Post on 08-Mar-2016
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Bob MacMahon
Argyll College UHI students recently nominated Oban based Bob MacMahon as the ‘Most Inspiring
Lecturer’ in the 2013 UHISA Teaching Awards.
This annual award recognises those teaching staff who inspire students to achieve as much as they
can through their approach to teaching and their engagement with both students and subject content.
Bob – who has been teaching IT for around 25 years – delivers NC Digital Media, NC Administration and HNC
Computing and IT at the college’s Oban centre. However his skills are also utilised in many other subject
areas, including childcare and horticulture, where the students require specialised IT input.
In nominating Bob for the award, one of his students stated “He really is a fantastic and inspiring lecturer. I
have done more than one course with him now, and he is still one of my favourite tutors. He is very generous
and always goes above the call of duty”.
Although flattered and humbled by the attention the nomination has created , Bob was slightly bemused by
the term ‘lecturer’. “I rarely lecture my students. I do talk a lot – both with and to them – however, it tends to
be more of a conversation than a discourse. I enjoy teaching
because I’m nosy! I’ve always been fascinated by the stories
and experiences that each new set of students bring. College
offers much greater opportunities for our students to grow
their learning and I firmly believe that our smaller class sizes
offer the opportunity for a more personal and guided delivery
of material. I am honoured and genuinely touched by the
nomination – it is yet another example of how the students
can surprise you!”
When asked to define the success of the college’s staff/student
relationship, Bob added “it is not easy to define why the
college is successful, but it is due – at least in part – to the fact
that everyone involved in the delivery and administration of
the courses really care about the students and their individual
circumstances. This is tangible and it is recognised by the
students themselves”.
Elaine Munro, Depute Principal said of Bob’s nomination “well
done, we know Bob is an inspiring tutor but it is so rewarding
to be nominated for one of these awards by students – makes
it all worthwhile!”
Award nomination for Argyll College Oban tutor
Your text here students and staff from NHS and Argyll College UHI
Six Campbeltown students – all studying NC Administration – have raised over £300 for their local Argyll
hospital. As part of the Event Planning unit of their course, the students – Andrew Took, Kenny Muir,
Laura-Beth Norris, Mhairi Hendrie, Kirsty McDonald and Marie Mac Brayne – organised a bingo evening
at Stronvaar Bowling Club.
The students had to put into practice their team-working skills as they planned every element of the event
from the theme, venue and the canvassing of local companies for raffle and bingo prizes to health and safety
issues and current legislation with regard to organising charity events. Student Mhairi Hendrie found the
experience very positive – “ there was a lot more involved in organising an event than I had realised. Although
there was a lot of work, I enjoyed learning and gaining new skills. Successfully completing the course means
that I can progress to HNC Administration which I plan to start in August”.
Despite atrocious weather on the 21st March, the local community turned out in force to support the students
and make the event such a success.
Tutor Diane Watering was full of praise for the students, “they have shown total commitment to the course from
the start. As with all event organisation, there is a lot of work that happens behind the scenes in addition to the
admirable work carried out in class. They have been a pleasure to work with and I am very proud of what they
have achieved”.
Several of the students were present on 31st May to present a cheque for £310 to Campbeltown Hospital. The
hospital plan to use the money raised to help purchase an automatic blood pressure monitor.
Students raise funds for Campbeltown Hospital
youth work students engaged in group work
March was a busy time for Argyll College Islay with the delivery – over two weekends – of the
nationally recognised Introduction to Youth Work course.
Tutor Fiona Kalache, Manager of the Mid Argyll Youth Project, travelled to the island to deliver
the course to 11 students who included staff and volunteers from Islay and Jura Youth Action and the peer
education youth group from Islay High School.
Student Janice Carmichael said of the course, “I felt the tutor was very knowledgeable and passionate about
youth work and the course was really well explained and challenging. I learnt a lot and I thoroughly enjoyed
the course. Everything I have learnt will be very beneficial in my new job as Youth Coordinator.”
Tutor Fiona Kalache added “I was delighted to travel to Islay to deliver the course. All the students were
fantastic and it was great to see so many young people participating. They were extremely well mannered
and focussed on the course and a pleasure to tutor.”
