NEWS FROM
HISTORIC DAY FOR ARGYLL COLLEGE UHI AS UNIVERSITY OF THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS BECOMES SCOTLAND’S NEWEST UNIVERSITY
Today (2 February) is a historic day for Argyll College UHI 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 hosted jointly by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) UHI and Argyll College UHI.
Michael Breslin the director of Argyll College UHI said: “Argyll College UHI is delighted with today’s announcement that UHI is now the University of the Highlands and Islands. As one of the university’s academic partners, we have helped to create a university for the area but we also remain a college where further education is the mainstream of our business. Being part of the new university allows our students to study at all levels in further and higher education, up to post graduate level. Providing students with local access to education is at the heart of what we do and recognition that we’re part of this new university gives us even more reason to be proud of what we’ve achieved here in Argyll and the Islands.”
Argyll College UHI has centres scattered through Argyll and has been offering further and higher education in one of the most geographically fragmented areas of Scotland since late 1999, early 2000.
UHI comprises thirteen colleges, specialist institutions and research centres spread across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; an area twice the size of Wales. It uses information technologies to link together students and staff to bring access to higher education to dispersed communities. 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.
Above: Michael Breslin, Director of Argyll College UHI “The achievement of title and the University of the Highlands and Islands is wonderful news. This is the fulfilment of a long held vision. Social justice and economic prosperity have always been our aspiration in creating Argyll College UHI as an academic partner of UHI. We are delighted with the news.” said Wilma Campbell, Chair of Argyll College.
Chris Talbot, Argyll College UHI student and UHI Student Association Vice President said: “There is a certain amount of kudos in graduating from the new university. Overall this will help the Islands regionally, and after an initial period of time will help centres of excellence to win funding from the government which in turn aids employment.”
Student representative, Hannah Poulton is a seventeen year old degree student from Bunessan on the Isle of Mull. Currently studying BA History and Politics Hannah said “Argyll College UHI has been fantastic and the course fits in with my personal life. There’s not many jobs on Mull and the few jobs that are available don’t have a big career progression. It’s important to get young people to stay on the island. Knowing about your own culture and history is important which is harder to do from a distance. University status will encourage more students to stay and study with the prospect of employment.”
COFFEE, CAKES AND CHAT FOR MACMILLAN CANCER CARE 2010 Hospitality Skills for Work pupils from Dunoon Grammar School recently held an enormously successful Coffee Afternoon for family and friends at Argyll College Dunoon Learning Centre. The afternoon of Coffee, Cakes and Chat was held on Tuesday 21 September with all proceeds being donated to Macmillan Cancer Care 2010. The Event was planned using the skills the five pupils are developing on this popular course, under the guidance of their tutor, Mrs Mary Kirk. The students were involved not only in baking fruit and sponge cakes, gingerbread and cupcakes, but in decorating , presenting and serving the fare – resplendent in their ‘Whites’. They also demonstrated the widespread nature of the skills they are developing in the quality of design and planning shown in the creation and distribution of the invitations and posters. (And they washed up too!)
The afternoon was a great success and family, friends and visitors were full of praise for the students efforts. A total of ÂŁ275 was raised over the course of the afternoon for Macmillan Cancer Care 2010. Well Done.
HEALTH & HYGIENE ON THE HIGH SEAS! Argyll College UHI have been commended by Fairbridge and R.E.H.I.S (the Royal Environmental Health Institute for Scotland) for the outstanding delivery of a Food Health and Hygiene programme on board sail training schooner, the “Spirit of Fairbridge”. Fairbridge young
works
people
aged
with 13-
25 to develop their skills to
a
level
prospects with
other
where of
their
engaging
organisations
are greatly enhanced. The organisation
uses
long-
term goals, giving young people the motivation, selfconfidence and skills they need to change their lives. The “Spirit of Fairbridge” is a 92’ schooner operated by Fairbridge. Confined to a working boat (in any weather) is no mean feat, and the young crew (up to 11 young people + staff) must work as a tight unit in order to ensure that the boat sails. By harnessing their motivation, Fairbridge are able to help young people make lifechanging decisions. The excursion on the Spirit of Fairbridge is a very positive experience and fits in with the goals and ideals of Fairbridge.
