News 2011-12

Page 1

NEWS 2011-12 News

Graduations

Events

Success


Local Student secures coveted Joinery Apprenticeship Graham Crawford, a Construction Skills student at Argyll College Rothesay, will be heading to Aberdeen in June to start work as a Joinery Apprentice with Aberdeen City Council. Graham had already applied unsuccessfully to several companies in Rothesay and Glasgow before he saw the Apprenticeships with Aberdeen City Council advertised in December 2011. The Apprenticeship posts attracted over 800 applications. Graham – who attended two pre Apprenticeship tests in March and an interview in April – was thrilled to learn that he had secured the coveted Apprenticeship ahead of the other applicants. Paul Simpson, Graham’s Tutor at Argyll College UHI commented “I am extremely pleased for Graham, he has been a good and enthusiastic all-round student who worked extremely well with his fellow students. He was a pleasure to have in my class”.

“He was a pleasure to h a v e i n m y c l a s s ”. Several local companies have been magnanimous in their support for Graham with Bute Tools, Cowal Builders, The Bike Shed and Argyll College UHI all donating tools and safety gear to help start Graham on his way. “I would like to thank everyone for their donations of tools as it is a great help to me in starting my trade and their generosity is very much appreciated” added Graham. “I would also like to thank Paul (Simpson) for all his help and guidance throughout the course. Also for taking the time out of his day to help me with my portfolio to take to my interviews, to help me secure my start up tools and also for donating tools of his own to help me in my new career. His help, patience and advice throughout the course has prepared me for the challenges ahead.” Graham will be working in the Housing and Environment Department of Aberdeen City Council effecting repair work within people’s homes as well as local council buildings, colleges and universities.

Image over page - Graham with his peers. From left to right: Alexander Cuthbert, Graham Crawford, David Miles Hanschell, Robert McMillan



Little Learners a great place to get started Little Learners Nursery in Oban – part of Argyll College UHI – has received a first class report following a recent inspection by Education Scotland. The nursery, based in Dunstaffnage offers both pre-school education and full day care facilities for children from 3 months to 5 years of age. The inspection team considered not only how well the children were learning and achieving but also how the whole staff, together, innovatively contributed to that learning. The HM Inspector commented, “I found that the youngest children have a close bond with staff and that they feel very secure in their environment. Children Lunch time!

aged three to five are confident, ambitious learners. I observed that they are keen to maximise all of their time

in nursery and demonstrate that they know their learning has real purpose”. The degree of communication between staff and parents was also felt particularly worthy of note, “parents are very pleased with the quality of information they receive from staff about their child. They feel very involved in the nursery and many have taken the opportunity to share their own skills”. The Scottish Government keeps track of how well all Scottish pre-school centres are doing by assessing each centre with reference to three quality indicators. The evaluations for Little Learners Nursery are Improvement in performance

very good

Children’s experiences

excellent

Meeting learning needs

very good

If you would like any further information about Little Learners Nursery and the services it can offer, please Conga!

contact the nursery manager Kathleen McNiven direct on 01631 559522.


Argyll College UHI one of the Best Workplaces in Scotland for the second consecutive year

At an awards dinner - hosted by the Great Place to

of any organisation and it is consultation not just

Work Institute UK - on 25th April at the Radisson Blu

communication which is key. Our staff are the ones

hotel in Glasgow, Argyll College UHI took 8th position

who make the college work, so they are best placed

overall in the Scotland's Best Workplaces Awards 2012

to make constructive comment on issues affecting

(medium to large company category).

the college. We may be a dispersed organisation with 13 main sites, but we are a very close knit team and

As in previous years, the Best Workplaces Programme

much of that is down to effective communications,

- the largest of its kind in the world - surveys both

as well as trust in the decision makers and clear

employees and management to get a holistic view

leadership of the college. Our staff know that they

of each nominated organisation's HR policies and

can suggest a better way of working at any time and

practices and how these are perceived by employees.

if the suggestion simplifies things and makes sense we will adopt it."

