James Turner

"My journey with the University of the Highlands and Islands began in 2014. At the time, I was homeless and working in a part-time job that offered little prospect of progression or opportunity to change my circumstances. Considering my future carefully, I applied to study Sustainable Development at Lews Castle College UHI in order to change careers.

I loved studying Sustainable Development. I was fortunate enough to be offered a job in my field midway through my third year! I hadn’t even graduated, and already had the opportunity to put my newly acquired skills into practice. In December 2018 I joined the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust as Community Engagement Assistant, continuing my degree part-time.

I moved to the Highland Third Sector Interface (HTSI) in January 2019, having completed all of the academic modules of my degree. There I helped develop the Conon Bridge and Dingwall Locality Plans and facilitated several activities in response to community feedback.

I graduated in October 2019 and in November I joined Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as a Development Manager working with community groups and social enterprises in the Inner Moray Firth area. When the pandemic struck in March 2020, although I was still new, I was working to identify community groups across the Inner Moray Firth area who were developing and delivering relief efforts to those in need in their communities so that we could direct Scottish Government funding to assist in these efforts.  As I write this now, it all still seems a bit of a blur, but I'm proud to know that I have played a key role in helping Highland communities during this time."