2024 Round Up
As 2024 draws to a close, we took a look back down memory lane to celebrate and reminisce on the amazing things that took place 👇👏
We started the year with some cross-college collaboration
‘Chieftain Clive’ Lamb held a masterclass in all things haggis for a group of international students studying here at UHI Perth. The student group was truly international - coming from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Japan.
Supported and assisted by our Professional Cookery students, they prepared different haggis dishes which they all enjoyed for their lunch. It was a brilliant day of collaboration, fusion of cultures, and learning!
We congratulated our colleague, Ype!
Hospitality and Food Studies Sector Manager, Ype Van Der Schaaf, was invited onto the Board of Management for The Federation of Chefs Scotland as College Membership Coordinator.
This was an exciting opportunity for Ype and UHI Perth. A key part of his role was to build on existing college networks, encourage new partnerships and increase both college and student membership.
This, along with Ype’s membership in the Master Chefs of Great Britain, provides a brilliant platform to connect with industry professionals and other colleges.
We held a celebration event for our HNC Healthcare Practice NHS Tayside students
The students heard from NHS representatives and also shared their own personal experiences. This group of fantastic students were recruited into Band 4 Assistant Practitioner posts within NHS Tayside, as a result of completing their HNC!
Our students collaborated with the BBC!
Our BSc. Audio Engineering students hosted a ‘BBC Music Introducing’ recording session for BBC Radio Scotland with local Dundee band School of Paris. This was the latest session in a new partnership that will bring the best young talent to collaborate with UHI Perth students.
Programme Lead, David Paterson, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience the pressure and excitement of recording for a radio audience and we hope that our students can use these initial recordings with bands to form long-term career partnerships. The plan is to do at least one session each year to offer the chance to our students to get involved.”
BBC Music Introducing Producer, Lindsay Gillies, added: “Working with UHI Perth is a perfect opportunity for us at the BBC to share our production knowledge with the students and help them experience everything required to record a professional session - from its beginnings through to broadcast - on national radio.”
Our Musical Theatre students unveiled their Spring Season 🎭
Running from February-May, the four shows featured Musical and Technical Theatre and Theatre Industry Practice students.
Victoria-Lee Rice, UHI Perth Course Leader and Director/Musical Director, explained: “The first production is ‘Into the Woods’ which is certainly a challenging production – it first premiered on Broadway in 1987, winning three Tony Awards including ‘Best Score’ and ‘Best Book’. It has since been produced throughout the world and was adapted into a major motion picture in 2014.
“I’m delighted to be working on this wonderful production with such a talented bunch of Musical and Technical Theatre students collaborating across the performing and production roles. They have been working extremely hard on all aspects– the cast, set and prop design, construction, lighting and sound design, as well as stage management.”
The students also put on performances of ‘Fame’, ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ and ‘Pippin’ throughout 2024.
Our Hospitality and Food Studies students enjoyed a visit from celebrity chef Tony Singh MBE
Invited by Chef Lecturer Tim Dover, a celebrated local restauranteur in his own right, Tony spoke about his Sikh upbringing and how using a communal kitchen, being surrounded by good food and making people feel welcome inspired him to dream of having his own restaurant.
We signed up to the Scottish LGBTI+ Rainbow Mark
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and eight partners signed up to The Scottish LGBTI+ Rainbow Mark during LGBT History Month to support inclusive social spaces across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire.
The Scottish LGBTI+ Rainbow Mark (The Rainbow Mark) was developed with LGBTI+ people and aims to:
Increase positive LGBTI+ visibility
Provide information and tools to enable better LGBTI+ inclusion
Reduce isolation and minority stress for LGBTI+ people
Create more welcoming places in Scotland
The signing was a commitment to ensuring UHI campuses and learning centres are inclusive spaces for LGBTI+ students, staff and the wider community and shows a powerful signal of support for The Rainbow Mark’s principles.
We took part in Love Scotland’s Colleges 💙
To celebrate the outstanding innovation, hard work and best practice that takes place across the sector every day, our collaborative #LoveScotlandsColleges campaign with CDN Marketing and Communications Network launched on Monday 12 February 2024.
The week-long digital campaign highlighted the importance and strength of Scotland’s colleges, promoting examples, both national and local, of how colleges support students, the economy, businesses, communities and staff.
The campaign encouraged all college staff, businesses, local communities and stakeholders to get involved with the campaign on social media by using #LoveScotlandsColleges.
