Principal and vice-chancellor, James Fraser, added: “I must pay tribute to all of our students, staff and supporters who have contributed to this marvellous achievement. Granting university status is an irrevocable act and therefore not done lightly and hastily. A great debt is owed to those who had the vision to set off on this journey and to our many supporters who have stayed the distance with us.
“UHI is a leading institution in widening access to higher education and in lifelong learning. Our new status as a university will assist us also in attracting more young people to UHI and in recruiting students from beyond the region. In research, too, the Highlands and Islands provides a unique physical and cultural laboratory that is helping us to carve a distinctive national and international niche. By building the new university on the bedrock of the college and research infrastructure in region, UHI is helping to enhance and sustain this existing provision whilst making sure that the benefits of the new university reach all parts of the Highlands and Islands.”
Nathan Shields, University of the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association president, said: “This is a landmark day for the Highlands and Islands; especially for our young people who no longer have to leave the region if they want to go to university. They now have a choice. UHI has been providing university-level education for many years and it is the most fantastic news that we now have full university status.”
