2021 Round Up
Even though we were still navigating our way through some COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, our students nonetheless managed to achieve some amazing things throughout the year. Join us for a trip back down memory lane…
We were told to #StayAtHome
From Tuesday 5 January, mainland Scotland moved to a temporary lockdown.
We continued to communicate with our students as to how this temporary lockdown would impact on their studies. We balanced the current guidelines the best way we could, whilst being able to deliver for all of our students. We did everything we possibly could to support our students and help them succeed in their course, while protecting our communities. To enable this, the vast majority of learning and support activities continued to be delivered on-line until end of February. Staying strictly within the guidelines, we began to deliver very limited face-to-face teaching and support activities from 1 February.
We were part of a £3.7 million project to develop a sustainable aviation programme ✈️
Perth College UHI, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College UHI and Orkney College UHI researchers are supporting the new project to develop a sustainable aviation programme which could transform short flight travel between remote communities:
Part funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, the SATE (Sustainable Aviation Test Environment) project will create the UK’s first operationally based, low-carbon aviation test centre at HIAL’s Kirkwall Airport in the Orkney Islands.
Read more ➡️ http://bit.ly/38YAtSw
It was our Birthday as part of UHI! 🎂 🥳 💜 🎉
We celebrated 10 years of the #ThinkUHI partnership, and we also welcomed our new Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Todd Walker.
Professor Todd Walker joined the university from Australia, where he has worked in multi-campus, regional universities for over 20 years.
Read more about our partnership ➡️ bit.ly/UHI10
Our Creative and Digital Media Foundation Apprenticeship shared his experience of working at Culture Perth and Kinross
As part of his second-year work experience, Murray Cambers was on placement with Perth Museum and Art Gallery.
“My primary job is to explore the online collection to find items that the public might find interesting and write engaging text about them. It has been a very interesting experience exploring everything that Perth Museum and Art Gallery has in its inventory, especially finding out how diverse their collection is, from photos of Perth to different weapons.”
Read about his experience ➡️ https://bit.ly/3aI4Tti
We celebrated Engineers Week
Returning to study can be daunting, but it can also be an amazing opportunity to change direction or career. At Perth College UHI, students can start from entry-level programmes - where no previous qualifications are required - and work their way up. To celebrate #EngineersWeek, we had a chat with Alison Field - to find out why she decided to return to education, and to see what her progression plans are ➡️ http://bit.ly/2Nz6kBs
The Royal Literary Fund supported our sport students
Our BA (Hons) Outdoor Education and Learning students had the opportunity to bring their academic writing to life. They received training on the academic writing skills required to 'bridge the gap' between Further and Higher Education from Crieff author, and Royal Literary Fund Fellow, Helen Grant.
We were given a unique insight into top local and UK brands
Our ‘Food, Nutrition and Textiles Education’ students usually enjoy work placements as part of their course, but due to Covid restrictions, lecturers adapted their curriculum and introduced an exclusive virtual ‘Industry Insights Programme’.
Gemma McKenzie, Module Leader and Tutor, explained: “In order to continue to offer valuable industry knowledge, we looked at a virtual alternative to what should have been their industry placements. We’re really grateful to the industry professionals and their companies who were generous with their time and gave our students a priceless exposure and insight into their sector.
“The trainee teachers will soon be teaching the next generation - and workforce pipeline - of pupils who want to work in our much-needed food, drink, hospitality and textile sectors, which have been hard hit during the pandemic. The course is an interesting mix in terms of students – some are young, and some are career changers. They all learned a great deal and we’re very grateful to everyone involved for sharing their fascinating stories and expertise.”
Thank you to the companies who kindly took part ➡️
Top chefs showcased ‘fine dining’ expertise to students
The Gleneagles Hotel Executive Sous Chefs Richard Dalgleish and Ian Syme did a live Spring’ A La Carte demonstration.
The HND Hospitality Management and HND Professional Cookery students learned how to prepare and cook spring lamb to the highest standard and learned of the top chef’s experiences at the very top of the hospitality industry.
Richard and Ian explained: “It is our duty as senior chefs to share our knowledge and experience with young chefs. We take every opportunity to pass on our knowledge so that the next generation of great chefs has a solid base from which to work and expand and ultimately improve upon gastronomic traditions. As we invest our time with students, we also open doors for employment opportunities at Gleneagles by building relationships and trust. The future of Scottish hospitality is right in front of us, and we must nurture it, to achieve its fullest potential.”