This year’s campaign achieved over 3 million impressions over the five-day period!
We opened our doors for Big College Open Week
Organised by the College Development Network (CDN) Marketing and Communications Network, the purpose of the week is to demonstrate all that colleges offer – including the wide range of learning pathways and options open to students.
Visitors enjoyed a series of talks on the student experience offered at UHI Perth.
Marie Hendry, Chief Executive, CDN, said: “We are really excited for this year’s Big College Open Week. It’s all part of the Choose College campaign and aims to highlight the incredible opportunities colleges offer. The week will showcase the support and expertise that has helped countless pupils, school leavers, career changers, career developers, employers, graduates and apprentices to take the next steps in their journey.
“We want to get the message out to parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, mature students and school pupils that college is so much more than a course – it offers pathways, experiences and qualifications that lead to real careers and future success.”
Our Body and Paint Automotive students enhanced the Big Project initiative 🚗
Aimed at supporting UHI Perth students through the impact of the current economic crisis, the project funds a range of food, toiletries and other essentials freely available for students to help themselves.
The goods originally sat on a table and are now displayed on a mini model car nicknamed the 'Project Caddy', created by the Body and Paint Automotive students.
Motor Vehicle Lecturer, Ricky Neil, explained: “The students demonstrated how cars are constructed using sheet steel, forming box sections with the metal, using differing welding techniques and mechanical fasteners. They also chose the colourway and carried out the paint preparation. Upon completion, we thought repurposing it as a display vehicle for The Big Project would be an ideal way to showcase the student’s work to a wider audience, it looks great!”
Sam Monie, Student Engagement Coordinator added: “This is the second year we’ve been able to help alleviate cost of living pressure for our students by offering access to food and toiletries in Brahan and Goodlyburn reception pick up points. The Motor Vehicle Project Caddy in the Brahan building is a brilliant and fun way to display it, many thanks to the Motor Vehicle students and staff for donating it to this worthwhile cause.”
UHI claimed two prestigious accolades at this year’s Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards🥇
This is the third year in a row UHI projects have been recognised at the awards which celebrate innovative people and partnerships in the world of business-academia collaborations
A partnership to support the management and restoration of the largest blanket bog in the world, and a testing programme for low carbon aircraft operations were amongst seven winning projects at the awards, which recognise the achievements in research and development between organisations, colleges and universities. The Flow Country Partnership, working with the Environmental Research Institute, part of UHI North, West and Hebrides, took home the ‘Making An Environmental Difference’ award.
Find out more about the awards >>
Jamie Mayes and Emma Howie were UHI’s latest recipients of a John Preston Music Award
The awards support emerging talent within the music industry, and each receive £500.
The John Preston Music Awards are donated by the Liam Colgan Music Fund (LCMF) on behalf of John Preston’s widow, Roz, who established a memorial fund in his memory. Roz said:“Throughout his distinguished career in the UK music industry, John was committed to finding and supporting emerging talent, both on the business and creative side of the music industry. He would be honoured that these two awards for music students and graduates at UHI have been established in his name. I’m delighted that they will enable music students to further their studies and move forward in their chosen careers in the music business.”
Find out more about this year’s winners >>
We showcased some of our apprentices for Scottish Apprenticeship Week 📹
Erica Lo Presti was shortlisted as a finalist in the 'Outstanding Contribution from a University Student' category at the Herald Higher Education Awards
Aircraft Engineering student, Erica, said: "I am truly grateful and honoured to be shortlisted for the Herald Higher Education Awards. It would not have been possible without the support of my lecturers and UHI staff, and I am thrilled to represent my institution in this category."
The Herald Higher Education awards celebrate the extraordinary things that are going on in universities and colleges across Scotland. They highlight innovation in teaching and explore how colleges and universities market themselves, support students, and engage with employers, as well as recognising those amazing students who make a significant contribution to student life as well as academia.
‘Student success’ was praised in an inspection visit
Education Scotland inspectors commended UHI Perth for the high level of success students achieve in completing their programmes. The college has seen this ‘course completion’ measure consistently above the Scottish sector over the last five years.
The Education Scotland Annual Engagement Visit included recognition for ‘The Big Project’, which involves UHI Perth staff and HISA Perth - the Highland and Islands Students Association working closely with local businesses to donate and provide cost-of-living support by distributing food and toiletries to all learners who require it.