Darlene Russell, Curriculum Manager from Argyll College UHI, spent seven days on board the vessel delivering the Healthy Living programme developed by Argyll College UHI, the Elementary Food Hygiene and the Elementary Food and Health programme awarded by R.E.H.I.S. “The challenge was to deliver the course in such a way that would appeal to the crew but also to ensure the key learning outcomes were still met by the awarding body,” said Darlene. “It’s a very different environment to the usual classroom set up, so I decided to try something a bit different. The crew operate on different watches, with each watch having their own duties to perform.
It
made sense to deliver some of the course while they were doing all the practical duties.”
Darlene
continued “We also made it part of our daily conversations while on route from port to port and analysed photos that showed good and bad hygiene practices.
We
would talk about the benefits of healthy eating and how to adapt current recipes.” The crew took part in a “5 a Day” competition where they would keep a count of how many pieces of fruit they had eaten each day. They developed a visual chart with everyone’s names and at the end of the night, they would tally up the scores. “This was a great way to learn,” said one of the youngsters.” I had no idea eating fruit and vegetables would be so much fun and what impact it had on my diet!” Another young person said ”I am amazed about what is seen as part of your “5 a day” and items I thought were included are not….all this time I don’t think I have been eating enough.”
The week began with the “Spirit of Fairbridge” setting sail from Oban and making its way down the coast to Loch Sween. The vessel continued its journey south and rounded the Mull of Kintyre, after arriving safely in Campbeltown. Residing in Southend near Campbeltown, Darlene took the opportunity to show the young crew the sights of the area including a hike up Benguillean with the two Watch Leaders, Paul Ash and Kenny Harris. On returning to the boat, the young people and Darlene climbed the rigging under the watchful eye of Skipper, Mikey Strang and First Mate, Monica MacLean. “It was an exhilarating but scary experience,” said Darlene and some of the young people, but what a “birds eye” view. The following day the “Spirit of Fairbridge” journeyed on to Portavadie before completing the trip at Greenock’s Victoria Harbour. In total, the Spirit of Fairbridge travelled 187 nautical miles during the voyage.
Among the crew who passed the course were, Gemma Cochrane, Callum Finlay and Chantelle Anderson. “It was great, I really enjoyed it,” said Gemma. “Especially cooking in the galley, and Darlene showed us how to eat healthier. I made Vegetable Lasagne and everybody loved it!” Gemma enjoyed the course so much she has applied to the Princes Trust to help her get started on a career in the catering industry as a chef. Gemma has since made three voyages on the “Spirit of Fairbridge”. “Her application will have a better chance now she has achieved her Elementary Food Hygiene,” said Sam Flavell, an Outreach Development Worker with Fairbridge. All the crew who participated have been invited back on board.
Back on board the “Spirit of Fairbridge” at Victoria Harbour, Darlene was joined by Graham Walker, Director of Training for R.E.H.I.S. and Drew Hall, Chair of R.E.H.I.S. Southern Centre to award each of the crew with their certificates.
“I’m very
proud of them, everyone did so well” said Darlene. “Both the passion I have for training and sailing in one venture has made this a memorable time for me”.
“R.E.H.I.S. is delighted to have participated in this programme. We would like to thank Argyll College UHI and Fairbridge for all the organisation.” said Drew Hall.
ROSEBOWL GOES TO ROTHESAY FOR PARTNERSHIP WORKING Rothesay Learning Centre recently received a commendation for working in partnership with the local council and community. The commendation came from Beautiful Scotland, who awarded Rothesay the title of Scotland’s most beautiful community along with the prestigious Rosebowl trophy and a special award for a gap site completed by Argyll College UHI and St Andrews primary. Working with Ailsa Cunningham, the environmental warden for Argyll & Bute, tutor Paul Simpson and his construction skills students have been putting their skills to use with local groups. Their efforts have brightened up some of the gap areas in and around Rothesay.
“There have been a lot of people
who have put in an awful lot of hard work to do this for Rothesay and we’re delighted for everyone’s sake. Rothesay really is the Jewel of the Clyde.” said Ailsa Cunnigham.
Watergate project before work started
Watergate Completed!