Islay and Jura Youth Action – who contributed funds to support the learning experience for the Islay High
School peer group – are looking forward to working with Argyll College UHI and Fiona again and are planning
to offer the course once more towards the end of the year.
Introduction to Youth Work – a successful course for Argyll College Islay
students pictured with their certificates
Peter Harrison and John Everett – both Scottish Canals
employees at the Crinan canal – have successfully completed
the first year of a carpentry and joinery course at Argyll
College UHI’s Construction, Engineering and Renewables
Centre in Lochgilphead.
The Professional Development Award in Advanced
Carpentry and Joinery has been specifically developed to allow those working locally to develop and hone
complex craft specific knowledge and skills which will have immediate application in the workplace.
Kim McAllister, Centre Manager at the Construction and Renewables Centre said, “Argyll College UHI is keen
to create links within our community and with local businesses. Scottish Canals have a need for ongoing
training for their employees and we are able to offer that training locally. It is a productive relationship for
Scottish Canals, their employees and the college and a relationship we are looking to build upon”.
Pictured at the Construction, Engineering and Renewables Centre on 21st May receiving their course
certificates: Peter Harrison, Alex Hurst (Manager, Scottish Canals), John Everett, Kim McAllister (Centre
Manager, Argyll College) and Dino Wright (Tutor, Argyll College)
Success for Crinan Canal employees
Argyll College
One of the Best Workplaces in Scotland
For the third consecutive year
For the third year running, Argyll College
UHI has taken one of the top places in the
Scotland’s Best Workplaces Awards. At a
ceremony on 9th May - at the Grand Central Hotel
in Glasgow - the college was awarded 6th posi-
tion (Medium and Large Business Category) in the
prestigious awards for 2013.
As in previous years, the Best Workplaces Pro-
gramme – the largest of its kind in the world –
surveys both employees and management to get
a holistic view of each nominated organisation’s
HR policies and practices and how these are per-
ceived by employees.
Tom O’Byrne, Chief Executive, Great Place to work
said, “this year’s Best Workplaces have some of
the most engaged employees with three out of
four telling us that they are committed to and
proud of what they do and that they have a great
workplace. I am delighted to congratulate all our
Best Workplaces on their achievement
and thank their leaders for continu-
ing to champion the importance of trust
in the workplace. In the current economic
climate, it has never been more crucial for
organisations to recognise the importance of
creating and maintaining great workplace cul-
tures and how this can improve performance.”
Linda McLaughlan, Argyll College UHI Centre
Manager, Rothesay commented, “at Argyll Col-
lege UHI all the staff are proud of and committed
to the service we provide. The dispersed nature
of our 14 centres makes a supportive working
relationship - amongst staff at all levels - vitally
important. I feel very positive working for a com-
pany which actively encourages me to contribute
ideas and have a hands-on involvement in deci-
sion making."
Argyll College UHI Depute Principal, Elaine Munro,
added “It is a great honour to have been recog-
nised as one of Scotland’s Best Workplaces for the
third year running. People and good communica-
tions are vital to the success of Argyll College UHI.
Our staff contribute to the growth of our educa-
Fraser pictured with students and staff from Dunoon
tional delivery on a daily basis and have the voice to actively influence the direction of the college in
the future. We are a close knit team and it is as a team that we make our college work.”
Argyll College UHI Principal, Fraser Durie said, “This is a really significant recognition of the success
of the college, which has grown enormously over the last ten years to become a major provider of
education and training in Argyll and the Isles. Often as organisations grow there can be a tendency for
them to become more remote and it may make communication more difficult. What this award recog-
nises is that we are a great workplace in Scottish terms, even in these difficult financial times we have
been able to remain positive, improving our standing over last year to be 6th in Scotland! We are very
proud to have represented Argyll as a local employer in this award, we know Argyll is a great place to
work and we are pleased that the college is highlighting that nationally”.
Argyll College UHI was also nominated for the ‘Most Trusted Leadership’ award.
Students work on display
Scenes of wildlife, landscapes and
sunsets - highlighting the beauty of
the natural environment of the west
coast - have been brightening up the waiting
area of a Lochgilphead hospital as Argyll College
photography students hold a silent auction of
their work.
Mike Thompson, Christine Carmichael,
Dianne Frame, Christine MacIntyre and
Moira McKechnie launched a display of their
photographs at Mid Argyll Community Hospital.
