University of the Highlands and Islands welcomes Moray Growth Deal signing

A multi-million pound investment into Moray’s future prosperity was given the seal of approval by UK and Scottish governments today. Senior ministers from both parliaments signed the Heads of Terms agreement, which paves the way for Moray’s £100m Growth Deal to become reality.

Professor Crichton Lang, interim principal and vice-chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, welcomed the opportunities the growth deal will bring:

“The University of the Highlands and Islands partnership is playing a vital role in supporting the recovery of our region following the COVID-19 pandemic. The nature of employment is changing and we are working with employers, communities and learners to respond to their needs.

“Today’s announcement marks the next stage of an important development for our region. As a flourishing university for the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire we aim to retain, attract and nurture talent in our region to reverse population decline and build innovation and socio-economic prosperity.

“Through our campuses at Moray College UHI and across the region, we offer a full range of further and higher education courses for school leavers and adult returners. We use our strong industry links to ensure our graduates have the skills, qualifications and confidence to thrive in the 21st century workplace.

“The Moray Growth Deal offers exciting opportunities for Moray College UHI and the wider university partnership to work with organisations across the region to support the recovery and development of our communities. We look forward to working with our colleagues at Moray College UHI to deliver the Moray Aerospace, Advanced Technology and Innovation Campus and Business Enterprise Hub projects as part of the deal.”

Further information about the Moray Growth Deal projects can be found at www.mymoray.co.uk. More information will be shared as the projects continue to develop.