Scholarships for UHI students set to enhance local talent in the Highlands
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
New business-backed scholarships will provide UHI students with a financial ‘lifeline’ and help open up new career opportunities.
The latest round of funding packages will support students throughout their studies, nurture and retain local talent, as well as develop highly skilled labour for local industries.
Five students have recently been rewarded with backing from the Future Leaders Fund and Orion Group’s Scholarships Programme.
For each, the financial support will transform their access to education and open up opportunities that might not otherwise have been available.
Undergraduate bioscience student Cassie Erskine secured her scholarship going into second year at UHI Inverness.
The 23-year-old, from Drumnadrochit, said: “During first year I worked two part-time jobs to support my studies, the scholarship will lift that pressure.
“I also volunteer at Raigmore Hospital and I’m already considering a Masters in biomedical science.
“I really like the idea of working in a hospital lab, doing research on different diseases and helping find treatments. There is also a vibrant life sciences sector in Inverness which is encouraging from a career perspective.”
At the heart of UHI’s mission is the need to have a transformational impact on the prospects of the region, its economy, its people and its communities.
Alison Wilson, UHI’s director of advancement and alumni engagement, said: “Our donors are investing in the next generation, ensuring that we can attract and nurture talent in our region and making sure that no one is prevented from studying with UHI because of financial circumstances.
“We are hugely grateful to Orion Group, Fred Olsen Seawind and Vattenfall for their invaluable help.
“We can already see these scholarships making a difference to individual students’ lives, and over time we hope to grow the range of scholarships available to encourage more students to choose to study with UHI, ultimately supporting the development of a skilled workforce in key sectors across our region.”
Orion Group managing director Paul Savage said: “We are committed to supporting an inclusive approach to higher education and are acutely aware of the skills shortages within scientific and engineering sectors.
“Anything we can do to assist both is closely aligned with our desire to support diversity within our communities.”
Other students to benefit include Rogan Nussey (17), from Golspie, who is studying engineering systems at UHI Inverness.
He said: “The support will allow me to focus more on my studies and put extra time into my coursework, something I wouldn’t have been able to do without the financial assistance.”
Leah Topp (18), from Elgin, is studying at the Scottish Association for Marine Science, a partner of UHI. She said: “When I found out I got the scholarship I was so happy I don’t mind admitting I had a cry. That’s how much a difference the support will make. I’m absolutely thrilled. The support will take a huge weight off my shoulders, especially not having to worry about money.”
Leah’s scholarship is funded by Orion Group which works extensively in sectors such as energy, life sciences and the built environment, and wants to extend accessibility to key STEM subjects to all potential students.
Others benefitting are Jo Easter (26), who is studying environmental science at UHI Moray, and Jodie Cockburn (25), is studying engineering systems at UHI Perth.
For more information, visit www.uhi.ac.uk
