NEWS FROM

HISTORIC DAY FOR ARGYLL COLLEGE UHI AS UNIVERSITY OF THE

HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS BECOMES SCOTLAND’S NEWEST UNIVERSITY

Today (2 February) is a historic day for Argyll College UHI as UHI Millennium

Institute becomes the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).

Following confirmation from the Privy Council, the milestone will be marked by

celebrations hosted jointly by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)

UHI and Argyll College UHI.

Michael Breslin the director of Argyll College UHI said: “Argyll College UHI is

delighted with today’s announcement that UHI is now the University of the

Highlands and Islands. As one of the university’s academic partners, we have

helped to create a university for the area but we also remain a college where

further education is the mainstream of our business. Being part of the new

university allows our students to study at all levels in further and higher education,

up to post graduate level. Providing students with local access to education is at

the heart of what we do and recognition that we’re part of this new university

gives us even more reason to be proud of what we’ve achieved here in

Argyll and the Islands.”

Argyll College UHI has centres scattered through Argyll and has

been offering further and higher education in one of the most

geographically fragmented areas of Scotland since late 1999,

early 2000.

UHI comprises thirteen colleges, specialist institutions

and research centres spread across the Highlands and

Islands of Scotland; an area twice the size of Wales.

It uses information technologies to link together

students and staff to bring access to higher education

to dispersed communities. The achievement of

university title by UHI is the realisation of a long-time

ambition for the region to have its own university to

support economic development and to help sustain

rural and island communities.

“The achievement of title and the University of the Highlands and Islands is

wonderful news. This is the fulfilment of a long held vision. Social justice and

economic prosperity have always been our aspiration in creating Argyll College UHI as

an academic partner of UHI. We are delighted with the news.” said Wilma Campbell,

Chair of Argyll College.

Chris Talbot, Argyll College UHI student and UHI Student Association Vice President said:

“There is a certain amount of kudos in graduating from the new university. Overall this will

help the Islands regionally, and after an initial period of time will help centres of excellence to

win funding from the government which in turn aids employment.”

Student representative, Hannah Poulton is a seventeen year old degree student from

Bunessan on the Isle of Mull. Currently studying BA History and Politics Hannah said

“Argyll College UHI has been fantastic and the course fits in with my personal life.

There’s not many jobs on Mull and the few jobs that are available don’t have a big

career progression. It’s important to get young people to stay on the island. Knowing

about your own culture and history is important which is harder to do from a distance.

University status will encourage more students to stay and study with the prospect of

employment.”

Above: Michael Breslin, Director of Argyll College UHI

COFFEE, CAKES AND CHAT FOR MACMILLAN CANCER CARE 2010

Hospitality Skills for Work pupils from Dunoon Grammar School recently held an

enormously successful Coffee Afternoon for family and friends at Argyll College

Dunoon Learning Centre.

The afternoon of Coffee, Cakes and Chat was held on Tuesday 21 September with all

proceeds being donated to Macmillan Cancer Care 2010.

The Event was planned using the skills the five pupils are developing on this popular

course, under the guidance of their tutor, Mrs Mary Kirk.

The students were involved not only in baking fruit and sponge cakes, gingerbread

and cupcakes, but in decorating , presenting and serving the fare – resplendent

in their ‘Whites’. They also demonstrated the widespread nature of the skills they

are developing in the quality of design and planning shown in the creation and

distribution of the invitations and posters.

(And they washed up too!)

The afternoon was a great success and family, friends and visitors

were full of praise for the students efforts. A total of £275 was raised

over the course of the afternoon for Macmillan Cancer Care 2010. Well

Done.

Argyll College UHI have been commended by Fairbridge and R.E.H.I.S (the Royal Environmental Health Institute for Scotland) for the outstanding delivery of a Food Health and Hygiene programme on board sail training schooner, the “Spirit of Fairbridge”.