Principal, Dr Margaret Cook, said: “We are delighted with the positive outcomes reflected in the Annual Engagement Visit report. This highlights the dedication of our staff to ensuring our students are not only successful but receive an excellent supportive experience during their studies with us. It is also very reassuring to know that we are ahead of the sector for FE achievement for the last five years, and during a time that has been particularly difficult for the sector and its learners.”
Our Popular Music students took part in the Perth Festival of the Arts 🎤
1️⃣ BA (Hons) Popular Music student, Ailsa Black performed at the ‘Artists of the Year presented by The Cross Trust’.
2️⃣ UHI Popular Music Degree Showcase – People had the opportunity to enjoy free music on Perth High Street starring the best up and coming signer songwriters in Scotland. Curated by UHI, the showcase featured talented students and graduates from our BA (Hons) Popular Music degree – the only course of its kind in the country.
3️⃣ Scotland Trending – Live Music at the Twa Tams. This showcase featured the best emerging artists in Scotland and saw our Popular Music alumni, @erinponsonbymusic and current Year 3 Popular Music student, @fifidiny perform.
Aircraft Engineering lecturer, Robert Kay, achieved 25 Years' Service ✈️
Robert gained his Mechanical Engineering degree from Glasgow University and then went on to gain a postgraduate secondary teacher’s qualification.
Robert wanted a bit of adventure so instead of teaching in this country, he went to teach in Zimbabwe for a number of years and then on to Yemen for a few more years. Ideal places for a motorcycle enthusiast, driving on dirt roads while dodging the wild animals! 🏍️
He came back to this country when it was time to settle down after he got married.
25 years ago, Robert came to ‘Perth College of FE’ to interview for the position of an engineering lecturer mainly to teach workshop classes. He didn’t have the workshop experience, so he didn’t get the job…it went to a colleague - Nicky Inglis!
Robert made such an impression at the interview that Bob Smith and Stewart Duncan put their heads together to ensure he didn’t get away. The following day Robert was offered a part-time lecturer’s job working two days a week at the college and became a full-time lecturer by the start of the following session.
Read more about Robert’s amazing time at UHI Perth >>
Debbie supported her fellow classmates during exams 🍌🍇🍎
HNC Accounting student, Debbie Matthews, arranged for a fruit donation to help her fellow students succeed in passing their exams.
She explained: "Part of our 'research skills class' was to undertake a project on something we cared about. I thought about it a lot and decided exam time is something that affects me and the whole student body, it's a stressful time for everyone. I did some research about what we eat and how it would affect our ability to do well and concentrate in exams. Healthy food and water both hydrates you and helps students concentrate - which in turn helps students achieve better results.
"I decided that this was so important that I would not only do it as a written project but actually try and make it happen! Over a weekend, I wrote personal letters to all the supermarkets in Perth to ask if they would be kind enough to donate some fruit for the upcoming exams. I personally delivered the letters by hand. Tesco Perth kindly offered to deliver fruit on exam days. I hope all students appreciate it as much as I do!"
Charlene White, Tesco Shift Leader/ Community Champion added: "Debbie reached out to see if we could support with the study to see if eating fruit before/during an exam helps with overall performance. Tesco strives to promote healthy eating as well as supporting the local community, so this felt right to support."
A local plumber helped to support our students 💗
Chas Stewart Plumbing and Heating Engineers donated money to support ‘The Big Project’ at UHI Perth, which helps students access essential goods
The project funds a range of food, toiletries and other essentials freely available to students, to help them cope with the cost-of-living pressures.
Chas Stewart explained: “I hope our donation adds value to this fantastic project which helps students in their studies. Many of my apprentices attend UHI Perth and I’m more than happy to support.”
We launched a new course designed to progress students into an exciting career in outdoor adventure sports
The NQ Coaching and Leading Adventure Sports is ideal for those with an enthusiastic interest in coaching and leading adventure sports and outdoor activities. Students have the opportunity to participate in a range of land and water-based activities such as canoeing, paddle-boarding and kayaking (in white water and surf), rock climbing and hill walking with overnight expeditions as well as a residential field trip experience.
Chris Heaney, lecturer, explained: “UHI Perth is ideally located in close proximity to excellent rivers, lochs, coasts, hills, and crags - meaning our students get the opportunity to learn the personal skills and develop their leadership and coaching abilities with minimal travel time, maximising the practical learning time and fun. We have close links to the outdoor sector, including providers and national governing bodies and many students successfully gain employment during the summer which they are able to continue part-time when returning to study the next level of course.