Tom O'Byrne, Chief Executive, Great Place to Work commented "I am delighted to congratulate all our

The Great Place to Work Institute UK is part of the

winners on their achievement and thank their leaders

world's largest consultancy specialising in workplace

for continuing to champion the importance of trust

assessment and enhancement. Every year Great

in the workplace. In the current economic climate

Place to Work surveys some 5,500 organisations

it has never been more crucial for organisations

around the world representing around 10 million

to recognise the importance of creating and

employees. This gives unrivalled insight into what

maintaining great workplace cultures and the impact

makes an organisation's employees tick and how

this can have on business performance".

leaders can improve their business performance by understanding and improving their workplace

"We are extremely proud to have been recognised as one of Scotland's Best Workplaces for the second consecutive year" added Argyll College UHI Principal, Michael Breslin. "People are the most important part

culture.


An interview with...Malcolm Sinclair

M

alcolm recently completed a two year HNC Construction Management course – delivered in conjunction with Inverness College - at the Argyll College UHI Oban centre. Malcolm is currently the Site

Manager for a large project based just outside Oban.

KIRSTY INGLE: What would you say are the main advantages of studying through Argyll College? MALCOLM SINCLAIR: Probably the fact that the college is right on your doorstep. I was working on a construction project at SAMS and went into the college on my lunch break to look at available courses. I saw that an HNC in Construction was available and knew that this would take my career in the direction I wanted to go. When I realised that I could actually study in Oban, I jumped at the chance. With a young family and work commitments studying away from home was not an option, but the fact that the course was available locally gave me the opportunity I needed.


KI: Did you find the course content accessible and did

learning curve but the course has given me a good

it prepare you for the workplace?

grounding for all the procedures I now use daily.

MS: Yes and no. I had already studied an HNC in Agriculture in 1993 and so was prepared for the

KI: Do you think the course helped you in gaining

course to be quite taxing in both academic and

employment?

time commitment terms. You need to be fairly

MS: Yes absolutely, without the course I would

computer literate and things like gant charts, reports

not even have been considered for the job as I had

and risk assessments can initially be quite daunting.

no formal management qualifications which are a

The Oban centre staff were always very supportive,

prerequisite for a job at this level.

understanding and helpful but I think it would probably be sensible to take a basic computing course

KI: Would you recommend this type of course and

with the college prior to starting on a course like

studying with Argyll College?

this one. I found that having some experience of the

MS: I would definitely recommend a course such

construction sector before I started the course was

as this one. In the job I was doing my income only

also useful. Everything on the course was relevant

changed over the years by a very small amount. The

but it is often difficult to give the theories and

only way to make more money was to do more hours

applications that you study a practical application –

and the demands of a young family made this difficult

however, having some experience of the reality of the

to achieve. Undertaking the course has allowed me

construction process allowed me to give a practical

to progress to a new career level with even greater

basis to what I was learning. Interaction with the

potential and possibility for the future. If I had not

other students is also important - their experiences

had the opportunity to study locally in a manner

and support all help to make the course more valuable which allowed me to fit in with my work and family commitments I could not have made this career and enjoyable. move. It is good to encourage young people to push KI: What were you doing when you decided to enrol

themselves. It can be very easy to get into a rut and

on the course?

before you know it three or four years have passed.

MS: I was already working in the construction industry

Attending college and making time for the self study

driving excavators and had been a site foreman.

element is a big commitment but it is important. You need to go to college, complete a course (whether

KI: And what are you doing now?

full-time, evening or part-time), get a qualification and

MS: I am the Site Manager for a large construction

push yourself. The local college makes it possible – I

project just outside Oban.

wish I had done this 10 years ago!

KI: Do you actively use the skills you learnt on the course in your day to day work? MS: Yes, you spend two years studying and in the space of a day you can touch upon just about everything you studied. The job has been a steep

Four students are currently studying the HNC Construction Management course across Argyll College UHI.


The students with their models

Rothesay Skills for Work students showcase their talents Pupils at Rothesay Academy who are undertaking the

salon environment and about the different roles and

Skills for Work programme (which links Argyll College

responsibilities in hairdressing. Specific course skills

UHI and Rothesay Academy) have been putting their

involved are employability, shampooing and blow-

skills to the test last week, with the Hairdressing

drying hair. In the “Creativity Unit� students are able

students taking part in a Hairdressing Creativity

to experiment with style ideas.

