Founded in 1973, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is a charitable trust and is the national and international centre for the development of the Gaelic language and culture. It is the only institution in the world which offers higher and further education through the medium of Scottish Gaelic and as such is utterly unique. The College offers BA (Hons) programmes in Gaelic Language and Culture, Gaelic and Media Studies, Gaelic and North Atlantic Studies, HND programmes in Television and Multimedia (administered on behalf of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig - Gaelic Media Service (GMS)) and MA/PGDip/PGCert programmes in Material Culture and the Environment.

The centre has expanded rapidly over the years with new extensions being added in 1993 and 1999 and with further development underway and scheduled for completion 2007. Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is a partner institution within the UHI Millennium Institute. It is also heavily involved in the wider promotion of the language and culture through its arts activities and international programmes.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is committed to being a centre of excellence for the development and enhancement of the Gaelic language, culture and heritage; by providing quality educational; training and research opportunities, through the medium of Scottish Gaelic; and, by interacting innovatively with individuals, communities and businesses, to contribute to social, cultural and economic development.

SEAL Arts Ltd runs the Fèis an Eilein - Skye Festival from an office at the college.