Fairbridge works with young people aged 13-25 to develop their skills to a level where their prospects of engaging with other organisations are greatly enhanced. The organisation uses long-term goals, giving young people the motivation, self-confidence and skills they need to change their lives. The “Spirit of Fairbridge” is a 92’ schooner operated by

Fairbridge. Confined to a working boat (in any weather) is no mean feat, and the young crew (up to 11 young people + staff) must work as a tight unit in order to ensure that the boat sails. By harnessing their motivation, Fairbridge are able to help young people make life-changing decisions. The excursion on the Spirit of Fairbridge is a very positive experience and fits in with the goals and ideals of Fairbridge.

HEALTH & HYGIENE ON THE HIGH SEAS!

Darlene Russell, Curriculum Manager from Argyll College UHI, spent seven days on board the vessel delivering the Healthy Living programme developed by Argyll College UHI, the Elementary Food Hygiene and the Elementary Food and Health programme awarded by R.E.H.I.S. “The challenge was to deliver the course in such a way that would appeal to the crew but also to ensure the key learning outcomes were still met by the awarding body,” said Darlene. “It’s a very different environment to the usual classroom set up, so I decided to try something a bit different. The crew operate on different

watches, with each watch having their own duties to perform. It made sense to deliver some of the course while they were doing all the practical duties.” Darlene continued “We also made it part of our daily conversations while on route from port to port and analysed photos that showed good and bad hygiene practices. We would talk about the benefits of healthy eating and how to adapt

current recipes.” The crew took part in a “5 a Day” competition where they would keep a count of how many pieces of fruit they had eaten each day. They developed a visual chart with everyone’s names and at the end of the night, they would tally up the scores. “This was a great way to learn,” said one of the youngsters.” I had no idea eating fruit and vegetables would be so much fun and what impact it had on my diet!” Another young person said ”I am amazed about what is seen as part of your “5 a day” and items I thought were included are not….all this time I don’t think I have been eating enough.”

The week began with the “Spirit of Fairbridge” setting sail from Oban and making its way down the coast to Loch Sween. The vessel continued its journey south and rounded the Mull of Kintyre, after arriving safely in Campbeltown. Residing in Southend near Campbeltown, Darlene took the opportunity to show the young crew the sights of the area including a hike up Benguillean with the two Watch Leaders, Paul Ash and Kenny Harris. On returning to the boat, the young people and Darlene climbed the rigging under the watchful eye of Skipper, Mikey Strang and First Mate, Monica MacLean. “It was an exhilarating but scary experience,” said Darlene and some of the young people, but what a “birds eye” view. The following day the “Spirit of Fairbridge” journeyed on to Portavadie before completing the trip at Greenock’s Victoria Harbour. In total, the Spirit of Fairbridge travelled 187 nautical miles during the voyage.

Among the crew who passed the course were, Gemma Cochrane, Callum Finlay and Chantelle Anderson. “It was great, I really enjoyed it,” said Gemma. “Especially cooking in the galley, and Darlene showed us how to eat healthier. I made Vegetable Lasagne and everybody loved it!” Gemma enjoyed the course so much she has applied to the Princes Trust to help her get started on a career in the catering industry as a chef. Gemma has since made three voyages on the “Spirit of Fairbridge”. “Her application will have a better chance now she has achieved her Elementary Food Hygiene,” said Sam Flavell, an Outreach Development Worker with Fairbridge. All the crew who participated have been invited back on board.

Back on board the “Spirit of Fairbridge” at Victoria Harbour, Darlene was joined by Graham Walker, Director of Training for R.E.H.I.S. and Drew Hall, Chair of R.E.H.I.S. Southern Centre to award each of the crew with their certificates. “I’m very proud of them, everyone did so well” said Darlene. “Both the passion I have for training and sailing in one venture has made this a memorable time for me”.

“R.E.H.I.S. is delighted to have participated in this programme. We would like to thank Argyll College UHI and Fairbridge for all the organisation.” said Drew Hall.

Rothesay Learning Centre recently received a commendation for working in

partnership with the local council and community. The commendation came

from Beautiful Scotland, who awarded Rothesay the title of Scotland’s most

beautiful community along with the prestigious Rosebowl trophy and a special

award for a gap site completed by Argyll College UHI and St Andrews primary.