Presentation Competition. The students are studying at different levels - Joanne The Hairdressing course - one option of many,

Thorburn nearly is close to achieving Intermediate

including including Rural Skills, Creative Digital

2 whilst the remaining students - who are studying

Media, Childcare, Uniformed and Emergency

at Intermediate 1 level - have just completed the first

Services and Construction - gives students a practical

year and will be starting their second year in August.

introduction to hairdressing. Students learn about the


First prize of £25 went to Chloe Glen, whose

Judging the creations were Argyll College’s Linda

model was Holly Colhoun.

McLaughlan, Rothesay Joint Campus Principal Wendy Brownlie and Academy teacher Dale

Second prize of £15 went to Joanne Thorburn,

Somerville. The students were judged not only on

whose model was Kirsty Barratt.

the final outcome but on the techniques, products, styling tools and the outfits used.

Third prize of £10 went to Hanna Young, whose model was Marcela McMillan. There were also five runner-up prizes of £5, which went to Claire MacPhee whose model was Antonia Reilly, Meagan Smith and model Marissa Ballantune, Hanna Hendry and model Megan Poole, Alice McMillan and model Olivia O’Donnell, Ryanna Anderson and model Alison Shaw.

Linda told us that huge thanks is owed to Argyll College tutor Kate Thornton, staff at Nadia’s Hair and Body Salon for their assistance on the day, to Isabel McCormack for doing the models make up, to Kieran Parkins for doing the sound, Paul Simpson for taking the professional photographs, and to Wendy Brownlie and Dale Somerville for helping to judge.

Published on Thursday 5 April 2012 09:23 Written by Karen Keith for The Buteman http://www.buteman.co.uk/news/hairdressing-students-have-style-1-2216516

The Creative Digital Media students also gave presentations last week to their peers as part of their assessments for “The Creative Process“. The students were given a project brief for a new record company requiring a marketing strategy and they had to develop a creative idea as to how they would promote the company. The 9 students were split into 3 “companies” and pooled their resources to create a dragons den style presentation to “Base” from left to right: Daniel Sweet, Callum Tipping, Sandeep Singh-Bola

deliver to their peers and the course tutor Sam Tweedlie. The company with the best ideas would be awarded the virtual contract. Up for grabs was a £10 Amazon voucher for each member of the winning team. The winning company ”Base” consisted of Sandeep Singh-Bola, Daniel Sweet and Callum Tipping.


Alex working on an irrigation system

Success at Scotland’s most prestigious land-based industries awards for local student

The achievements of Alex Pirie from Machrihanish

in Argyll, has recently completed the Introduction to

were publicly recognised at the ninth annual Land-

Land-based Industries course at Argyll College UHI

based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year Awards ceremony held at the Crieff Hydro on 1st March. In front of over 125 guests, Alex was awarded not only the runner up prize in the Land-based Curriculum for Schools Learner of the Year category but also first place in the highly prestigious CARAS Scotland award.

Alex had initially applied to join a course at SAC Ayr but was turned down. However, determined to prove his skills and potential he enroled with Argyll College UHI. Darlene Russell, Curriculum Manager, Argyll College commented “Alex tackled all practical aspects of the course giving 100%. His classroom work was of an exceptionally high standard and he researched every

Ray Jones of Scotland Food and Drink, who presented

subject thoroughly before submitting projects. He was

Alex with the CARAS Scotland award praised not only

a very conscientious student. His competitive spirit

Alex’s achievements but also his positive attitude and

also inspired the other students to make more effort

mindset. Mr Jones finished by asking Alex if he would

with their assessments and to try to achieve marks

make a speech telling his story at next year’s CARAS

higher than Alex! Alex’s attendance at college was

annual conference. Alex readily agreed.

100% and he faithfully handed in assessments on time.

Alex, who grew up on a dairy farm near Campbeltown

If he made mistakes he would be annoyed with himself, but he was always willing to listen and learn.”


On receiving the award nomination, Alex himself

first and foremost, however successful businesses

added “When I first heard that the college wanted

will recognise it is during such times when

to nominate me I was shocked. I just wanted to

investing in skills can carry even more importance

bring my best and hope for the best. The fact that

and significance. Faced with an ever increasing

that resulted in a nomination is an honour. I did

competitiveness on a global scale, it is imperative

try my hardest with the course, I had something

that out workforce is provided with every tool at

to prove and wanted to raise my game at every

their disposal to give Scotland the edge that it needs

level, become versatile and gain a focus and I feel

to continue to prosper.

