UHI trust launches student development fund

Issued 9th February, 2010

For university-level students in the Highlands and Islands, special study opportunities that others may take for granted can be more difficult to achieve.

With the recent launch of the Student Development Fund, established by the University of the Highlands and Islands Development Trust, help is now at hand.

Galleries

The first to receive awards included seven UHI fine art undergraduates at Lochmaddy, North Uist, who received £100 each towards the cost of a trip to visit the art galleries and exhibitions of Glasgow and Edinburgh – normally a logistical and expensive challenge for students from the Outer Hebrides.

The students who made the trip were Abbey-Rose Kelly, 18, of Leverburgh, Isle of Harris; Karen Grant, 38, of Berneray; Christine Cameron, 39, of Lochmaddy, North Uist; Stuart Reid, 43, of Lochmaddy, Margaret MacPhee, 57, of Glendale, Isle of Skye; Lorraine Nicholson, 47, of Benbecula, and Nicola Pogson, 29, of Uig on the Isle of Skye.

Bringing the art world alive

Lorraine Nicholson said: "Our recent trip to Glasgow and Edinburgh really brought the art world alive for me with visits to public galleries, artist-run co-operatives and private galleries. I was surprised at what attracted my attention, enabling me to gauge that my views are shifting which is always a healthy sign in the creative process."

Christopher Talbot, 52, of Sandbank, Dunoon, who is studying in Argyll for a sustainable rural development degree through Lews Castle College UHI on the Isle of Lewis, received £350 from the fund to attend the Sustainable Development United Kingdom 2010 seminar in London in March.

He said: "Attending this seminar will bring me up-to-date with the plans and obstacles in transforming the UK into a leading low carbon economy, and will be an excellent opportunity to fly the UHI flag at a prestigious event."

Fiona McLeod, director of development for UHI, said: "The development fund offers our students the opportunity to take part in something exciting which will help their personal development, build on their knowledge and expand their horizons. It will enable more students to achieve their goals and enjoy their experience at UHI to the fullest."

Existing students can apply for a grant from the student development fund by completing an application form which can be found online at www.uhi.ac.uk/studentdevelopmentfund, or obtained from their student support officer or student advisor.

ENDS