Gallowgate Project
Gallowgate Project
COLLEGE HAIRDRESSERS BRING STYLE TO ANNUAL LECTURE Students from the SVQ Level 2 Hairdressing course at Argyll College Oban joined fellow students and partners of UHI to showcase some of their work at the recent Annual Lecture. Tutor, Elaine Smith, and six students used mannequin heads to demonstrate a range of techniques and styles the students have learned during their time on the course. The aim was to raise awareness of the new commercial salon that is open to the public in the college centre on Fridays from 11am to 6pm. Bookings can be made by phoning 01631 559500.
The UHI Annual Lecture, held at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), was delivered by Poul Degnbol on the theme of sustainable marine eco systems and attracted over two hundred guests from throughout the Highlands and Islands and beyond.
ARGYLL COLLEGE ROTHESAY LEARNING CENTRE BUTE MULTIMEDIA FILM PROJECT WINS GOOD PRACTICE IN ADULT LEARNING AWARD 2010. “The Bute Multimedia Film Project” delivered by a team staff from Rothesay Learning Centre and the Phoenix Centre in 2009, has been nominated for the Good Practice in Adult Learning Awards 2010, Innovative category. The good practice award is for achieving excellence in delivering/ improving local adult learning services, creating innovative or collaborative adult learning programmes to reach new learners and developing materials or programmes to support non-formal learning. The team were nominated as the result of a course delivered in the summer of 2009, made possible by funding from “The North Forum”.
Over four
weeks, tutors and staff actively encouraged learners to be creative whilst developing confidence and technical ability in the use of cameras, tripods and software applications. The learners were encouraged to interact with each other on a daily basis through team meetings and discussions. The outcome was a premiere of the ten-minute long film in the Discovery Centre, and with over one hundred people in attendance, the film was definitely a huge success. “This is a fantastic achievement for the tutors and staff involved with the project.” Said Linda McLaughlan, Learning Centre Manager and Project Manager, “the course has given the learners a real boost in confidence, and many people who watched the film were impressed by the standard of their work."
The team receive thier award from Grant Stott and Kelly-Anne Brooks. From left to right, Sam Tweedlie, Linda McLaughlan, Barbara Taylor, Nicola Jones, Peter Flowers.
iSLAY STUDENTS ROCK WITH RHINO Islay Boys Football Club recently held a charity gig featuring Woodedz with support from the Argyll College/CVS Rock Band project. The event was to raise money for the club. Woodedz boasts none other than John “Rhino” Edwards from Status Quo and his sons Freddie and Max as members. Woodedz asked for a local band to provide support for the gig, and after our own concert in August, Islay Boys Football Club invited the Argyll College/CVS Rock Band project to perform. Extra support from tutors Angela Dunbar and Archie McLachlan was given during their free time at no extra costs, with families willing to make sure students attended every session organised. What a commitment they showed! The main band came in for a chat with the young musicians before the performance offering words of encouragement.
“The best piece of advice I can give you, is to
constantly practice on your instruments” said John “Rhino” Edwards. “The main thing is to go out there tonight and enjoy yourselves”. The students were the first to perform and left the crowd wanting more, with covers of Highway to Hell by AC/DC, Zombie by the Cranberries, Call Me by Blondie and Bob Dylan’s Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door. Although nervous, the student bands enjoyed the experience and can’t wait to get back on stage. Course tutor Angela Dunbar also performed a last minute number.
Above: Students with Woodedz
Above: Performing at the concert in August
Woodedz performed throughout the rest of the evening, with local artists Shane MacKinnon accompanying them for a couple of numbers on his mouth organ and Lyndsay MacAffer playing her pipes alongside the two electric guitars. The end of the night was marked with a roof lifting “Rockin’ all over the World”. The joint music project with Argyll College and CVS has been a huge success. The organisers would like to thank all those who have donated their time and money to reviving youth music on Islay. If you would like to get involved with the music project contact Mairi MacCuaig on 01496 810 130
BUTE IS OUR BUSINESS UNVEILED The perseverance and resolve of nine students from Rothesay Learning Centre was recently unveiled in the form of a mosaic portraying the Isle of Bute. The art project is the result of a photography course run by Argyll College tutor, Sam Tweedlie. The course began in September with the students taking photographs of local businesses and shop fronts on the Isle of Bute. After capturing all the shop fronts from around the Island, the students shrunk each photograph in to small tiles and printed them off. The students then meticulously arranged each tile to form the shape of the Isle of Bute. “It was an extremely long process,” said Sam Tweedlie, “it took three months to do the photography and another three months to cut out, arrange and glue down each tile. “I’m very proud of everyone, the concentration needed to sit for a long period of time placing down each tile can be very taxing,” said Sam.