I achieved that.”

“That’s why nights like this are so important. Occasions like this do more than highlight the talent, commitment and skills of well-deserving individuals. They bring into focus the opportunities provided by the land-based and aquaculture sector and demonstrate to employers the benefits of a skilled workforce.”

Alex tending cow

Alex recently applied again to SAC Ayr and is now studying an HND in Countryside Management with a view to progressing to degree level. When asked if he had any words of advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in land-based industries he added enthusiastically “I would honesty say that the move to this line of work was the best thing I ever did. When people think of land-based industry they think ‘farmers’ and ‘fishermen’ but the level of depth and diversity is unbelievable and well worth exploring. Everyone has a place in a system – diversify until you find your place.”

From left to right: Valerie Owen, Lantra Chair; Alex Pirie and Ray Jones, Scotland Food and Drink

A total of 22 prizes were presented during the awards ceremony which was organised by Lantra and the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries. Argyll College UHI - in conjunction with Elmwood College and Oatridge College – was proud to sponsor the Modern

Minister for Youth Employment, Angela

Apprentice of the Year Award, presented on the

Constance, attended the awards ceremony

night to Michael Binnie of Borders College.

to congratulate the finalists and stress the importance of skills and training. She said: “Often in a time of economic uncertainty it is staff training and skills development that can suffer


Oban hospitality students host dinner and buffet in support of ‘Scrumptious Scotland’ In conjunction with Scottish Tourism week (6th

At the end of the evening, the students and head

– 13th March) and the Scottish Tourism Careers

chef and course tutor Chris Wolfe - maitre d’ for the

Festival, this month will see ‘Scrumptious Scotland’

evening - received a well deserved and rousing

– a skills initiative from Scotland’s Colleges –

round of applause from the satisfied diners.

promoted countrywide.

This gastronomic evening is being supported

On 13th March, Argyll College UHI hospitality

by a Scrumptious Lunchtime Buffet to be held

students hosted an exclusive Scottish Gourmet

on Thursday 29th March from 12.30pm. You will

Evening at the college restaurant. Around 23

again have the chance to sample an array of dishes

guests, including representatives from Oban

created using some of Scotland’s very best local

Hospital, the Oban Times and Soroba House Hotel,

ingredients and all planned, prepared and served

were treated to an outstanding 9 course menu

by Oban’s talented hospitality students. All tickets

which made the maximum use of locally sourced

- available at a cost of £5 per head - will be sold on

ingredients.

a strictly first come first served basis on the door so do make sure you arrive early to ensure you do not miss out.


Argyll College UHI Hairdressing Competition – December 2011 The Winners SVQ Level 3 1st Keith MacMillan 2nd Nicki Steel 3rd Robyn Blackburn

Oban Lochgilphead Campbeltown

SVQ Level 2 1st Lorna MacDonald 2nd Gemma Rudling 3rd Louise Salmon

Dunoon Dunoon Lochgilphead

Skills for Work 1st Shannon Mehaffey 2nd Lauren Douglas 3rd Erin Sandilands

Lochgilphead Lochgilphead Lochgilphead


Argyll College student awarded Sco Student Award 2011

F

On Tuesday 29th November 2011, at an awards ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow, Arlene Simpson of Oban was the well deserved recipient of Scotland's Colleges Student Award 2011.

her children the time they needed. The opening of the new Argyll College UHI centre in Oban in 2010 -complete with a training salon- gave Arlene the opportunity she needed locally and she

Arlene, currently studying SVQ Hairdressing - level

seized it. "If you had asked me three years ago if I could

3 - at Argyll College UHI's Oban centre, has overcome

do this I would not have been able to say yes. I really

significant odds as she makes her way towards her

enjoy being Mum, but I had forgotten who I was - now

long-term goal of becoming a qualified hairdresser.

I've found out who I am again and I'm thoroughly

A single mother of five children for the last ten years,

enjoying being me and mum."