Working with Ailsa Cunningham, the environmental warden for Argyll & Bute,

tutor Paul Simpson and his construction skills students have been putting

their skills to use with local groups. Their efforts have brightened up some

of the gap areas in and around Rothesay. “There have been a lot of people

who have put in an awful lot of hard work to do this for Rothesay and we’re

delighted for everyone’s sake. Rothesay really is the Jewel of the Clyde.” said

Ailsa Cunnigham.

ROSEBOWL GOES TO ROTHESAY FOR PARTNERSHIP WORKING

Watergate project before work started

Watergate Completed!

Gallowgate Project

Gallowgate Project

Tutor, Elaine Smith, and six students used

mannequin heads to demonstrate a range

of techniques and styles the students have

learned during their time on the course.

The aim was to raise awareness of the new

commercial salon that is open to the public

in the college centre on Fridays from 11am

to 6pm. Bookings can be made by phoning

01631 559500.

COLLEGE HAIRDRESSERS BRING STYLE TO ANNUAL LECTURE

The UHI Annual Lecture, held at the Scottish Association for Marine

Science (SAMS), was delivered by Poul Degnbol on the theme of

sustainable marine eco systems and attracted over two hundred

guests from throughout the Highlands and Islands and beyond.

Students from the SVQ Level 2 Hairdressing

course at Argyll College Oban joined fellow

students and partners of UHI to showcase

some of their work at the recent Annual

Lecture.

The learners were encouraged to interact with each other on a daily basis through team

meetings and discussions. The outcome was a premiere of the ten-minute long film in the

Discovery Centre, and with over one hundred people in attendance, the film was definitely

a huge success.

“This is a fantastic achievement for the tutors and staff involved with the project.” Said

Linda McLaughlan, Learning Centre Manager and Project Manager, “the course has given

the learners a real boost in confidence, and many people who watched the film were

impressed by the standard of their work."

ARGYLL COLLEGE ROTHESAY LEARNING CENTRE BUTE MULTIMEDIA FILM PROJECT

WINS GOOD PRACTICE IN ADULT LEARNING AWARD 2010.

“The Bute Multimedia Film Project” delivered by a team

staff from Rothesay Learning Centre and the Phoenix

Centre in 2009, has been nominated for the Good Practice

in Adult Learning Awards 2010, Innovative category.

The good practice award is for achieving excellence in delivering/

improving local adult learning services, creating innovative or

collaborative adult learning programmes to reach new learners and

developing materials or programmes to support non-formal learning.

The team were nominated as the result of a course delivered in the summer

of 2009, made possible by funding from “The North Forum”. Over four

weeks, tutors and staff actively encouraged learners to be creative whilst

developing confidence and technical ability in the use of cameras, tripods

and software applications.

The team receive thier award from Grant Stott and Kelly-Anne Brooks.From left to right, Sam Tweedlie, Linda McLaughlan, Barbara Taylor, Nicola Jones, Peter Flowers.

ISLAY STUDENTS ROCK WITH RHINO

Islay Boys Football Club recently held a charity gig featuring Woodedz with support from

the Argyll College/CVS Rock Band project. The event was to raise money for the club.

Woodedz boasts none other than John “Rhino” Edwards from Status Quo and his sons

Freddie and Max as members.

Woodedz asked for a local band to provide support for the gig, and after our own concert

in August, Islay Boys Football Club invited the Argyll College/CVS Rock Band project to

perform. Extra support from tutors Angela Dunbar and Archie McLachlan was given during

their free time at no extra costs, with families willing to make sure students attended every

session organised. What a commitment they showed!

The main band came in for a chat with the young musicians before the performance

offering words of encouragement. “The best piece of advice I can give you, is to

constantly practice on your instruments” said John “Rhino” Edwards. “The main thing is to

go out there tonight and enjoy yourselves”.

The students were the first to perform and left the crowd wanting more, with covers of

Highway to Hell by AC/DC, Zombie by the Cranberries, Call Me by Blondie and Bob Dylan’s

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door. Although nervous, the student bands enjoyed the experience

and can’t wait to get back on stage. Course tutor Angela Dunbar also performed a last

minute number.