“We endeavour to model what we teach. We see students as individuals with their own strengths and areas for growth and our job is to support their journey.”
Kieran Thompson, lecturer, added: “Having worked in outdoor education for over 20 years, I’m thrilled to now be able to share my knowledge and experience with students keen to work in the outdoors. With a focus on paddle sports, climbing, and hillwalking - we’re creating a pathway for students keen for a career in this fantastic sector.
“This new Level 6 NQ Coaching and Leading Adventure Sports was designed both to build on the skills and qualifications gained by students on the Level 5 NQ Outdoor Activities and Leadership, and to offer an entry point for those students who already have a selection of National 5 qualifications, as well as more mature students looking for a career change and a way into the outdoor industry.”
Legendary Chef hosted a spectacular Gala Dinner
Steven Doherty, the first three-starred Michelin Chef, hosted a Celebration Gala Dinner alongside Hospitality and Food Studies students in the UHI Perth Treetops restaurant
He led the dinner to celebrate the student’s final dinner and the re-launch of the Scottish Highland Chef competition, started by Albert Roux and now supported by the Master Chefs of Great Britain.
The first Briton in history to run a three-starred Michelin restaurant working as the Head Chef at Le Gavroche for Albert Roux, Steven was in charge for four years, maintaining incredibly high standards and cementing his status as a legendary chef.
He explained: “I enjoy it, as I'm pretty much retired these days, and I just want to help young people as much as I possibly can. It’s important for me to give something back to the young students and colleges. The students will get an enormous amount of satisfaction from what we’ve done today, and a different learning curve, because what we've done, we're producing food, which is retro, old school if you like, classic food. There are dishes there which you probably might not have seen before, but I think they're still relevant to what they're learning at college.”
Sophia Drummond-Herdman, Professional Cookery Student, said: “We've been learning from Steven Doherty, who was the head chef at Le Gavroche, which is a really cool restaurant in London. He's been in the industry for so long, so it's been great to get hands-on experience with someone who knows the industry inside and out. My mum knew of him because she had eaten there before, and she was telling me all about the insane food that they’d had. I was really excited to cook something that was a traditional menu but was so elegant and incredibly presented.”
Josh Cooper, Professional Cookery Student, added: “I've not done a lot of French cookery, I’m more familiar with British-type cooking and ingredients. Therefore, as it’s not my usual expertise, it was interesting to learn a little bit more from what Steven has taught me.”
It was a whirlwind of creativity and accomplishment at the opening night of the Graduate Showcase! ✨
Featuring the inspiring works of our graduating students from BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Practices and BA (Hons) Visual Communication and Design, every piece reflected dedication and passion.
The energy and relief were palpable as we celebrated the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and creative exploration. Everyone who contributed, attended, and shared in this unforgettable evening, and made it truly special. Here’s to the bright futures ahead for our talented graduates!
The OBI Awards honoured stand-out students and staff
Led by HISA Perth - the Highland and Islands Students Association - staff and students put forward nominations in various categories celebrating teaching staff, non-teaching staff, Personal Academic Tutors, Student Voice Representatives and Sports Clubs and Societies.
Fiona Smith, 23/24 HISA Perth President, welcomed the nominated staff and students to the ceremony. She said: “There is so much talent in this room, and everyone longlisted has played an important role in supporting successful HISA events, various student initiatives and numerous clubs and societies over the year.”
Read more about the winners >>
We celebrated dedicated students in a Prizegiving Ceremony
Held in the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing (ASW) on the Crieff Road campus, the event honoured students who demonstrated commitment, hard work and determination in their academic and personal lives.
Alongside their families, employers, lecturers and guests, the students enjoyed speeches, before being invited on stage and presented with their awards, trophies and certificates to recognise their exceptional achievements.
Read more about the winners >>
Local artists marked the Covid pandemic
The five artists leading on Phase 2 of the Remembering Together national project worked within their local communities to ‘co-create’ Covid community memorials across Scotland, marking the lasting impact of the pandemic.
Yunior Aguiar Perdomo, UHI Perth project lead explained: “We are working across our local Perth and Kinross communities to collaboratively create ‘Remembering Together’ memorials, reflecting on our experiences of Covid. We wish to honour the people we have lost, the losses and changes in our lives, while preserving the best of what we have learned and created together during the pandemic.
