Gibson visits new Nordic centre premises

News release
Immediate release
24/08/09

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP has talked the importance of preserving and understanding the indigenous cultures of the Highlands and Islands after visiting the new UHI Millennium Institute Nordic Studies Centre in Kirkwall.

The Centre focuses on the Norse' Scots and Gaelic cultures of the Highlands and Islands as well as including Highlands and Islands literature studies having moved to larger offices in the town.

Mr Gibson, who was the first MSP to visit the new premises at Kiln Corner in Kirkwall said….

"The Centre carries out great work in the culture of Orkney and the wider Highlands and Islands. I am impressed by the knowledge and dedication of the staff. The expansion and new premises will undoubtedly let the centre go from strength to strength whilst developing understanding of Orkney and surrounding parts. The ethos of long distance learning will allow other from outwith Orkney access to these fantastic courses."

"The Highlands and Islands are a unique place with a varied histories and influences. It's cultures are ancient and rich so to give people an idea of the place they come from or live in is of great importance. I am sure that the centre will go from strength to strength."

Mr Gibson lodged a motion welcoming the expansion of the Nordic Studies Centre and the North Atlantic Fisheries College at Scalloway.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

Photo of Rob Gibson MSP And Director of Nordic Studies Dr Donna Heddle.

Copy of Motion lodged in Scottish Parliament:
*S3M-4721 Rob Gibson: Nordic Studies Centre Expands—That the Parliament commends the UHI Millennium Institute’s Centre for Nordic Studies in Kirkwall for its expansion to new premises on Kiln Corner and in Scalloway in the North Atlantic Fisheries College; notes its vital role in promoting and preserving all the indigenous cultures of the Highlands and Islands by including Norse, Scots and Gaelic elements in its courses which include the literature of Orkney and more widely the literature of the Highlands and Islands, and welcomes the distance learning ethos of the UHI Millennium Institute that contributes to the international reach of this dynamic centre of learning