Above: Students with Woodedz

Woodedz performed throughout the rest of the evening, with local artists Shane

MacKinnon accompanying them for a couple of numbers on his mouth organ and

Lyndsay MacAffer playing her pipes alongside the two electric guitars. The end of the

night was marked with a roof lifting “Rockin’ all over the World”.

The joint music project with Argyll College and CVS has been a huge success. The

organisers would like to thank all those who have donated their time and money to

reviving youth music on Islay.

If you would like to get involved with the music project contact Mairi MacCuaig on

01496 810 130

Above: Performing at the concert in August

“It was an extremely long process,” said Sam Tweedlie, “it took three months to do the

photography and another three months to cut out, arrange and glue down each tile. “I’m

very proud of everyone, the concentration needed to sit for a long period of time placing

down each tile can be very taxing,” said Sam.

BUTE IS OUR BUSINESS UNVEILED

The perseverance and resolve of nine students from

Rothesay Learning Centre was recently unveiled in the

form of a mosaic portraying the Isle of Bute. The art

project is the result of a photography course run by

Argyll College tutor, Sam Tweedlie.

The course began in September with the students

taking photographs of local businesses and shop fronts

on the Isle of Bute. After capturing all the shop fronts

from around the Island, the students shrunk each

photograph in to small tiles and printed them off. The

students then meticulously arranged each tile to form

the shape of the Isle of Bute.

Above: Students with the mosaicTop Right: Bute is our Business

The unveiling took place at local shop

“Brandish Bute” which specialises in

displaying and selling produce from local

businesses. Sara Goss Melvin, a Director

of Bute Land Company which owns the

shop, said “We are very pleased to display

this piece of art. The aim of Brandish

Bute is to promote local businesses and

these guys cottoned on to what we are

trying to achieve”.

HIGHER PSYCHOLOGY & ECDL STUDENTS PASS

Four students at Rothesay Learning Centre have been the latest students to

successfully complete courses in their chosen subject. Three students passed

Higher Psychology and one student completed the ECDL, (European Computer

Driving Licence).

Enrolling on a beginners’ course in Psychology three years ago, Tracey More,

Jacqueline Crossan and Helen Rodgers attended the Learning Centre for only

two hours a week with tutor Dawn Collis. Linda McLaughlan, the Learning

Centre Manager said, “I’m so proud of what they’ve achieved. It’s not been easy,

especially trying to balance home life, work life and study life. When you think

about how they have only had two hours a week to get here, it’s amazing”.

Tracey More commented, “It’s shown I can be clever, and I can do it” while Helen

said “I’ve learned that I can push myself further than I thought I could”.

David McMurchie began his course two years ago and opted to study by distance

learning, with support from a tutor based in Campbeltown. “ It’s been very

interesting” said David, who recently turned 60, “you’re never too old to learn!”.

Above: Tracey, Helen, Jacqueline & David with their certificates

Graduation 2009-2010Across Argyll students from Argyll College celebrated successful completion of their courses. Prize-giving ceremonies were held at each local learning centre. The awards included students from part-time and full-

time courses, and “Student of the Year” awards.

Argyll College would like to express thanks to all tutors who contributed to each course. All learning centre staff are extremely proud of all students who completed full-time and part-time courses. A selection of

students who attended the ceremonies is given below:

CampbeltownTowards a Career in Childcare: Kimberly McNaughton, Zoe-Marie McFarlane, Nicola Wells, and Hayley Campbell.

SVQ 2 Childrens Care Learning & Development: Samantha Durnin, Katie Umpherston, Natalie Smith, Samantha Townsley, and Debbie Macrea.

SVQ 3 Childrens Care Learning & Development: Nichola Kerr.

National Progression Award(NPA) in Cosmetology: Limara Ferguson, Lynda Mills, Lorna Hasson, Jade Moore, Nicola Dott, Hannah McFarlane.

NC Administration: Charlene Smyth, Kelly Smyth, Bonnie Adair, Christopher McSporran.