Arlene lacked the time, opportunity and motivation to pursue her career goals whilst still being able to give


cotland's Colleges

"Ar l e n e i s w h at an ideal s t u d e nt should be - keen, m o t i vate d and i nte re s te d in others a s we l l a s

From left to right: Wilma Campbell , Elaine Smith, Arlene Simpson, Michael Breslin, Rena MacDonald

h e r s e l f."

Arlene has not missed a day at college since she

placement. Christine Rogers, salon owner, said of

started, finishing her first year's studies early. Arlene

Arlene "... excellent worker, very eager and keen...

has continually given any free time she has to help

fantastic assistant and I would give her a job if one

support her fellow students - whenever and however

became available." Arlene has been and continues to

she can - as one of her fellow students noted "I felt very

be an inspiration to staff and students and has made

comfortable asking her questions and felt confident

a great impact upon Argyll College UHI. According

that she would give me the right guidance... it was

to Argyll College UHI Curriculum Manger, Rena

fantastic that she gave up her free time to support us ...

MacDonald "Arlene is what an ideal student should

very selfless person... tells you how it is and I like that."

be - keen, motivated and interested in others as well as

Arlene also made a big impression upon the staff at Reflections in Oban who provided her college

herself." Many congratulations to Arlene on the countrywide recognition of her achievements.


Students Graduating from Argyll College UHI 2011

A rewarding day for Argyll College UHI students Over 170 people attended the Corran Halls, Oban on

needs of the community. This graduation ceremony is

Friday 23rd September to witness the Argyll College

a very happy occasion and I am delighted to be part of

UHI students of 2011 receive their certificates of

it.’

achievement and graduation from guest Mr Michael Russell, Argyll and Bute MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning.

Welcoming the students and guests, Mrs Wilma Campbell, Chair Argyll College UHI commented “the likelihood is that years from now you will not

Before presenting certificates and qualifications, Mr

remember what was said today but you will remember

Russell said: “It is remarkable that a decade ago this

all the hard work that got you to this point and you

graduation ceremony or indeed your studies would

will remember how you felt. And I hope you feel

not have been possible - as Argyll College and its links

great because it is, for each of you, a remarkable

to the University of the Highlands and Islands did

achievement that we are honouring here today”.

not exist. Argyll College has a real strength in giving opportunities to people where they live. This college is well aligned with serving learners and meeting the

Yvonne McHardy - a continuing hairdressing student delivered a heartfelt and insightful student perspective on studying at Argyll College UHI and emphasised the


important role the college has played in allowing

students this year in vocational disciplines such as

her to fulfil her long-term career dreams.

Business and Information Technology, Childcare,

The ceremony also saw the presentation of two special recognition awards – Alexander Mack of Dunoon formally recognised as Argyll College UHI

Construction and Hairdressing together with an increasing number of students achieving at graduate level.

Higher Education Student of the Year and Rosie

One such student - Ailsa Raeburn who achieved

Stevenson of Oban as Argyll College UHI Further

a first class BA (Hons) degree in Scottish History

Education Student of the Year. Both students

following four years study at Argyll College

received their award cheques and certificates from

UHI Lochgilphead – has been recognised by

Mr Russell.

UHI for her outstanding achievements. Ailsa

The number of students undertaking full-time

has been awarded the Professor James Hunter

courses at Argyll College UHI has more than doubled in the last three years. Student numbers are also growing consistently on the school-based Skills for Work courses and vocational courses with pass rates remaining consistently high in both areas. Michael Breslin, Principal Argyll College UHI, congratulated the students on their achievements and added “ No matter what vocational skills you have learned with us – whether Business and IT,

New art exhibition at Rothesay Library

Care, or Construction for example – there are other skills which all Argyll College UHI staff, both

The latest work created

Nicola Jones, tutor, com-

teaching and non-teaching, hope we have helped

by ten Argyll College UHI

mented “ Computers are a

you develop. Flexibility, adaptability, reliability,

students will form the new

great medium for art. The

commitment and team working skills are

Visual Art Exhibition at

students have embraced

important components of all our courses. These

Rothesay Library from 17th

this project. The images are

are the skills that will be invaluable in your future

October 2011.

vivid, bright & bold. And the

career - not only will they help you individually to progress within your chosen career but they will help whichever business you work for in the future survive in an increasingly competitive world.”

