Mairi MacLean

Celebrating learning at Barra Learning Centre

My name is Mairi MacLean, and I am a Primary Teacher in Daliburgh School on the Isle of South Uist. I completed my probation year in 2018, in Daliburgh School, after graduating in May 2017.

Between the years 2013 and 2017, I studied Gàidhlig and Education, a combined degree, through the University of the Highlands and Islands and University of Aberdeen. Throughout my degree, I chose to study at home on Barra, through a distance learning route. The UHI campus on Barra allowed me to study in a positive learning environment, dial into any virtual face-to-face lessons and access any online resources required.

Using the UHI campus for my studies put me at a great advantage from the very beginning of my further education. As I was still living at home, I didn’t take out a student loan and therefore wasn’t faced with a substantial loan repayment, starting only months after graduating. I was also able to keep my part-time job, and extend my hours in the evenings and weekends, which allowed me to earn and save money while studying. Throughout the 4-year degree, I never felt at a disadvantage to those studying on the mainland. Using the money that I was earning and saving from working and living at home, I was able to book regular flights to the mainland to see family and friends.

I have never looked back on or regretted my decision to study from home. I would strongly encourage others to choose a similar pathway as I chose, as I feel the advantages of my choice outweighed the disadvantages by far.