The unveiling took place at local shop “Brandish Bute” which specialises in displaying and selling produce from local businesses. Sara Goss Melvin, a Director of Bute Land Company which owns the shop, said “We are very pleased to display this piece of art.
The aim of Brandish
Bute is to promote local businesses and these guys cottoned on to what we are trying to achieve”.
Above: Students with the mosaic Top Right: Bute is our Business
Above: Tracey, Helen, Jacqueline & David with their certificates
Higher Psychology & ECDL Students Pass Four students at Rothesay Learning Centre have been the latest students to successfully complete courses in their chosen subject. Three students passed Higher Psychology and one student completed the ECDL, (European Computer Driving Licence). Enrolling on a beginners’ course in Psychology three years ago, Tracey More, Jacqueline Crossan and Helen Rodgers attended the Learning Centre for only two hours a week with tutor Dawn Collis. Linda McLaughlan, the Learning Centre Manager said, “I’m so proud of what they’ve achieved. It’s not been easy, especially trying to balance home life, work life and study life. When you think about how they have only had two hours a week to get here, it’s amazing”. Tracey More commented, “It’s shown I can be clever, and I can do it” while Helen said “I’ve learned that I can push myself further than I thought I could”. David McMurchie began his course two years ago and opted to study by distance learning, with support from a tutor based in Campbeltown. “ It’s been very interesting” said David, who recently turned 60, “you’re never too old to learn!”.
Graduation
Across Argyll students from Argyll College celebrated ceremonies were held at each local learning centre. T time courses, and “Stud
Argyll College would like to express thanks to all tutor staff are extremely proud of all students who compl students who attended the
Campbeltown Towards a Career in Childcare: Kimberly McNaughton, Zoe-Marie McFarlane, Nicola Wells, and Hayley Campbell.
SVQ 2 Childrens Care Learning & Development:
Samantha Durnin, Katie Umpherston, Natalie Smith, Samantha Townsley, and Debbie Macrea.
SVQ 3 Childrens Care Learning & Development: Nichola Kerr.
National Progression Award(NPA) in Cosmetology:
Daniel Brown, John Shaw, Jon McAllister, Daniel McSporran.
HNC Business: Moyra Paters
Zech Moore Memorial Award f Christopher McSporran Student of the Year: Nichola Arran
HNC Early Education and Ch
Limara Ferguson, Lynda Mills, Lorna Hasson, Jade Moore, Nicola Dott, Hannah McFarlane.
Lisa Boyd, Nancy Bremner, A Lorraine, Hewie, Debbie Jack Donna Murchie, Joanna McCal
NC Administration: Charlene Smyth, Kelly Smyth,
HNC Business: Jana Kaufman
Bonnie Adair, Christopher McSporran.
SVQ 2 Hairdressing: Stephanie Geddes,
Jamie Lee Martin, Jaide McMillan, Carly McIndeor.
SVQ 3 Hairdressing: Elizabeth Blackstock, Katie Robbie. NC Beauty Care and Make Up: Victoria Stackhouse, Diane McIntyre, Patrice McAllister, Lillibet Boyd, Ailsa Ritchie.
BA (Hons) Child and Youth S
Fionnphort Willow Course: Rosie Burges
Art: May MacCallum, Bob Law
Digital Photography: Rosie B
Access to Construction: Sean Brown, David Crawford,
Image Locations Top Left: Campbeltown Top Right: Lochgilphead Left: Campbeltown Right: Rothesay
2009-2010
d successful completion of their courses. Prize-giving The awards included students from part-time and fulldent of the Year” awards.
rs who contributed to each course. All learning centre leted full-time and part-time courses. A selection of ceremonies is given below:
nathon Mogie, Mathew
Lochgilphead SVQ L2 Children’s Care, Learning and Development:
son.
