRC Future of Languages Research Fellow (2022)
• Students' Union & University of Aberdeen Prize for Most Inspirational Lecturer (2024)

She supervises PhD students in Gaelic studies and linguistics and collaborates with institutions like Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Comunn na Gàidhlig. Her leadership extends to national language planning and knowledge exchange, reflecting her commitment to the revitalization of Gaelic as a living community language.

Michelle MacLeod is a key figure in the Gaelic academic community, leading both institutional and scholarly efforts to sustain and develop Scotland’s indigenous language through research, teaching, and policy engagement.