“It's a privilege to support the artists commissioned for this project, as they help us weave the threads of resilience and hope into the fabric of our local communities.”
Christiana Margiotti, Sector Development Director added: “UHI Perth wished to lead this project because we believe that as an institution, we have a central role to play in the social and cultural capital of our region. In partnership with Perth & Kinross Council, local communities have been enabled to find healing, and in the celebration of lives lost through Covid, to find strength to move forward together."
Creative practitioner Helen McCrorie focused upon a recording session within Strathearn’s Tpot Studios, starring pupils from Crieff High School. She said: “During the pandemic I worked on a virtual choir project sending messages of support to care homes in Strathearn. The videos were much appreciated by care home residents and staff and were also shared widely by the Strathearn community.
“Expanding on this, I’m bringing local people together in a cross-generational filmmaking project, weaving sound and song with local footage, to reflect on and celebrate features of the Strathearn community. Having lived in Strathearn for over 10 years, I am in awe of the great local work achieved by community groups and volunteers.”
Remembering Together was a nationwide project funded by the Scottish Government and managed by greenspace Scotland following the pandemic. Within Perth and Kinross, it is being project managed by UHI Perth’s Creative and Cultural Industries department, and is based upon the theme of ‘reimagining the cairn’ as a symbol of collective commemoration.
We welcomed Chinese delegations to Perth
UHI Perth Senior Leadership Team and Vicki Nairn, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor, welcomed two delegate groups from China to strengthen international partnerships.
Longstanding partner Hunan Institute of Engineering (HIE) from Xiangtan, Hunan province, China, viewed the campus facilities and met staff discussed ways to add value to students within the partnership.
First-time visitors and new partner, Shandong University of Aeronautics (SDUA) from Binzhou, Shandong province, China discussed the developing partnership. Vicki attended the meeting and signed an agreement along with Weinian Li, president of Shandong University of Aeronautics.
Two UHI Perth Musical Theatre students were accepted into a prestigious drama school in Glasgow!
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) only accept limited numbers of applicants per year for their Musical Theatre degree course.
Student Kasper Bennett said: “I was finishing my HND in Musical Theatre and decided that I wanted to continue my studies and go on to drama school. So, I auditioned for the RCS, going through two rounds. The first audition was via video, and then in-person, before being accepted and I'm excited to start!
“I think my UHI Perth course really set me up to get there, it's helped me build my confidence so much and figure out who I am as a performer - which I think is important in a place like the Conservatoire.”
Student Thomas Wyatt added: “Now that I've come to the end of my HND, I got a place at RCS in Glasgow, which is great just because I never thought I would get into any Musical Theatre degree course.
“I think my two years here have helped my confidence, it's helped with just growing as a person and maintaining the skills I had and helping them grow to the place where now I feel like I am comfortable to move on and pursue this as a career.”
Christiana Margiotti, Sector Development Director said: “We’re thrilled Kasper and Thomas have got into the RCS, this is testament to their hard work, dedication and talent. We’re delighted to have been part of their learning journey and wish them all the best in their future career.”
An ‘Advance HE Innovative Practice Grant’ was secured by the UHI Perth Sport and Fitness Team
Dr. Daniel Biggs led the project, with 4th year BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation students, Emma Jackson and Iain Cooper as integral members of the project. This exciting project will support further innovation within our Sports Therapy programme and enhance our learners’ experience.
Tashi and Nabin pedalled to progress 🚴♂️
HND Hospitality Management students, Tashi and Nabin, set off on a 147-mile cycle from the UHI Perth entrance for their ‘Pedal 2 Progress’ campaign!
The students launched the campaign to raise funds for their Year three studies and cycled from Perth to Ben Nevis over seven days! The route was chosen as they love the Scottish countryside, and it seemed fitting for them to finish at the highest point in Scotland. They wild camped each evening and handed out flyers enroute to raise awareness of their initiative and of UHI Perth. On their final day, they scaled Ben Nevis to symbolise their dedication to reach the pinnacle of their academic journey.
Lauren did us proud in Nestle Toque D’Or 👩🍳
HNC Professional Cookery student, Lauren Laird, travelled to London for the finals of the Nestle Toque D’Or competition. She attended a prestigious lunch with the other finalists and was thrilled to be part of such an amazing event. Lauren had an incredible journey in this competition and the experience was phenomenal from start to finish. She made firm friendships with the other finalists and had endless networking opportunities, not to mention the learning from the week she spent in London back in the final’s week.
