Ullapool marks a new era of learning
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
WEST Highland College UHI opened its newest learning centre in Ullapool.
Christine Crook, the new learning centre manage, joined WHC UHI herself in January and has been working hard for what she hopes will be a busy spring in Ullapool. "It’s a great opportunity for a local person like me to see a whole new project building on an already strong educational foundation in Ullapool."
The ground floor of the one-time herring store and former Calmac Building has now been restored and transformed into a purpose-built learning centre which is fully equipped with 12 personal computers, wifi and video conferencing facilities to enable a wide range of courses and study from basic IT classes right up to degree level.
Financial support from Scottish Funding Council, who recognised the gap in opportunities for rural communities to access Further and Higher education, has meant that West Highland College UHI now has nine learning centres in operation, with a 10th centre opening in Gairloch later this year.
Andrea Matheson, assistanmt principal, said: "The Learning Centre lease was acquired with help of Kevin Peach, harbour master and local partners, Ullapool Harbour Trust who have been extraordinarily helpful in facilitating a speedy refurbishment for us. The result is a lovely centre in a fabulous location in the heart of the village."
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by Jean Urquhart MSP — a former board member of West Highland College UHI and current Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Highlands and Islands. She was joined at the opening by the college’s principal, Lydia Rohmer.
"We want to recognise the support we have had in the past from our colleagues in the Macphail Centre, An Talla Solais and Ullapool High School," said Principal Rohmer. "All of these have been involved in helping us to build the awareness and demand for a permanent local college centre to serve the community in and around Ullapool.
"We are grateful to them for their encouragement and participation in the past, and look forward to working alongside them in the future so that we become a real partner in the vibrant village life of Ullapool."
West Highland College UHI has agreed to sponsor an event at the Ullapool Book Festival and will also be present at Loopallu Music Festival later in the year.