The students, all members of the Bute-based Crew Phoe-

this work speaks for itself”.

nix, have used the medium

The exhibition will be open

of digital art - free hand

to the general public from

drawing on the computer –

17th October for six weeks.

Argyll College UHI – one of 13 partners making

to produce their individual

up the University of the Highlands and Islands – is

pieces.

proud to recognise the achievements of over 220

skill level needed to achieve


Students with their guide

Site visit to Dunardry Forest for Argyll College UHI students Nine members of the Lochgilphead Resource Cen-

commented “it was a really great day and a fantas-

tre – all students at Argyll College UHI Construction

tic opportunity to welcome this enthusiastic group

Skills Centre – recently paid a site visit to Dunardry

into Dunardry Forest. West Argyll Forest District

Forest to put in place the bird and owl boxes they

are keen to work with community groups and aim

have designed and built during their course at the

to encourage the benefits from even just a few

college workshop in Kilmory.

hours in the forest environment”.

The boxes – created using larch wood supplied

The students were accompanied on the site visit by

by Dino Wyndham-Wright - have been developed

their tutor Alistair Hodge. Alistair said “it has been

through a joint project involving Argyll College UHI

a most enjoyable experience and great to see that

and the Forestry Commission of Scotland. On their

all the hard work the students have put into the

site visit the students had the opportunity to learn

project can really make a difference to the wildlife

from the Rangers a little about the birds local to

of the forest. We are all looking forward to return-

the area and their various habits and sounds.

ing to the forest in the spring to check on progress.”

Joanne MacLean – Communities, Recreation and Tourism Ranger for Forestry Commission Scotland


Lochgilphead student wins outstanding achievement award Ailsa Raeburn - who recently achieved a first class BA

and has managed to produce very high quality

(Hons) degree in Scottish History following four years

work throughout her studies. Her dissertation was

study at Argyll College UHI Lochgilphead – has been

a particularly good example of this where she was

recognised by UHI for her outstanding achievements.

able to make use of local resources as well as other

Ailsa has been awarded the Professor James Hunter

material within UHI libraries to write a very detailed

Dissertation Prize by the UHI Centre for History.

analysis of lordship and its expression in medieval

Ailsa’s dissertation focussed on ‘Lordship and control

Argyll. Her analysis regarding the numerous castles

in medieval Argyll as expressed through its built

and other fortifications in the region was

heritage’.

incredibly comprehensive.”

Dr Iain MacInnes, Programme Leader Scottish

Ailsa has decided to continue her studies at Argyll

History commented “Ailsa is an excellent student

College UHI and is continuing on the Masters

who has done extraordinarily well. She works out

programme in the History of the Highlands and

of a Learning Centre in Lochgilphead, without

Islands.

access to some of the facilities of a bigger campus, Ailsa at UHI Centre for History presentation


Argyll College UHI support feeds hungry children with Mary’s Meals Argyll College UHI has teamed up

Michael Breslin, Principal of Argyll

primary schools over the coming

with Scots charity Mary’s Meals

College UHI.

months.

“Not only are we helping these

Tony Begley, Education Co-

children in the short-term but by

ordinator at Mary’s Meals, said: “An

helping Mary’s Meals facilitate their

education, even a basic one, can

The life-changing daily meals at

education, we are giving these

have a life-changing effect on a

Weakama Primary School will

children the tools they will need

child and its community, by lifting

give the children access to a basic

to meet the considerable personal

individuals and countries out of

education that can provide an

and communal challenges they

poverty.

escape route out of poverty.

face. This is a programme we really

to provide around 200 hungry children in Liberia with school meals for a year.

Argyll College UHI will meet the

wanted support.

“In Liberia many children are often too hungry to attend school and

annual costs of feeding the whole

“Like all the best ideas it’s

those who do attend are unable to

school as part of Mary’s Meals

wonderfully simple: encourage

concentrate due to hunger.