SVQ 2 Hairdressing: Stephanie Geddes, Jamie Lee Martin, Jaide McMillan, Carly McIndeor.

SVQ 3 Hairdressing: Elizabeth Blackstock, Katie Robbie.

NC Beauty Care and Make Up: Victoria Stackhouse, Diane McIntyre, Patrice McAllister, Lillibet Boyd, Ailsa Ritchie.

Access to Construction: Sean Brown, David Crawford,

Daniel Brown, John Shaw, Jonathon Mogie, Mathew McAllister, Daniel McSporran.

HNC Business: Moyra Paterson.

Zech Moore Memorial Award for Personal Achievement: Christopher McSporran

Student of the Year: Nichola Kerr, Katie RobbieArranHNC Early Education and Childcare: Elizabeth Bell, Lisa Boyd, Nancy Bremner, Alison Campbell, Ann Gray Lorraine, Hewie, Debbie Jackson, Mairi Livingstone, Donna Murchie, Joanna McCallum Emma Popplewell

HNC Business: Jana Kaufmann Robin Fisher

BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies: Sheila Gilmore

FionnphortWillow Course: Rosie Burgess, Linda DawsonArt: May MacCallum, Bob Lawson

Digital Photography: Rosie Burgess, Bob Lawson

Image Locations

Top Left: Campbeltown

Top Right: Lochgilphead

Left: Campbeltown

Right: Rothesay

Graduation 2009-2010Across Argyll students from Argyll College celebrated successful completion of their courses. Prize-giving ceremonies were held at each local learning centre. The awards included students from part-time and full-

time courses, and “Student of the Year” awards.

Argyll College would like to express thanks to all tutors who contributed to each course. All learning centre staff are extremely proud of all students who completed full-time and part-time courses. A selection of

students who attended the ceremonies is given below:

Daniel Brown, John Shaw, Jonathon Mogie, Mathew McAllister, Daniel McSporran.

HNC Business: Moyra Paterson.

Zech Moore Memorial Award for Personal Achievement: Christopher McSporran

Student of the Year: Nichola Kerr, Katie RobbieArranHNC Early Education and Childcare: Elizabeth Bell, Lisa Boyd, Nancy Bremner, Alison Campbell, Ann Gray Lorraine, Hewie, Debbie Jackson, Mairi Livingstone, Donna Murchie, Joanna McCallum Emma Popplewell

HNC Business: Jana Kaufmann Robin Fisher

BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies: Sheila Gilmore

FionnphortWillow Course: Rosie Burgess, Linda DawsonArt: May MacCallum, Bob Lawson

Digital Photography: Rosie Burgess, Bob Lawson

LochgilpheadSVQ L2 Children’s Care, Learning and Development: Christina Sinclair, Imogen Austin, Samantha Robertson, Victoria MacVicar, Ailsa Hatton, Kathleen Merrilees, Pamela Booth, , Suzanne Thomson, Emily Murray

SVQ L3 Hairdressing: Lauren Milloy, Megan Bryson, Rosie Brown, Susie MacLennan, Ami Harris, Kirsty MacDougal, Rachel MacLean, Stephanie King

Student of the Year: Kirsty MacDougal, Kathleen Merrilees, Caragh Sinclair, Rebecca MacIndeor

Rothesay SVQ Level 2 Children’s Care, Learning & Development: Laura Mulholland, Laura-Jane Chrystie

Access to Construction: Kevin Lench, Darren Hotchkiss, Christopher Taylor, Jordan Junner, Gregory Brooks

Student of the Year Award: David McLaughlin, Sophie-Jayne McKellar, Elleyse McDonald

Image Locations

Top Left: Campbeltown

Top Right: Lochgilphead

Left: Campbeltown

Right: Rothesay

Oban

General Catering Skills: Roxy Azner, Jamie Leach Michaela Hunt, Matthew Shearer, Kenny MacCorquodale, Michael Duncan, Peter Uren