Lauren made it to the final six back of house students in the UK and everyone at UHI Perth was immensely proud of her achievements!
Our Popular Music Graduate, Jake Rodger, joined Green Day on stage in Glasgow 😱
Jake, who plays in the band @conflicthopeband brought a sign to the show that read "I can play Dilemma on guitar" and was called up on stage to perform.
The UHI partnership received outstanding results in 2024 National Student Survey
UHI surpassed both its benchmarks and the Scottish sector average, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality education and support to its students.
Achieving an overall satisfaction rate of 81.2%, which is above the benchmark of 80.7% in 2023 and this year’s Scottish sector average of 78.1%, this places UHI 6th in Scotland for overall satisfaction.
Staff and students were honoured in 2024 HISA Awards
This year's awards highlighted another incredible year of partnership between HISA and UHI. The student-led awards celebrate staff and students who have gone above and beyond in their roles, providing inspiration and support to the UHI community. This initiative allows students to express their gratitude to those who have significantly impacted their educational journey.
A total of 656 nominations were received, recognising individuals for their excellence in learning, feedback, support, and inspirational roles.
UHI postgraduate experience was rated best in Scotland for third year in a row
In the national 2024 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES), UHI has achieved the highest overall satisfaction rate of any Scottish institution and has been ranked 15th in the UK, out of 107 participating institutions.
Coordinated by Advance HE, the PTES invites students to have their say on taught postgraduate university programmes. Students are asked about areas including teaching, assessment and support, and respondents also rated UHI the best in Scotland for teaching and assessment.
We showed our support for Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations
Hospitality staff and kitchens at UHI Perth were called into action to help the creation of specialist dishes for Scotland's Ukraine Independence Day celebrations on Saturday 24 August.
Ukrainians from across the nation were invited to a range of activities showcasing Ukrainian and Scottish culture, including a parade through the city centre and music and dance on the North Inch.
Strathallan Councillor Steven Carr, who was awarded an MBE for his work with the charity Dnipro kids, worked with members of the Ukrainian community across Scotland to organise the 2024 celebrations. He said: “I'm very pleased to see UHI Perth involved in the Ukrainian Independence Day event. There are many displaced Ukrainians who are continuing their education, and improving their English here, and we are grateful for the support. In particular, allowing our Ukrainian community the opportunity to utilise the amazing kitchen facilities to provide a range of delicious dishes for the event is very much appreciated."
UHI Perth staff shared their career journeys and showed that there is #NoWrongPath
#NoWrongPath is a social media movement led by Developing the Young Workforce which provides inspiration and reassurance to young people receiving their exam results. The campaign aims to highlight the different options that are available to young people and show them that exam results are not necessarily the key to unlocking future success.
We launched our first Transnational Education Partnership with AITM in Nepal
For the first time, students in Nepal will be able to pursue a University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) degree through a new partnership with AITM (Asian Institute of Technology and Management). This transnational education (TNE) franchise partnership will offer students access to UHI's qualifications without leaving their home country.
'UHI AITM' marks UHI’s first venture into establishing a franchise partnership, with the BA (Hons) Hospitality Management programme chosen as the flagship course. With the hospitality industry booming in Nepal, this programme will provide students with the skills and qualifications needed to excel in this dynamic sector. The partnership aims to offer both undergraduate and postgraduate UHI degrees at AITM, with Nepalese academics leading the teaching, supported by UHI colleagues to ensure the delivery of a high-quality Scottish qualification.
Learn more about this partnership >>
The First Minister announced £1.45m of new investment for Active Campus Programme at UHI Perth
Marking the eighth anniversary of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week (September 30-October 6), First Minister, John Swinney, visited UHI Perth to meet the female leaders who are improving access to sport and physical activity as part of sportscotland’s Active Campus Network.
The Active Campus Network is a partnership between sportscotland, Scottish Student Sport and Colleges Scotland. It helps to put sport and physical activity at the centre of college life, supported by an 18-strong team of Active Campus Co-ordinators.
During his visit, the First Minister announced £1.45m of new investment to ensure that the programme will continue to deliver over the next two academic years.
Our fabulous students were honoured at the Graduation and Celebration of Achievement Ceremony
Over 300 graduates and award winners, together with their friends, family and guests enjoyed a warm congratulation on their achievements.