We had visitors (for the first time) at the Horticulture Unit! 🦆
We ate lots of good food!
Our Professional Chef Level 5 students made these Hot Cross Buns for Easter. Don’t they look delicious!
Our HNC Fitness, Health and Exercise students had some great online guest speakers for their Health and Safety Management unit
Craig Reid - business owner and chief instructor for Fife Kickboxing and Self Defence Academy / FKSDA gave a very interesting talk about the health and safety roles and responsibilities within a sports setting. Craig also chatted about being responsible for his employees and club members, as a business owner, and how he adheres to regulations within his sport - pre-COVID, and now in COVID times.
Sebastian Rae - an instructor for Fife Kickboxing and Self Defence Academy, and business owner of Fadeout Fitness - provided another insightful discussion about his roles and responsibilities. He talked about how he is required to maintain the health and safety of different groups of clients - from adults to the four-year-old kickboxers - when working in the studio. Seb also helped the students understand the importance of, and the legal obligations of, conducting health and safety checks with clients when working online.
A new art display was created at Perth Museum
Our Contemporary Art Practice (CAP) HND students partnered up with Culture Perth and Kinross to create a new display at Perth Museum and Art Gallery.
CAPinet of Curiosities was created by the HND students using their experience of lockdown to influence their art.
The students worked online with Barbara Hamilton, Learning and Communities Officer at Culture Perth and Kinross, and were encouraged to produce art to share their personal stories and learn about exhibition preparation in a museum.
Staff and Students were recognised in OBI Awards
Representatives of the Highlands and Islands Students Association at Perth College UHI hosted their annual OBI Awards on Friday 28 May - bringing students and staff together online despite ongoing challenges due to COVID-19.
The HISA Perth team transitioned the celebration online to ensure the winning staff and students were given the recognition they deserved throughout the pandemic. An integral aspect of the Perth College UHI calendar, the OBI Awards acknowledge the Outstanding, Best, and Inspiring staff and students, who dedicate their time to making the college more diverse and inclusive for all.
Dr Margaret Cook, Perth College UHI Principal, added: “The past year hasn’t been easy for our staff and students, but the OBI Awards shine a light on the very best of college life. There were many outstanding testimonials describing the excellent work of our staff and students that contribute to the student experience in Perth, and we are so appreciative of those that have helped us to foster a supportive college community throughout the challenges of the pandemic. We congratulate all those who were awarded an OBI, recognising the best, most inspiring and outstanding people within Perth College UHI.”
See the full list of winners >>
Our HND Musical and Technical Theatre students put on a fabulous end of year production 🎤
📸 credit: David Lozowy
We said goodbye to the legend, Ian Gibb
Ian Gibb, our Sector Manager for Food Studies and Hospitality, retired after six decades with Perth College UHI. He worked with countless students over the years and worked with industry, including lots of 'great names' such as Tom Kitchin.
He supported the ambitions and successful careers of many individuals within hospitality and will be much missed. Full of great anecdotes over the years, he spoke to Rebecca from the Courier about his time at Perth College UHI.
Our ‘Student of the Year’ demonstrated exceptional commitment
A student with a determined approach to his studies was awarded the University of the Highlands and Islands Undergraduate Student of the Year Award 2020 for Perth College UHI. Dr Margaret Cook, Perth College UHI Principal, presented him with his award on 16 June 2021.
Michael Duthie, from Comrie, completed a BA Childhood Practice. He said: “I am delighted to win this accolade. My time in college was a good experience, where I have made friends for life and allowed me to build the confidence that I needed professionally and personally to help me speak to various people and organisations.
“I enjoyed myself from day one at the induction - where I met a lot of people who all had the same goals and objectives, and they were also all really friendly. The staff were amazing at supporting me during my journey at Perth College UHI.”
We’re going further for student carers
We were delighted that Perth College UHI was recognised for its work to support student carers and achieved the ‘Going Higher Award’ from Carers Trust Scotland.
Launched in 2019, the award makes it easier for Scotland’s 27 colleges to identify, support and report on student carers, and recognise good practice.
