Cabinet secretary for education and lifelong learning at UHI

Issued 8th March, 2010

Michael Russell, the Scottish cabinet secretary for education and lifelong learning, was welcomed to the prospective University of the Highlands and Islands yesterday (Monday, 8th March) when he visited the UHI Centre for History in Dornoch and executive office in Inverness.

In a meeting with UHI principal James Fraser in Inverness, he was updated on UHI’s development and work in areas including widening access, flexible delivery of lifelong learning and sustainable economic growth.

PhD studentships

Mr Russell also met Professor Lorne Crerar, chairman of Scottish commercial law firm Harper Macleod LLP, who announced its donation of £90,000 to fund two PhD studentships in environmental and marine sciences at UHI. These researchers, yet to be appointed, will be based at the Scottish Association for Marine Science UHI in Dunstaffnage, near Oban, and the Environmental Research Institute, part of North Highland College UHI, in Thurso. Specific projects have yet to be confirmed but include renewable energy.

Mr Russell said: "The decision by Harper Macleod to fund the two PhDs proves the private sector recognises the value of working with colleges and universities to target key sectors, particularly in this current climate. And it is the unique partnership of colleges within UHI which enables these opportunities in the Highlands and Islands by supporting local, remote and specialist learning across the region."

Welcome

James Fraser said: "This was a welcome opportunity to update the cabinet secretary on UHI, and it was fitting that he heard about an important new partnership with Harper Macleod to advance our research work in marine and environmental sciences."

Professor Crerar said there were few greater challenges than addressing the renewable energy opportunity for Scotland in 2010 and beyond. "Our primary strategic objective is sustainable growth and we recognise the increasing need for renewables advice. For Scotland to reach 2020 targets and be a world leader in renewable energy, research and investment are paramount for the development of existing and new technologies."

Earlier, the cabinet secretary was in Dornoch to learn about the work and progress of the UHI Centre for History. Mr Russell met the centre’s director, Professor Jim Hunter, and members of his team, and Dr Gordon Jenkins, the new principal of North Highland College UHI.

"Hugely important"

Mr Russell said: "The development of this history centre is hugely important for the Highlands and Islands. The potential benefits of this project, in terms of education and research as well as economic benefits, are vast.

"The venture is positioning Dornoch, indeed the Highlands, as a leading historical centre which will attract more students, academics and visitors to Scotland. I look forward to returning to the centre once it is completed."

The centre is hosted by North Highland College UHI and based at Burghfield House in Dornoch, the college’s new hospitality training centre. The old stable block is due to be turned into a permanent home for the historians and will boast a library, video conferencing-equipped lecture theatre, study space and office accommodation. The library will be open to local residents and visiting scholars.

Dr Jenkins said: "We were delighted to welcome the cabinet secretary to Burghfield House and very happy that he took so much interest in the work of the history centre and North Highland College UHI."

Professor Hunter added: "He is very supportive of the centre and his visit was encouraging for our team."

ENDS

Glenda Johnson
UHI media and PR officer
01463 279222
Glenda.johnson@uhi.ac.uk