Gibson welcomes UHI Announcement

News release 01/02/11


Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed the announcement that the University of the Highlands and Islands has been given official University status.


A long proponent of such an institution Mr Gibson said...


"The idea of the a University for the Highlands and Islands has been in the offing for at least 80 years. But the impetus came in the past few decades when the SNP put the idea in the Regional council manifesto for Highland Council in 1986. It was agreed to set up a Council committee and a deal was struck with the HIDB to match fund the £100,000 put up by Highland
Regional Council."


"This announcement will revolutionise the Highlands and Islands, and will herald the start of a new era. I have visited many of the outstanding achievements of the UHI so far, such as

the Environmental Research Institute in Thurso, the Centre for Remote and Rural Studies, the Fisheries College in Shetland, Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Lewis Castle College and the North Highland college Dornoch campus and hotel school. This announcement means that there will be exciting new academic developments to underpin the health, wealth ,culture and happiness of the whole Highlands and Islands."

ENDS