To achieve the Going Further Award, Perth College UHI demonstrated that:
Carers are being proactively identified from enrolment to completing their college course, and awareness is being raised throughout the college all year round.
Carers are being supported to give them a fair chance to be successful in their studies and maintain positive health and wellbeing.
Student carer progressions are showcased, and evaluation tools are used to celebrate achievements and make improvements so that appropriate support is delivered.
Staff and students were recognised in the 2021 HISA Awards
The student-led teaching awards give students the chance to thank staff and fellow students who have inspired and supported them. Run by the University and the Highlands and Islands Students' Association (HISA), awards were available for academic staff, support staff and students, with a student judging panel deciding the winners.
We welcomed prospective students on campus for our face-to-face Open Days
Last year, COVID-19 restrictions meant that only online information events could take place. However, in accordance with the latest Scottish Government COVID-19 guidelines, prospective students were allowed to come on campus in the summer and meet staff face-to-face.
Lorenz Cairns, Depute Principal of Perth College UHI, said: “Bringing back our popular Open Days gives prospective students and their families a wonderful opportunity to get a taster of what the next chapter of student life is like at Perth College UHI.”
Our #ThinkUHI Partnership was recognised in Guardian University Guide
Perth College UHI, as part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, was ranked first in Scotland (and third in the UK) for earth and marine sciences subjects in the Best UK universities for earth and marine sciences –Guardian University Guide. This includes marine science, environmental science and archaeology and environmental studies BSc (Hons) courses.
In hospitality, event management and tourism subjects, we ranked as second in Scotland and 20th in the UK for 23 courses, including our HND’s in Professional Cookery, Hospitality Management, Administration and Information Technology, as well as degree programmes including Hospitality Management, Events Management, and Outdoor Education and Learning.
In sports science, we ranked 5th in Scotland and 35th in the UK for courses including HND’s in Sports Therapy, as well as Fitness, Health and Exercise. This ranking also includes BScs in Sport and Fitness, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation and Sports Management.
Students get unique aviation opportunity with Brunei partnership
As part of the agreement, around 20 students will arrive in Perth from the southeast Asian country to study on the UK’s only course still offering graduates the opportunity to work in European airspace.
Lin Shen, Team Leader International at Perth College UHI, said: “His Majesty the Sultan’s Flight (HMSF) was formed in September 1979 as a royal aviation unit to handle all air transport for His Majesty and the Royal Family in Brunei. Now it’s a corporate entity with its own aircraft.
“The Ministry of Education sponsors the students chosen from Brunei to study the engineering course in Scotland and they are then expected to return to Brunei to work as EASA approved aircraft engineers after their graduation.
“The degree is now in its third year, and we have never had an overseas partnership of this scale for this course.
“We are delighted that our degree is receiving international recognition and that we will be playing our part in the recovery of the aviation industry.”
University computing team developed database for local animal charity
Computing experts from the University of the Highlands and Islands helped to develop a new database for an Aberdeenshire animal charity.
Dr Malcolm Clark, a researcher, lecturer and leader for the undergraduate computing and interactive media programmes from Moray College UHI, and Ewan Forsyth a computing graduate from Perth College UHI, gave up their time to help the New Arc wildlife and animal rescue centre in Ellon.
Ewan, who recently graduated with a first-class BSc (Hons) in Computing, believes the project gave him an opportunity to further develop his software development skills and enhance his CV. He said: "This is the second project I have worked on with Dr Clark and the experience was another great opportunity to work on a project for a really worthwhile cause. I have learnt much from the experience and look forward to my future career in the software industry or academia."
We celebrated our Crieff road campus
Did you know that Perth College UHI has been sited on the Crieff Road campus for 50 years, with the official opening in October 1971? The new building cost around £1.25 million and was formally opened by the Secretary of State for Scotland, Gordon Campbell.
Dr Margaret Cook, Perth College UHI Principal, said: “We’re immensely proud of serving our community, and over the last 50 years, from our Crieff Road site, we’ve grown from 24 lecturers teaching 700 students, to almost 300 lecturers teaching more than 9000 full and part-time students on and off campus. Students can choose from courses starting at access and national certificate level up to honours and postgraduate degrees.
