Historic day as University of the Highlands and Islands becomes Scotland's newest university

Today is a historic day as UHI Millennium Institute becomes the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).

Following confirmation from the Privy Council, the milestone will be marked by celebrations at UHI locations throughout the Highlands and Islands.

The achievement of university title by UHI is the realisation of a long-time ambition for the region to have its own university to support economic development and to help sustain rural and island communities.

Announcing the achievement, Professor Matthew MacIver CBE, chair of the UHI Court, said: "This is a defining moment in the history of the Highlands and Islands. For centuries we have been exporting intellectual talent to all corners of the globe. We are now at a point where that flow can be reversed. The new University of the Highlands and Islands will be a powerhouse for the economic, social and cultural development of the region."

Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: "For generations, the Highlands have seen some of their brightest and best young people head away to go to university. Now, at last, the creation of a university in the Highland and Islands can help reverse that brain drain. This has been a long held desire for so many in the Highland & Islands and the Scottish Government has been supportive of UHI's journey to this historic moment.

"The University's model is distinctive and innovative - a unique partnership in which higher education is delivered through 13 academic partners who all play a pivotal role in the educational, economic, social, cultural and environmental infrastructure of the region.

"Today marks a fantastic achievement not only for all staff, students, and supporters but also for the Highlands and Islands. However, university title it does not mark the end of the road for UHI. Rather it heralds the start of a process which will see this innovative model for delivering higher education developing further. I look forward to seeing all stakeholders working with the new university and playing their fullest part in taking UHI to the next level, so that it may serve the people and the economy of the highlands and islands."

Principal and Vice-chancellor, James Fraser, added: "I must pay tribute to all of our students, staff and supporters who have contributed to this marvellous achievement. Granting university status is an irrevocable act and therefore not done lightly and hastily. A great debt is owed to those who had the vision to set off on this journey and to our many supporters who have stayed the distance with us.

Nathan Shields, UHISA president, said: "This is a landmark day for the Highlands and Islands; especially for our young people who no longer have to leave the region if they want to go to university. They now have a choice. UHI has been providing university-level education for many years and it is the most fantastic news that we now have full university status."

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You can view a podcast about this news by James Fraser online.