A £2.3 MILLION project to transform UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Stornoway campus will be complete this autumn.

The investment will significantly enhance the facilities and resources available to students and staff at the campus, enabling further development of the curriculum in STEM based subjects, strengthening links with employers and schools, and increase learning opportunities across the islands.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison toured the campus site and met engineering, construction and electrical apprentices on Wednesday as part of a visit to Stornoway. Earlier in the day she announced an update to Scotland’s National Islands Plan and toured Stornoway’s deep-water terminal to mark the end of the construction phase.

The Outer Hebrides Campus Redevelopment Project is one of several projects under the Islands Growth Deal, a ten-year package of investment jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments that will seek to drive economic growth and the creation of sustainable jobs across Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides.

The work includes:

• Transforming the Technology and Innovation Centre, enabling the delivery of curriculum in STEM subjects including hydrogen, renewables and robotics.
• Creating a new student hub where students can socialise and collaborate.
• Establishing a Newton Room to provide STEM learning experiences for primary and secondary school pupils.
• Developing mobile STEM facilities and equipment which can be transported to other venues throughout the Outer Hebrides, further enhancing the college’s outreach work.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison said: “This project exemplifies the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest in our islands and help them thrive. Not only will this project transform the UHI North, West and Hebrides campus in Stornoway, it will provide key resources, facilities and learning opportunities for people living on the islands, which in turn supports the economic growth of local businesses and communities.”

“During my visit to Stornoway, I have announced that the Scottish Government will commence work on a new National Islands Plan to be published in 2025. We will engage with island communities, local authorities and delivery partners such as UHI to ensure the new plan meets islanders’ needs and supports their ambitions.”

Lydia Rohmer, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: “This investment not only creates more opportunities for local learners living in Lewis, it also the provides the facilities and equipment to support deeper engagement with our employers, primary and secondary schools, and attract a greater number of students to the Outer Hebrides to study. We are incredibly excited to see this work near completion and, as we move to the autumn, will be planning events so members of the public can come in, tour our new facilities, and find out more about the range of courses and opportunities available to people living on the islands.”

The Outer Hebrides Campus Redevelopment Project is funded by the Scottish Government through the Islands Growth Deal, the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and UHI North, West and Hebrides.

Earlier in the day, the Deputy First Minister officially handed over the Stornoway deep-water terminal to the Stornoway Port Authority. The terminal will support future renewable energy developments and cruise ship opportunities in the Outer Hebrides. Ms Robison also announced an update to Scotland’s National Islands Plan will be published in 2025, following extensive community engagement. The Scottish Government strategic plan will acknowledge updated priorities for islanders while continuing to focus on improving outcomes for island communities.