The photographs are the result of a 14 week
digital photography course – tutored by Sarah
Wyatt - organised by Argyll and Bute Council’s
adult learning department in partnership with
Argyll College.
Paul Goldie of Argyll and Bute Council said
“the quality of the work is absolutely excellent
and we thought it would be good to showcase
it. The silent auction will allow people in the
hospital waiting area to put their bid in the box
and the proceeds will go to the dementia ward”.
Mike Thomson added that he felt that the
course had given him and his fellow students
more confidence not only in shooting their
photos but also in improving and enhancing
them using Picasa and other software tools.
With thanks to the Argyllshire Observer
Students Hold Silent Auction To Raise Funds For Dementia Ward
Jamie with his work
Jamie Meechan, a 17 year old Argyll College
UHI student has been selected to represent
the college at the Scottish regional heat of
SkillBuild – the UK’s largest multi-trade competition.
The competition, which is managed by CITB, the
Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for
the construction industry, as part of its ongoing work
to bring new
blood into the
construction
industry, is
an annual
event that
sees budding
construction
trainees pitted
against each
other in their
specialist skill.
CITB
Apprentice
Bricklayer,
Jamie Meechan
who attends Argyll College Lochgilphead was
selected to compete in the Bricklaying New Entrant
category of the competition after his tutors noted
Jamie’s considerable talent for the trade.
Commenting on competing, Jamie, who is employed
by MacLeod Construction Ltd said: “It’s exciting to
be competing in SkillBuild, and I’m really looking
forward to showing the judges what I can do. Just
being chosen to compete is a real honour – it shows
that I have potential to go far in the Construction
industry, which makes all of the hard work I’ve put in
worth it.”
The Scottish regional heat will take place at Angus
College on Thursday 18 April 2013 and is one of
15 regional heats taking place around the UK.
The highest scoring competitors could go onto
compete at the three
day SkillBuild UK final,
which will take place
later this year.
Regional Delivery
Manager for CITB
in the Scottish
region commented;
“In addition to
encouraging
excellence and helping
to raise standards in
training, SkillBuild
allows competitors
to showcase their
skills, helping to boost
their confidence and their careers. The construction
industry needs a constant pipeline of talent in order
to meet the demands of the future, and SkillBuild
is a great way to highlight the opportunities in the
industry to other young people.”
For more information about SkillBuild please go to
www.citb.co.uk/en-GB/Careers-in-Construction/
SkillBuild/
Argyll College Student To Compete In Scottish Heat Of Uk’s Largest Trade Competition
The achievements
of Sean Stewart
of Skipness by
Tarbert were publicly
recognised on 28th
February at the 10th
annual Lantra Land-based
and Aquaculture Learner
of the Year Awards, as he
was declared the winner
of the Skills for Work
Award 2013.
Sean recently successfully
completed the NPA
Rural Skills delivered by
Argyll College UHI - in
conjunction with Tarbert Academy
and the Forestry Commission,
Lochgilphead - through the Skills
for Work course scheme.
Presented with the Award for his
work in agriculture in particular,
Sean – who has his own small flock
of sheep – hopes in the future to
study agriculture full-time. Sean
commented “farming has been an
interest of mine for a long time.
Winning this award will enable
me to get closer to college and
ultimately my dream – a farm of my
own”.
Darlene Russell of Argyll College
added “Sean has worked hard
especially in subjects related to
outdoor studies. He is a practical
person and during the school
holidays has spent time helping
out on neighbouring farms and
building up his own flock of sheep.
This award is well deserved”.
Valerie Owen OBE, Lantra’s Chair,
said of the evening: “I applaud all
the finalists who show a real passion
and dedication to training and
the land-based industries. These
awards attract the top learners
from across Scotland every year
who are committed to developing
their skills and knowledge. It is vital
for the future of these industries
and for the wider Scottish economy
that we continue to encourage and
support new entrants.”
Lantra works to ensure that the UK’s
land-based and environmental
businesses have access to the
skills and people they need to
expand and thrive. Similarly, Argyll
College is committed to providing
the training, knowledge, skills and
qualifications to enable the learners
of Argyll and the islands to support
continued growth and strength in
Argyll student Sean Stewart a winner at Lantra’s Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year awards in Scotland
Image below: Darlene Russell, Sean Stewart, Catherine Ralston
21st February saw Health and
Social Care tutor Allan MacDougall
and partner Silvia Jost succeed in
climbing to the roof of Africa.