“We have grown to be a leading College in the University of the Highlands and Islands and look forward to continuing to develop our campus and provision for our students - helping many more individuals transform their lives through learning, achieve their qualification and enjoy a great experience. Here’s to the next 50!”
We set the wheels in motion for our Community Wellness Garden Project 🧘🌲🌻
📷 Our Development and Alumni Relations Manager, Fiona Leslie is pictured where the community garden will be created
Each year over 800 students at Perth College UHI are recorded as having mental health issues – likely with many more going undetected. To address this issue and the wellbeing of all our students, staff, and the local residents, we would like to create a community wellness garden which we believe will enhance the existing sports facilities and provides space to relax, reflect and rejuvenate, subsequently improving health and care practices. We see the garden playing a pivotal role in the wellbeing of both the College and the wider community helping to improve the quality of life for users.
The project is developed by the Development Trust – which aims to support inspirational projects and create opportunities for Perth College UHI and the wider community. The Trust is made up of volunteers from the community who are passionate about education and who want to see a thriving institution in the local community.
Perth student won the first Engineering Memorial Award
Iliana Dimitrova (21) is originally from Bulgaria, now living and studying Aircraft Engineering at Perth, won the first ever Sidney Black Memorial Engineering Award.
The Award, which is open to students across the University of the Highlands and Islands partnership, is offered to a graduating female engineering student who has demonstrated a combination of academic achievement, personal attributes or a contribution to society or student life. It has been donated to the university by Lois Gray - Academic Lead Developer for Engineering at North Highland College UHI, in memory of her late father.
Talented music students receive Liam Colgan Fund award
The 2021 winners of the University of the Highlands and Islands Liam Colgan music student awards were Lisa Hope (27) from Edinburgh and Grant Irvine (25) from Perth.
Both Grant and Lisa studied at Perth College UHI and graduated this year with a first-class BA (Hons) Popular Music degree, and each received £500 towards a mentoring opportunity with a renowned songwriter and producer of their choice.
Speaking about why they were chosen, Dr Seán McLaughlin, BA (Hons) Popular Music programme leader, said: "Lisa and Grant produced exceptional work this year in very trying times. In supervising their final undergraduate projects, I was hugely impressed by their work ethic and the sheer volume of creative labour that went into their songs.
"It was equally commendable that these projects involved elements of national and international collaboration despite lockdowns and travel restrictions. I have no doubt that they will each continue to produce outstanding popular music long into the future, and I wish them every success in their creative practice."
We celebrated our 2021 graduates
Perth College UHI graduates were encouraged to celebrate their achievements with family and friends during an Online Graduation week. Many of the 2021 graduates shared their ‘at home’ celebrations.
“It felt amazing to receive my graduation certificate. That sense of accomplishment of one more stage on my career, the feeling that the two years of hard work, resilience and commitment paid off. I had such phenomenal first two years. I was afraid of returning to Higher Education full time, as a mature student, but I enjoyed it throughout. From the welcome of the whole Perth College UHI; the quality of the course; the commitment of the lecturers; the support staff; and the best HNC and HNC classmates I could ever ask for.” - Denny Pereira – HND Professional Cookery
"I had a fantastic day celebrating the end of four years studying part-time, while also carrying out my full-time job. It was worth it though to finally have that BA with Distinction in Childhood Practice degree certificate in my hands. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience studying with UHI and I can't thank all of the tutors enough for their support and encouragement.” - Evelyn Caldwell – BA Childhood Practice
We welcomed our 2019-20 and 2020-21 Graduates for a celebratory photo day
Our Gallery restaurant opened back up
Our students were thrilled to have their lunch and dinner services back in action! Our HNC Professional Cookery and HND Hospitality Management students executed a vibrant 70’s Revival Dinner, with fab classic dishes recreated! Customer feedback was great and there was a real buzz in the restaurant!
We had some athletic visitors
🏸 Our NQ Sports Studies students had Badminton Athletes from the Scottish National Team join in to help teach their Sports Mechanics class! 🤩 Adam Hall and Ciara Torrance, from the National Badminton Team, both played in the 2018 Commonwealth Games 🏸
We attended the Student Nursing Times Awards
Perth College UHI - alongside Dundee and Angus College, Fife College, NHS Tayside, NHS Fife, and the University of Dundee – was shortlisted for the Student Nursing Times Award for ‘Partnership of the Year’ with the proposal ‘Widening Access, Consolidating Care’.