Dr Margaret Cook, UHI Perth Principal, said:
“Our Graduation and Celebration of Achievement is one of the most important days on the UHI Perth calendar. This special occasion celebrates student’s achievements and allow us to wish them well for the future, whatever it may hold. Today marks the end of a significant chapter in their lives and prepares them for the exciting journey ahead.”
Read our graduation round up blog >>
Our Treetops Restaurant reopened
It was lovely to welcome our customers back for the first lunch service of the week.
Our HNC Professional Cookery students produced the dishes and year two Hospitality Management students were looking after our customers front of house. For a first live service, they all did brilliantly 👏.
We welcomed guest speakers to the campus
1️⃣ Alice from Swim School and Paul from Big Music Management were on campus to chat to our Music and Music Business students.
2️⃣ Our Food Nutrition Textiles Education programme had a very full and informative day courtesy of The Royal Highland Education Trust and Anna Mackinnon. The afternoon was spent rotating round four different interactive sessions, all with a real focus on sustainability and local produce. The workshops were based on Quality Meat Scotland, pea protein, grains and local produce. The RHET team were brilliant at engaging the students and have certainly given them food for thought for taking into their classrooms in the future.
We were thrilled to be shortlisted for the third year running for the Excellence in Digital Media Award at the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Star Awards
The award, sponsored by Johnston Media celebrates 'businesses who can clearly demonstrate how their creative and targeted use of digital platforms has helped them engage, drive business and increase their brand profile.'
The UHI Perth Marketing Team showcased the outstanding work our Business Engagement Team does in collaboration with local businesses to support our apprentices. This also provided an opportunity for these employers to be highlighted.
Lisa Findlay, Marketing Team Leader explained: "We already successfully recruit students though our digital campaigns and channels, but we wanted to work with our Business Engagement Team colleagues to take the opportunity to go ‘full circle’ and feature the businesses that are helping to support our students while they study, and beyond.
"Normally our audiences see the face of the students in our case studies and blogs, but by featuring the businesses, it meant they could also benefit from the additional publicity.
"This campaign played its part in inspiring young people to consider joining our Modern Apprenticeship programme, as well as amplifying our local partner businesses. It’s important we continue to build and maintain local business relationships to strengthen the local economy, playing our role in ensuring Perth and Kinross remains an attractive place to work and stay."
We awarded our Apprentice of the Year at the Star Awards ⭐
UHI Perth are proud to annually sponsor the Apprentice of the Year award at the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Star Awards and this year’s event saw Eilidh Williamson from NFU Mutual Perth Agency win the coveted accolade.
Sarah-Jane Urquhart, UHI Perth National Training Programmes Manager, explained: “We’d like to congratulate our award recipient Eilidh, we shortlisted an inspiring and talented group of young people who all deserve to be recognised. Eilidh received the award due to her friendly and positive approach to her work. Her colleagues noted how quickly she learned the role and were impressed by her fantastic attention to detail.
“This Award category holds special significance for us, reflecting the outstanding efforts of our Business Engagement Team and academic departments in collaborating with industry partners to support more than 150 apprentices annually.”
Our students had the opportunity to learn off campus
➕ Our HND Visual Communication and Contemporary Art Practice Students were invited to the press event for the exhibition ‘Waters Rising’ at Perth Museum. The students are currently collaborating with the Museum on making videos for BBC The Social, as well as site specific installation pieces.
➕ Our HNC/HND Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre and BA Theatre Industry Practice students joined a directing masterclass delivered by Sally Reid, Director of There's a Place at the Perth Theatre and Concert Hall!
We hosted the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship Final
The fifth annual Andrew Fairlie Scholarship took place at UHI Perth on the 27 November and celebrated the incredible work of aspiring chefs who were given the opportunity to showcase their talent and passion for the culinary arts!
The contestants faced a series of technical challenges to test their skills at the kitchens at UHI Perth, with Andrew Clark being selected as the winner at Gleneagles Hotel. 👏🥇
Congratulations, Andrew, and well done to the other contestants - Allan, Marcin, Michael, and Patryk!
Our Christmas shop opened its doors for another year!
Our Hospitality and Food Studies department opened their annual Christmas shop with lots of Christmas goodies for sale ➡️ 🎄 Chocolates 🎄 Xmas cakes 🎄 Chocolate spoons and bars 🎄 Delicious chutneys 🎄 Jams 🎄 Gins
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The funds raised from the Christmas shop will support a future educational visit for our students.