Allan and Silvia were part of a 25
strong British team who successfully
scaled the tallest free standing
mountain in the world – Mount
Kilimanjaro – to raise money for Carr
Gomm’s ‘Catch the Dream’ fund.
The climb began in Tanzania,
amongst the tropical rainforest
of the foothills, on 16th February
with Allan’s party ascending by the
hardest – yet classic – Machame or
‘Whisky’ route. The glacier swathed
summit was reached five days
later. The journey down proved a
little quicker and less arduous with
Allan celebrating his birthday on
24th February firmly back in the
rainforest.
The group raised a staggering
£35,000 for their chosen charity.
Allan – now safely back in Scotland
– commented wryly, “I wouldn’t
have missed it for all the tea in
China – but I’ll not be doing it again”.
Enough said.
Breath-taking climb to the roof of Africa
The team make the summit.
Argyll College UHI Hairdressing Competition – December 2012
Argyll College hairdressing students were
recently invited to submit entries for the
College’s annual hairdressing awards.
Entries were submitted in four different study level
categories with themes of Hair-Up and Cut and
Colour.
The difficult job of choosing the winners fell to
independent judge – Mark Wheldon of the Mark
Wheldon Salon. The awards were formally presented
at a prizegiving ceremony in Oban on 10th
December.
“The work that was produced was of an excellent
standard. The students showed a great deal of
creative flair in both following and adapting the
emerging looks which are so popular today in the
hairdressing world.” Maria MacKenzie – Hairdressing
Tutor, Oban Centre
The three winners in the senior SVQ3 category –
Janine Ayton, Louise Salmond and Laura Quinn
MacKechnie – have all had their work entered into
the National Wella Exposure competition. We should
find out in the next couple of weeks if they have
been successful.
Siobhan, right, with tutor Julie Baker
The WinnersSVQ Level 3
1st Janine Ayton Dunoon
2nd Louise Salmond Lochgilphead
3rd Laura Quinn MacKechnie Oban
SVQ Level 2
1st Cara Douglas Lochgilphead
2nd Shelly Curran Lochgilphead
3rd Katherine MacCuish Oban
SVQ Level 1
1st Katey Cordinley Oban
Skills for Work
1st Lauren Royal Lochgilphead
2nd Sioban MacNab Islay
3rd Connie Spriddel Lochgilphead
This article recently appeared in The Ileach
Last week, nine local students successfully completed
the inaugural five-day RYA Day Skipper Shorebased
course delivered by Argyll College UHI in Rothesay.
After four days of intensive study, the students all
successfully completed the RYA examination and were
awarded their Day Skipper Shorebased certificates
(picture).
The Course Tutor, Angus Fergusson – an instructor
at sportscotland’s national water sports centre
Cumbrae – was impressed with the wide experience
backgrounds of the students “some had little or no
experience whilst others were keen yachtsmen. Being
able to swap stories and experiences throughout the
course really helped with making the course relevant”.
RYA Success for Local Students
Lewis McMillan, a 15 year old Rothesay Academy
student, commented “What surprised me was how
challenging the course was. The chart work was the
most interesting part of the course for me. I help out
on a fishing trawler and the course is really going to
help me with my job.”
All the students seemed to have enjoyed the course
and one student, Steve Reid, added that he had been
particularly impressed with the professionalism and
patience of the tutor.
This was the first time Argyll College UHI had run this
intensive course in Rothesay and the college is already
taking enquiries for the next course date in February
2013.
RYA Success for Local Students
The meeting was a chance to share views on
education and the priorities for development
throughout our area.
The meeting was also attended by Robin Parker
(President, NUS Scotland), Katrina Paton (President,
University of the Highlands and Islands Students
Association) and Centre Manager Dunoon, Morag
Gilmour.
It was agreed that the local college provides both
access level and skills development courses, as well
as being an academic partner of the University of
the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and, as such, has a
significant role to play within education in our area.
The college is unique in that it educates young
people from the early years at its nursery in Oban,
to graduate and postgraduate study through UHI –
Scotland’s newest university.
