Planning Ahead: The Hidden Toll of a 5-Week Island School.
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
Running a 5-week language summer school on a Hebridean island like North Uist is an enriching, magical, and utterly unforgettable experience — for both students and organisers. However, behind the scenes of singing sessions, island excursions, ceilidhs, and grammar drills lies an essential truth we sometimes overlook: every resource and asset you rely on needs to last the full journey — not just the people, but the vehicles, tools, and infrastructure that keep things running.
The Brake Pad Wake-Up Call
After several weeks of daily driving between accommodation, classes, supermarkets, ferry terminals, and cultural locations — often on single-track roads with constant stopping and starting at passing places — our trusty vehicle signalled something wasn’t quite right. The brake pads were worn.
That might not sound like a crisis in most places. But here on Uist, the local garage may not have replacement parts in stock, and delivery delays could mean days without transport. On an island where buses are scarce, ferries have fixed schedules and hire cars are all rented out, losing a vehicle isn’t just inconvenient — it could derail an entire week’s worth of planned activities, from historical site visits to language immersion experiences.
Why Durability Planning Matters
This isn’t just about brakes. It’s about understanding that everything you use intensively — from printers to projectors, SIM cards to sandals — should be checked for durability and backup plans before the first student even arrives.
Consider the following questions:
Is your transport ready for high mileage and frequent stops?
Do you have spare teaching supplies, batteries, chargers, and extension leads?
Have you checked the health of your devices, like phones, laptops, and speakers, that you’ll rely on daily?
Do you have a plan for sudden tech failure or lost items?
Have you done a quick inventory to spot what might not survive five intense weeks of daily use?
Lessons for Next Time
Schedule vehicle checks between each program cycle. It’s not just about fuel — check tyres, brakes, oil, and electrics too.
Stock spares locally if you can. A few brake pads, printer cartridges, or extra USB cables in storage can save the day.
Establish relationships with local service providers. A good connection with a mechanic, ferry manager, or local shop owner can be your best support when something goes wrong.
Build buffer days or flexible slots in your schedule. If something breaks, you need space to adjust without disappointing students.
On a Small Island, Everything Counts
Running an island summer school is as much about resilience as it is about inspiration. Our teaching methods may be planned down to the minute, but nature, mechanics, and logistics don’t always follow the script. By taking the time to check, service, and prepare every tool and asset before you launch your course, you’ll give yourself the best chance of sailing smoothly — passing place by passing place.
Because it’s not just the Gaelic that needs care and attention — it’s the brakes too.
Love Gaelic Summer School: Learning the Language, Living the Life — Prepared.
