Merger leads to vesting of UHI North, West and Hebrides

UHI North, West and Hebrides marks its legal vesting today (Tuesday, 1st August 2023) following the merger of UHI North Highland, UHI Outer Hebrides and UHI West Highland.

UHI North, West and Hebrides will create an anchor institution connecting rural and island communities through distinctive education and research, shaped by the culture, location, and landscapes of the North and West Highlands, Skye, and Outer Hebrides.

By coming together, the colleges will have combined capacity, resource, and expertise to better meet the needs of their local communities.

UHI North, West and Hebrides will enhance the student experience, providing equity of opportunity in rural and island communities, strengthening the student voice, and developing curriculum, research and innovation, and commercial activity to provide an effective skills pipeline to meet current and future workforce needs aligned to local, regional, and national priorities.

The new college will also strengthen its engagement with its communities, employers, and agencies, to unlock new opportunities which drive economic recovery, particularly in sectors including net zero decarbonisation, renewable energy, engineering, advanced manufacturing and technology, space ports, land and sea-based industries, as well as Gaelic language.

UHI North, West and Hebrides will also become more sustainable at a time when colleges are being challenged to do more, with less. 

Lydia Rohmer, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: “This would not have been possible without the incredible teamwork, dedication, and visionary leadership of many, who have worked tirelessly to bring our three remarkable colleges together to create lasting benefits for our students, staff, and the communities we serve. As a stronger, more sustainable organisation with combined capacity, resource, and expertise, we can play a key role in unlocking the social, cultural, and economic potential of our region. I look forward to working with everyone at UHI North, West and Hebrides and our partners to build on the legacy of our founding colleges and realise the significant opportunities ahead.”

With 9000 students, 600 staff and 19 campuses and centres stretching from Caithness and Sutherland, Ross and Cromarty to Lochaber, Wester Ross, Skye and the Outer Hebrides, UHI North, West and Hebrides covers an area larger than Wales and around 40% of Scotland’s coastline.

UHI North, West and Hebrides will celebrate its launch in September when all staff and students return.