Although relatively small, the college has many local
points of delivery. It was seen as essential that the
college continue to support the Argyll communities
Friday 30th November saw the first formal meeting between the new
Argyll College Principal, Fraser Durie and Local MSP and Cabinet
Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Mr Michael Russell.
From left to Right: Mike Russell, Fraser Durie, Katrina Paton and Robin Parker
in order to provide opportunities for development
which would not otherwise be available.
The college offers state-of-the-art communications
and video conferencing capabilities and has the
experienced staff to make effective use of them.
However, a reliable local broadband and mobile
phone network will be vital to support the college in
maintaining and growing this capability.
Mr Russell was able to experience the college’s video
conferencing capabilities first-hand when he joined
a tutor in Dunoon delivering an HND level business
class to a group of students based in Oban. Mr
Russell also met and talked with a group of childcare
students being taught in a more traditional format
in the Dunoon centre.
Mr Russell and Mr Durie took the opportunity
to explore and consider the new educational
challenges facing our specific geographical area.
Argyll College is in the process of completing
an engineering and renewables facility in
Lochgilphead. This is a development specifically to
address the need for local engineering training in
Argyll and the islands and the new and developing
requirements of the national renewables industry.
By training local people, the college will contribute
significantly to the work of our other local partners
to improve the prospects and job opportunities
for the young people of our area, those embarking
upon a career and those looking to retrain.
Tourism has been flagged as a significant area for
further development in Dunoon and throughout
Argyll and the islands. Argyll College is looking
to actively work with local partners, employers,
politicians and local council partners within this
identified business area – amongst others – to
contribute positively to the ongoing economic
development of our area.
Argyll College is a highly successful
training and education provider
serving a unique area in a unique
way. - Michael Russel, MSP
Rothesay Salon Opens
Fraser Durie and Isobel Strong cut the ribbon
On 27th November 2012, the newest Argyll
College Salon - located at Rothesay Joint
Campus - was officially opened.
The new training salon - which has eight work stations -
offers local students the opportunity to study and gain
the practical experience necessary to embark upon a
career in hairdressing.
Current students are studying for SVQ Level 2
Hairdressing - a course designed to develop the skills,
confidence and practical experience needed in a wide
range of salon-based skills.
However, from August 2013 the salon will also be
offering an SVQ Level 3 Hairdressing course, which will
prepare the students fully for employment in the salon
environment.
In addition to SVQ level courses the salon also delivers
Skills for Work courses at Intermediate Levels 1 and 2
for the Rothesay Academy pupils. These two courses
will prepare the students for entry to the SVQ Level 2
Hairdressing course when they complete their school
studies.
The Argyll College Salon is open to the general public
each Wednesday from 11.00am to 6.00pm and Thursday
and Friday from 9.00am to 4.00pm. If you would like to
make an appointment simply contact 01700 503367
and ask to speak to the salon staff.
We also operate training salons in Campbeltown,
Dunoon, Lochgilphead, Islay and Oban. Simply contact
each centre for opening times and contact details.
Above: Weakama Day School and it’s pupils
Staff and students at Argyll College are proud
to have donated almost £6,000 over the last
year in support of the Mary’s Meals school
feeding programme at Weakama Primary School,
Bomi County, Liberia.
Argyll College has committed a percentage of the
income earned from areas – including hairdressing,
catering, commercial courses and nursery provision
– across its 15 centres to support the primary school.
As a result, every member of staff and every student
of Argyll College is providing much needed support
to the pupils of Weakama Primary School every day
of the week, as is each customer of the college’s
hairdressing salons and day nursery.
Education in Liberia was severely affected by two
civil wars – between 1989 and 2003 – and Bomi
County was home to both refugee camps and rebel
strongholds during the wars. Mary’s Meals stated
“by paying the costs of a school feeding programme,
Argyll College UHI are making a huge difference to the
lives of poor children who have lived through all kinds
of deprivation and terrible violence. In particular,
the west of Liberia has suffered greatly over the last
twenty years. Now there is a chance for the lives of
many children to be improved dramatically by giving
them back their childhood and providing them with
hope for the future.”
Weakama Primary School – which currently has 341
children enrolled – has no other outside support apart
from Mary’s Meals. The children are fed a meal of fish,
rice and a vegetable sauce three days a week and a
highly nutritional porridge the remaining two days.
