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-
follow us