Three UHI colleges unite under same name

The Scottish Government has approved plans to merge three colleges in the Highlands and Islands, which accommodate students in Lochaber and the Western Isles.

 

Three University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) colleges in Thurso, Stornoway and Fort William will be merged in a move that will see them operate under the same name.

 

UHI North Highland, UHI Outer Hebrides and UHI West Highland will become UHI North, West and Hebrides on Tuesday August 1.

 

It is hoped this move will create more capacity, resources and expertise for the newly named college to support the needs of its local communities.

 

The new college will enhance the student experience and develop its curriculum, research and innovation, and commercial opportunities in response to social and economic opportunities in the region.

 

It is also hoped this will mean it becomes more sustainable as colleges are challenged to do more with less in a difficult financial environment.

 

With 9,000 students, 600 staff and 19 campuses, UHI North, West and Hebrides will cover an area larger than Wales and more than 40 per cent of Scotland’s coastline.

 

UHI say that the new college will provide a skills and innovation pipeline to meet future workforce needs, while delivering for growing sectors.

 

This could could include net zero, decarbonisation, renewable energy, engineering, advanced manufacturing and technologies, space ports, and other land and sea-based industries.

 

The college will also aim to work alongside communities to develop Gaelic as an economic and social asset.

 

Principal designate of the newly merged college, Lydia Rohmer, said: “UHI North, West and Hebrides has been more than two years in the planning and would not have been possible without the incredible teamwork of the principals, staff, students, and boards of management.

 

"I would also like to thank UHI and the Scottish Funding Council for their

 

support throughout this process. We bring together three remarkable colleges to create a new, anchor institution, connecting rural and island communities through distinctive education and research shaped by our culture, location, and landscapes."

 

Ms Rohmer added: "Our unique distributed operating model, staff expertise and geography make us well placed to respond to the economic opportunities in our region, particularly around the blue and green economy."

 

UHI's Interim principal and vice chancellor of UHI, Vicki Nairn, said: “The university fully supports the project and we are excited about the benefits it will bring to our students, staff and communities across the UHI region."

 

The decision by the minister for further education and higher education, Graeme Dey MSP, and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth MSP, comes after a Scottish Government consultation.

 

It followed a 10-week public consultation by the colleges themselves last year, which resulted in approval by all three college boards of management.