The local community have committed to providing
the fresh vegetables while Mary’s Meals provides the
rice, fish and porridge.
Argyll College UHI – proud to support Mary’s Meals
The school reports that enrolments have gone
up and have also seen the children’s attendance
improving, meaning that more children are
coming to – and staying in – school.
Argyll College UHI shares Mary’s Meals belief
that education can offer communities a better
quality of life – on a daily and long-term basis. It
is committed to making education available to
as many students and communities as possible,
offering local learning yet global thinking.
Many of the 221 students undertaking
full-time courses at Argyll College
UHI over the last year, celebrated
the successful completion of their studies at
a graduation ceremony – held recently at the
Argyllshire Gathering Halls, Oban. The ceremony,
which was attended by many family and friends,
proved to be the highlight of a very busy first week
for new principal Fraser Durie.
“It’s a real privilege to be the new Principal of Argyll
College, which has a substantial and growing
presence throughout Argyll. The college fulfils a
key role in the development of the economy of
this area which I am committed to continuing. We
had students graduating with all levels of award
at the ceremony, including Scottish Vocational
Qualifications and degrees. Graduation is always
a special time for those taking part and the
college staff involved. We recognise the hard work
and dedication of students and the staff who
helped them on their journey. I hope it acts as an
inspiration both to potential students who may
join us but also to current students on that journey.
Our graduation showed very clearly the potential
opportunities provided by the college as an
Academic Partner of the University of the Highlands
and Islands and we will continue, through 2013
and beyond, to develop and nurture exciting
educational opportunities for the communities of
Argyll and the Islands.”
Graduation success for Argyll College UHI students
...our graduation showed very
clearly the potential opportunities
provided by the college...
The ceremony saw the presentation of several special
recognition awards including, the Wilma Campbell
Rose Bowl for Argyll College UHI Further Education
Student of the Year awarded to Thomas Gallagher
of Campbeltown - who recently completed his
Certificate in Agriculture - and the Mary MacKenzie
Memorial Cup for hairdressing, awarded to Ala Korda,
an SVQ2 student from Oban. The Mary MacKenzie
Memorial Cup is awarded to the student who shows
outstanding flair and creativity during their course.
Special mention was also made of Claire Gilpin who
achieved the BA Child and Youth Studies. Claire
initially studied NC Early Education and Childcare
five years ago at Argyll College. She subsequently
progressed to the HNC Early Education and Childcare
gaining an ‘A’ in her graded unit and has now
completed her degree through UHI studying at Argyll
College.
Curriculum Manager, Rena MacDonald commented,
“on behalf of the graduation committee I would
like to thank all the students, and in particular their
families, for taking the time to come to Oban to
celebrate the achievements of the students from
across the Argyll Area. It is not always easy to make
the journey from far flung parts of Argyll but we hope
that it was an enjoyable and vital experience”.
The number of students undertaking full-time
courses at Argyll College UHI has more than
doubled over recent years and student numbers are
continuing to grow consistently on the school-based
Skills for Work courses and vocational courses.
Michael Breslin, retiring principal, who attended the
ceremony on his last day at Argyll College UHI said,
“this has been a memorable afternoon celebrating
the well earned achievements of our students with
their families and friends” and added, “it’s been
a privilege to have had the unique challenge of
starting a new college from nothing. This couldn’t
have been done without the full support of the
college staff so they are due a huge thanks for their
efforts. I am confident Fraser will take the college
forward and I wish him and all the staff my very best
wishes”.
Argyll College UHI is pleased to announce
that Fraser Durie has been appointed to the
post of Principal. Fraser - currently Director,
Educational Development and Executive Director for
Business, Computing and Community Development
at Adam Smith College, Fife - will take up the post
on the retirement of the current Principal, Michael
Breslin, in September 2012.
Making the announcement Andrew Campbell, Chair
Argyll College UHI said "I look forward to welcoming
Fraser both to Argyll and to our college. Fraser
brings with him not only a wealth of experience of
working in both Further and Higher Education but
also, importantly, of working collaboratively with
other colleges and universities. We will continue to
expand our portfolio of courses throughout the year,
delivering additional courses in new areas - including
engineering - as well as expanding the opportunities
for our students in Higher Education as one of the
13 colleges and research institutions that make
up the University of the Highlands and Islands. I
am confident Fraser will make a fine Principal and
a strong leader for our hardworking and award
winning staff."
