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Today (2 February) is a historic day for Perth College UHI as UHI Millennium Institute becomes the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
Following confirmation from the Privy Council, the achievement of university title means Perth and Kinross now has its own university. UHI comprises Perth College UHI, one of the largest partners in the network and twelve other colleges, specialist institutions and research centres spread across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
The existence of a university within Perth will make it easy to access university education throughout the area, act as a major driver for economic growth and retain locally highly skilled and qualified individuals.
Principal and Chief Executive of Perth College UHI, Dr Thomas Moore, said of the achievement: “This announcement of title for the University of the Highlands and Islands is the realisation of a long-time ambition for the region. This momentous achievement is due to the hard work of our staff and students amongst others, without whom all of this would not have been possible.
“Our success in achieving university title will support economic development and help sustain our rural areas, as the partnership will deliver a continuum of learning from vocational education to PhD.
“We will remain at the heart of the Perthshire community working closely with our local schools and community to provide vocational education and training.”
Penny Brodie, Perth College UHI Chair of the Board of Management added: “We have been waiting a long time for this and yet it has come sooner than expected. This is a very exciting and momentous occasion. As part of UHI, we have created a new and innovative model of education for teaching and research.”
Perth College UHI Students’ President, Harry Clapham, said: “This is a landmark day for our community, including young people, who no longer have to leave Perthshire if they want a university education. It is the most fantastic news that we now have full university status.”
Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, said “Today marks a fantastic achievement not only for all staff, students, and supporters but also for the Highlands and Islands. However, university title does not mark the end of the road for UHI. Rather it heralds the start of a process which will see this innovative model for delivering higher education developing further. I look forward to seeing all stakeholders working with the new university and playing their fullest part in taking UHI to the next level, so that it may serve the people and the economy of the Highlands and Islands.”
The Provost of Perth and Kinross, Dr John Hulbert commented: “I would like to congratulate all those who have worked hard for this success which is great news for Perth. It comes at just the right time and is an important achievement to support our application for City status at the end of May.”
Perth College was founded 50 years ago in 1961 to serve its local community and as Perth College UHI it now provides further education and higher education to a wide community including internationally. The main campus is situated in the city of Perth and has a network of learning centres in Perth city centre, Blairgowrie, Crieff and Kinross. Specialist subjects include Aeronautical Engineering and Music and Sound Production and research in Mountain Studies, Interpretation and Rural Childhood Issues.