NC Administration Level 5: Andrea Hobson, Oliver Hobson, Pawel Gostomski, Sarah Hannah, Kimberley Gillies, Pamela MacNab, Mary Fulton, Szymon Mlynarczyk

NC Digital Media Computing Level 5: Vernon Swain-Nisbet, Andrew Duncan, Dean Campbell, Francis Owens, Niall Howie, Bartek Ban

SVQ 2 Hairdressing: Carron MacPhee

Towards A Career In Childcare: Danielle Cardno, Emily Hobson, Kerry McInnes

SVQ 2 Children’s Care, Learning & Development: Ashleigh Lyons, Louise Marshall, Veronica MacKenzie, Siobhan Hill

SVQ 3 Children’s Care, Learning & Development: Fay Haining, Audrey McCamley, Katherine Hunter, Julie MacGregor, Mairi Gillies, Jenna MacCuish, Janet Fergusson, Linzi Allward, Christina Georgeson

NC Early Education & Childcare: Alison MacKie, Kayleigh MacDonald, Karen MacLeod, Emma Campbell, Kayleigh McGee, Zoe Johnstone, Sharon Smith

HNC Early Education & Childcare: Lauren Lind, Iona Anderton, Ailsa MacLaughlin, Claire Gilpin, Karen Campbell, Rachel MacDonald, Seonaid Russell, Gillian MacIntyre,

HNC Business: Karen Aspinall, Elaine Madej, Adam Welsh, Summer MacDonald, Lewis MacDonald, Lewis Baker, Edie Elliot, Gregor Warnock, Joshua Mitchell, Finlay MacLean, Lova Stahl, Lliam Bateman, Caitlin MacPherson

Dunoon

HNC Construction Management: Stuart Cairney, Gerard Gallagher, Stephen Johnstone

HNC Business: Grant Gilmour, Patricia McCann

SVQ 3 Children’s Care, Learning And Development: Rachel Beattie, Elspeth Campbell, Caroline Liddell, Michelle Ross, Yvonne Smith

SVQ 2 Children’s Care, Learning And Development: Anna Cairney, Jade Campbell, Kimberley Ritchie

Towards A Career In Childcare: Nicole Anduuru, Baiba Brivkalne, Donna Gardner

Access to Construction: Elaine Bowe, William Finlayson, Ged Preston

Certificates of Commendation: Elaine Bowe, Grant Gilmour, Yvonne Smith, Patricia McCann

Islay

Certificate of Recognition for Skills for Work Student: Kayleigh Farrell

Student of the Year: Catherine Hughes

Runner Up Student of the Year: Pamela McLellan

3rd Place Student of the Year: Rebecca Woodrow

Tiree

Skills for Work, Rural Skills: Ruairidh Munn and Ewan Brown

Psychology Int 2: Louise Reid, Alison Worsley, Joanne MacKinnon

Graduation 2009-2010 cont.

Top: Dunoon

Middle: Arran

Bottom: Islay

Dunoon

HNC Construction Management: Stuart Cairney, Gerard Gallagher, Stephen Johnstone

HNC Business: Grant Gilmour, Patricia McCann

SVQ 3 Children’s Care, Learning And Development: Rachel Beattie, Elspeth Campbell, Caroline Liddell, Michelle Ross, Yvonne Smith

SVQ 2 Children’s Care, Learning And Development: Anna Cairney, Jade Campbell, Kimberley Ritchie

Towards A Career In Childcare: Nicole Anduuru, Baiba Brivkalne, Donna Gardner

Access to Construction: Elaine Bowe, William Finlayson, Ged Preston

Certificates of Commendation: Elaine Bowe, Grant Gilmour, Yvonne Smith, Patricia McCann

Islay

Certificate of Recognition for Skills for Work Student: Kayleigh Farrell

Student of the Year: Catherine Hughes

Runner Up Student of the Year: Pamela McLellan

3rd Place Student of the Year: Rebecca Woodrow

Tiree

Skills for Work, Rural Skills: Ruairidh Munn and Ewan Brown

Psychology Int 2: Louise Reid, Alison Worsley, Joanne MacKinnon

Graduation 2009-2010 cont.