Fraser, who has already visited some of the
college's 13 centres throughout Argyll and the
Islands, added "I am very much looking forward to
becoming the Principal of Argyll College UHI. It is
an exciting prospect to lead the college onwards
in its development, both as a strong and vibrant
institution and a partner within the University of the
Highlands and Islands".
"Staff form the heart of any college and it is our
responsibility, regardless of job title, to ensure the
delivery of the appropriate education for learners.
Having visited a few of the college centres and
met some of the staff, I am convinced that they
are providing a valued service to their community.
Colleges serve their communities better when there
New Principal confirmed for Argyll College UHI
are strong and positive connections with all external
partners. Having previously developed effective
partnerships - many of which have opened up new
and exciting opportunities for learners - I know how
valuable they are. My challenge will be to take on and
build up the college's existing linkages."
"There are many challenges which face colleges in their
work, not least the local, national and international
economies. In the current climate, colleges are vital
not only in preparing people for new opportunities
but also in providing support for potential economic
development. I am optimistic we can continue to
make a difference and I look forward to fully engaging
with staff and our partners in that endeavour."
Easter Fun Day raises money for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation
David O’Neill, Emma McCrae, Laura Black and
Ashleigh MacMillan – all Working in the
Community students at Oban Centre – have
raised £500 for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation.
One of the central themes of the college’s Working
in the Community course is to organise an enterprise
project in the local community. The four students
unanimously decided that fundraising for charity
would be their project and the charity they would
like to support Yorkhill.
Yorkhill Children’s Foundation provides enhanced
medical equipment and resources which benefit sick
children and babies treated at Yorkhill and within
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. These resources
can include innovative medical equipment,
improvements in child and family facilities and
paediatric research and training.
The Easter Fun Day was held in conjunction with
Atlantis Leisure and events on the day included, egg
rolling, face painting, body zorbing, pool inflatable
fun sessions, a raffle and a Harley Davidson bike
display.
Easter Fun Day raises money for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation...cont
Nick Wesley of Atlantis Leisure worked alongside the
students at all stages of the event – from initial planning
to the day itself - offering invaluable advice and support.
Course tutor Billy Thomson was extremely impressed
with the students drive and enthusiasm for the project
“this was a really big challenge for the group to take on.
They had to work under a fair bit of pressure and despite
a few early wobbles they all worked exceptionally hard
and really brought everything together on the day”.
Despite the fact that they had no funding support and
no experience in this area the students managed – with
much appreciated support from local businesses - to
raise a sum of £500 which they were able to hand over
to Ali Reade of Yorkhill Children’s Foundation.
Yorkhill Children’s Foundation Director of Fundraising,
David Welch added “Yorkhill Children’s Foundation is
extremely grateful to these Argyll College students for
all their hard work and the effort undertaken to raise
such a substantial amount of money which will go a
long way to helping children requiring treatment and
care at Yorkhill Hospital.”
Based on a simple idea that a happier
child is a healthier child, the Clown
Doctors aim to improve the quality
of life for children in hospital. They
use clowning, improvisation, music
and rhythm, games and puppetry
to encourage creativity in the child.
There is a strong focus on multi-
sensory work, particularly music and
sound which is of particular benefit to
children with multiple disabilities and
fully dependent children.
Projects funded by Yorkhill Children’s Foundation
Clown Doctors
MediCinemaMediCinema is the first cinema in a children’s
hospital in the UK. Current releases are shown
twice a week and admission is free. Patients,
including those in beds and wheelchairs, can
attend with their families, friends and carers. This
gives them a much needed escape from the reality
of hospital life and brings the sparkle and glamour
of the movies to an audience who are unable to
attend regular cinema.
Music Specialist Music offers children creative and interactive
opportunities and encourages socialisation with
others whilst learning new skills. The Music
Specialist will work with in-patients and day care
patients throughout the hospital, in groups or
individually. Children can learn to perform on
various instruments and to invent and compose
their own music, developing an understanding
and appreciation of the many styles and periods
of music.