for Personal Achievement: Kerr, Katie Robbie
hildcare: Elizabeth Bell,
Alison Campbell, Ann Gray kson, Mairi Livingstone, llum Emma Popplewell
nn Robin Fisher
Studies: Sheila Gilmore
Christina Sinclair, Imogen Austin, Samantha Robertson, Victoria MacVicar, Ailsa Hatton, Kathleen Merrilees, Pamela Booth, , Suzanne Thomson, Emily Murray
SVQ L3 Hairdressing: Lauren Milloy, Megan
Bryson, Rosie Brown, Susie MacLennan, Ami Harris, Kirsty MacDougal, Rachel MacLean, Stephanie King
Student of the Year: Kirsty MacDougal, Kathleen Merrilees, Caragh Sinclair, Rebecca MacIndeor
Rothesay SVQ Level 2 Children’s Care, Learning & Development: Laura Mulholland, Laura-Jane Chrystie Access to Construction: Kevin Lench, Darren Hotchkiss,
ss, Linda Dawson
Christopher Taylor, Jordan Junner, Gregory Brooks
wson
Student of the Year Award: David McLaughlin,
Burgess, Bob Lawson
Sophie-Jayne McKellar, Elleyse McDonald
Graduation 20 Oban
Dunoon
General Catering Skills: Roxy Azner, Jamie Leach
HNC Construction Managem
NC Digital Media Computing Level 5:
SVQ 2 Children’s Care, Learn
Michaela Hunt, Matthew Shearer, Kenny MacCorquodale, Gerard Gallagher, Stephen Joh Michael Duncan, Peter Uren HNC Business: Grant Gilmour NC Administration Level 5: Andrea Hobson, SVQ 3 Children’s Care, Learn Oliver Hobson, Pawel Gostomski, Sarah Hannah, Rachel Beattie, Elspeth Campb Kimberley Gillies, Pamela MacNab, Mary Fulton, Michelle Ross, Yvonne Smith Szymon Mlynarczyk Vernon Swain-Nisbet, Andrew Duncan, Dean Campbell, Francis Owens, Niall Howie, Bartek Ban
Anna Cairney, Jade Campbell,
Towards A Career In Childca
SVQ 2 Hairdressing: Carron MacPhee
Baiba Brivkalne, Donna Gardn
Towards A Career In Childcare: Danielle Cardno,
Access to Construction: Elain
Emily Hobson, Kerry McInnes
SVQ 2 Children’s Care, Learning & Development:
Ashleigh Lyons, Louise Marshall, Veronica MacKenzie, Siobhan Hill
SVQ 3 Children’s Care, Learning & Development: Fay Haining, Audrey McCamley, Katherine Hunter, Julie MacGregor, Mairi Gillies, Jenna MacCuish, Janet Fergusson, Linzi Allward, Christina Georgeson
NC Early Education & Childcare:
Alison MacKie, Kayleigh MacDonald, Karen MacLeod, Emma Campbell, Kayleigh McGee, Zoe Johnstone, Sharon Smith
William Finlayson, Ged Preston
Certificates of Commendatio
Grant Gilmour, Yvonne Smith,
Islay
Certificate of Recognition for Kayleigh Farrell
Student of the Year: Catherin
Runner Up Student of the Ye
3rd Place Student of the Yea
HNC Early Education & Childcare: Lauren Lind, Iona Anderton, Ailsa MacLaughlin, Claire Gilpin, Karen Campbell, Rachel MacDonald, Seonaid Russell, Gillian MacIntyre,
Tiree
HNC Business: Karen Aspinall, Elaine Madej, Adam
Psychology Int 2: Louise Reid
Welsh, Summer MacDonald, Lewis MacDonald, Lewis Baker, Edie Elliot, Gregor Warnock, Joshua Mitchell, Finlay MacLean, Lova Stahl, Lliam Bateman, Caitlin MacPherson
Skills for Work, Rural Skills: Ewan Brown
Joanne MacKinnon
009-2010 cont.
ment: Stuart Cairney,
hnstone
r, Patricia McCann
ning And Development:
bell, Caroline Liddell,
ning And Development: Kimberley Ritchie
are: Nicole Anduuru,
ner
ne Bowe, n
on: Elaine Bowe,
, Patricia McCann
r Skills for Work Student:
ne Hughes
ear: Pamela McLellan
ar: Rebecca Woodrow
: Ruairidh Munn and
d, Alison Worsley,
Top: Dunoon Middle: Arran Bottom: Islay