Our Subject Leader for Health and Social Care, Jacqui Allison, represented Perth College UHI at the awards ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel in London. Although the partnership didn’t win, it was an excellent opportunity to showcase the work done by Jacqui and the Health and Social Care team to prepare students from Access to Nursing/HNC Healthcare Practice for their studies at university 👏
Andrew Fairlie Scholarship
The Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland announced two outstanding chefs as recipients of this year’s prestigious Andrew Fairlie Scholarship. The finalists had to prove their worth in a skills test, where they had to recreate a classic Andrew Fairlie dish, and showcase their knowledge, individuality, and creativity. The event took place at Perth College UHI, with the winner’s announcement taking place at Gleneagles
Ype van der Schaaf, Sector Manager of Hospitality and Food Studies at Perth College UHI said: “Hosting the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship final within our kitchens and facilities was a great opportunity to support HIT Scotland, and our students welcomed the chance to be involved. Many congratulations to the well-deserved winners, we enjoyed watching all of them work and create their fantastic dishes.”
We were on the TV!
The BBC News featured our pilot programme partnership with Perth Autism Support, to help autistic teenagers into further education by developing their skills in cyber security.
The team from STV filmed our Hospitality department on a piece focussing on upskilling people to work in the industry in what is a difficult time for those businesses.
Our Sport and Fitness students shared their knowledge
Our year 2 BA (Hons) Outdoor Education and Learning students provided paddle sport coaching to pupils from Bertha Park High School at Willowgate Activity Centre, as part of their Coaching and Psychology module. The pupils learned skills in kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle board, and enjoyed working closely with our under-grad students 😁🚣
We welcomed Minister to campus
Jamie Hepburn, Minister for HE, FE, Youth Employment and Training, visited Perth College UHI to speak to our students. He was particularly interested in our work on the learner journey and on the work experiences available to our students as part of their course.
He met our Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Margaret Cook; our Food, Nutrition, Textiles and Education students; as well as our Built Environment department, where he tried his hand at virtual welding.
Our Christmas Market was back for 2021!
Our Hospitality, Food and Textiles department had an amazing selection of festive treats on sale in their Christmas shop 😍
➡️ There was jams, chutneys, chocolate truffles, traybakes, Christmas cakes, handmade textile goods, and much more!
Thank you to everyone that support the students, it was a great success!
What Is?
Our second year HND Contemporary Art Practice students held their first in person exhibition of their studies in the Webster building.
Answering one of the following questions: What is Self? What is Environment? or What is Abstraction? - the students responded visually in a wide variety of mediums, including, painting, collage, video, sculpture, and installation. As well as creating all works for the exhibition, the students organised the exhibition themselves and learned valuable skills including organising, curating, and marketing an exhibition.
Art and Contemporary Practices programme leader, Simon Reekie, commented: “It is inspiring to watch these talented students develop their artistic practice and collaborate in the organisation and hosting of this exhibition. If this is anything to go by, Perth College UHI and the City of Perth has an exciting artistic future ahead”
The Perth College UHI nursery received a glowing report from the Care Inspectorate
Deborah Lally, Head of Student Experience said: “We are delighted our hard work to give our children the best nursery experience has been recognised by the Care Inspectorate. We include our children and their parents with any new initiatives or improvements to ensure we are continuously improving our facilities and activities. Our staff play a vital part in helping our children grow, learn and play while in our care and we are pleased our high standards are reflected in the report.”
Parent comments included:
"I can genuinely say this is the best nursery I have seen over the years. The staff are incredible with my two children. They are cared for, and the nursery is clean, safe, informative, great relationships with parents, and they give the children a nurtured, safe and fun environment."
"My child loves attending the nursery, all staff are lovely and really nice to chat to I get regular updates when I pick him up and are very welcoming when dropping off in the morning, I'm really happy to know that when I'm dropping (child) off they're happy and settled."
Lights, camera, action!
Our Level 6 NQ Hairdressing students created fantastic looks as part of their course assessments - complete with hair, makeup, and outfits 💄💇♀️
What a fantastic way to end the academic term! 🍁🍂
