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UHI college merger is 'best way forward' says Dr Michael Foxley as consultation is launched


By John Davidson

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People in the far north are being urged to get involved with a new consultation on the merger of three colleges in the Highlands and Islands.

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) says the new strategic partnership would create "an anchor institution of scale and impact", supporting 9000 students and 600 staff in 19 rural and island campus locations across the north of Scotland.

It launched a 10-week public consultation on Monday on the proposed merger of of UHI North Highland with UHI Outer Hebrides and UHI West Highland.

The organisation says that all three colleges face similar challenges including real-term funding cuts, rising costs and a declining demographic. The aim of the merger is to make the group more resilient, efficient and flexible.

North Highland College UHI principal Debbie Murray.
North Highland College UHI principal Debbie Murray.

In a joint statement, the three principals, Debbie Murray (UHI North Highland), Sue Macfarlane (UHI Outer Hebrides) and Lydia Rohmer (UHI West Highland), said: “This is an opportunity for everyone to have their say on this exciting development, which we believe will be transformational for our rural and island communities. Merger is about doing more, not less. By coming together, we create a more resilient, sustainable organisation, which will continue to serve our local communities in the way we do now, but with more impact.

"We will have combined capacity to better meet the needs of our communities and to respond to the range of social, cultural and economic opportunities that make our region one of the most exciting places in the country to live, work and study right now.

"It is important people get involved and have their say.”

The colleges insist the merger will also enhance the student experience by providing access to more flexible learning opportunities; protect local jobs; and support the growth of key industries, particularly in the blue and green economies, through distinctive education, training, and world-class research.

They have already confirmed that there will be no compulsory redundancies as a direct result of merger; that a new college will have incorporated status, providing reassurance to staff on terms and conditions, including pensions schemes. The colleges have already committed to adopting national bargaining on pay.

They say they will also remain local through dispersed leadership and management, maintaining local presence, and ensuring local views are heard and needs are met through the introduction of local advisory committees.

Dr Michael Foxley, chair of the partnership board leading the merger project, added: “We are confident this is the best way forward for our rural and island colleges, which play a critical role in supporting our local communities, not only through access to learning, training, skills development and world-class research, but as local employers.

"It is important people get involved and have their say. All views will be taken on board and will help refine the case for merger, which will be considered by the boards of management at each of our three colleges later this year.”

The full merger proposal and business case, including a detailed rationale and financial model, can be viewed at www.rural-islands-merger.uhi.ac.uk along with details of online information events and drop-ins taking place in campuses and learning centres throughout the consultation.

Thurso Campus, North College UHI.
Thurso Campus, North College UHI.

A drop-in event is scheduled to take place at the Thurso campus of UHI North Highland on Tuesday, September 20, from 2pm to 3pm.

The full proposal builds on feedback from the initial consultation with staff, students and external stakeholders, which took place in December 2021 and January 2022.

People can make their views on merger known by completing the merger survey or sending comments to: rural-islands-merger@uhi.ac.uk

The consultation runs until Friday, October 14.


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