Sponsor a School campaign, which

hungry children to come to a place

runs in Liberia and Malawi.

of education, give them the regular

It has committed a percentage of the revenue earned from operational areas – including hairdressing, catering, commercial courses and nursery provision – across its 13 centres to support Weakama Primary School, located in the Bomi County area of Liberia. As a result, every member of staff and every student of Argyll College UHI will be helping the pupils of Weakama Primary School every day of the week, as will each customer of the College’s hairdressing salons and day nursery.

meal they need each day and feed their minds at the same time with the knowledge they need to break the poverty cycle that is crippling countries like Liberia. Together with Mary’s Meals, Argyll College UHI staff and students can – and will – make a real difference.” In addition to supporting Weakama Primary School, Argyll College UHI is also planning to act as a collection point for the Mary’s Meals Backpack Project which provides basic educational materials to children receiving

“We are extremely grateful to Argyll College UHI for its support which is absolutely vital to us and ensures that hungry children receive a meal each day in a place of education, which improves rates of attendance, enrolment and academic performance.” It costs an average £7,000 to feed a whole school for a year in Liberia, but there are smaller and larger schools which Mary’s Meals can match according to donations. Supporters are allocated a school and receive photos of the school with their name on the wall.

Mary’s Meals. The College’s

Mary’s Meals is currently feeding

“Our support will bring real

childcare students hope to

over 500,000 children in places of

benefits to very real people” said

promote the scheme through local

education in 16 different countries


Above: Students of Weakama Day School across the world, including Malawi, Liberia and Haiti.

Argyll College UHI shares the belief that education

Mary’s Meals has been working in Liberia since 1994

can offer communities a better quality of life - on a

and provides over 27,000 children with daily meals in

daily and long-term basis. It is committed to making

places of education.

education available to as many students as possible

Argyll College UHI, which will continue to support

despite geographical, economic or political diversity.

the ongoing fundraising efforts of staff and students, has a history of fundraising both at home and abroad with over £1,700 raised in the last twelve months

For Further Information:

for Macmillan Cancer Relief, Red Nose Day and local

Michael Breslin, Principal, Argyll College UHI

charities, plus £978 donated to the Pakistan Flood

01631 559 755

Appeal. Providing access to education and the recognition of its importance are priorities for both Argyll College UHI and Mary’s Meals.

Mary’s Meals – contact kim.webster@marysmeals.org or louisa.mclennan@marysmeals.org or on 01838 200605.


A university accessible t

Argyll College courses a great success at Islay’s Festival of the Sea In July, Argyll College

Sea Survival Course.

Islay in partnership with

Students on the courses,

the Cumbrae Centre

tutored by Angus Fer-

delivered two highly suc-

gusson of the Cumbrae

cessful courses as part

Centre were impressed

of the island’s Festival of

not only with the high

the Sea.

standard of training they

Two RYA Radio Users course were delivered alongside an RYA Basic

received but also the range of equipment at their disposal.


to all

The official ceremony celebrating

ficial inauguration of the University

the creation of the University of the

of the Highlands and Islands formal-

Highlands and Islands took place in

ly marks the start of a very bright

Inverness on 25th August. Around

and opportunity-led future for the

800 people – including students,

students of today and tomorrow in

staff, local leaders , MSP’s and a Car-

Argyll and the Islands.”

dinal – attended the event, which

Michael Breslin, Principal, Argyll Col-

saw the unveiling of the university

lege UHI.

mace and the presentation of ceremonial robes. Staff and students

“Our vision is to lead a learning

from the thirteen partner colleges

region. We want every community

contributed to the day by creating

to have a learner centre that can ac-

music and a bespoke poem.

cess our education.”

The official proceedings concluded

James Fraser, Principal and Vice

with a procession through Inver-

Chancellor, UHI

ness to the Town House where an RAF Tornado performed a fly-past.

“We have to be ambitious for this

The Tornado jet, from RAF Lossie-

university and for this special part

mouth, had earlier in the day flown

of Scotland. I see this place of learn-

over each UHI partner college. It

ing as the institution that will be

included visits to all Argyll College

instrumental in driving the whole

UHI’s thirteen centres– starting low

of the area forward in social and

in the sky over Dunoon’s Castle Hill.

economic terms. It will arguably be the key institution in the regenera-

“Offering students local access to

tion of the Highlands and Islands

education has always been central

throughout the 21st century.”

to what we do. I feel both proud

Professor Matthew MacIver CBE,

and very positive that we are part

Chair, University Court

of such a key institution offering an education for the 21st century in the Highlands and Islands. The of-

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