Shetland UHI Vesting

Joint press release from Shetland UHI, the University of the Highlands and Islands, Shetland Fisheries Training Centre Trust and Shetland Islands Council.

The project to merge Shetland College UHI, NAFC Marine Centre UHI and Train Shetland reached its conclusion on 01 August 2021 with the vesting of Shetland UHI – the new college for Shetland.

Shetland UHI brings together staff and resources to offer tertiary education, commercial training and research in Shetland and beyond. All the services and expertise offered by Shetland College UHI, NAFC Marine Centre UHI and Train Shetland will continue to be provided by Shetland UHI and there are ambitious plans for expanding provision into new areas in line with Shetland’s economic development.

Professor Jane Lewis, Principal, said: 

“This project has involved a great deal of hard work over several years and I am extremely grateful to all who have been involved for their commitment and effort. I look forward to working with everyone at Shetland UHI, and our partners, to build on the legacies of the merged organisations and deliver inspirational learning, influential training and innovative research rooted in the heart of Shetland’s community”.

Shetland UHI is constituted as a charitable company and is overseen by a Board of Directors, which includes independent Directors and Staff and Student representatives. The Board is Chaired by Davie Sandison. Davie said:

“This is a very significant point in our evolution into the new merged College for Shetland, and it is exciting to look forward to the opportunities ahead of us. I am looking forward to working with the Shetland UHI staff and my fellow Board Members to implement Shetland UHI’s strategies and deliver high-quality education for Shetland.”

Shetland UHI will be an academic partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands. Professor Todd Walker, University of the Highlands and Islands Principal and Vice-Chancellor was pleased to mark the vesting day saying:

“It will strengthen education provision for the communities in Shetland. I look forward to working closely with Jane, Davie and their colleagues to deliver on our shared ambitions and build on our university’s strong relationship with Shetland.”

Irene Hambleton, Chair of the Shetland Fisheries Training Centre Trust, which operates NAFC Marine Centre said:

“While it does feel like the end of an era, there is excitement about the potential for new opportunities as Shetland UHI begins its own journey.”

Peter Campbell, Chair of the Shetland College Board said:

“The 1st of August is a significant day for Shetland. I am delighted to mark the vesting of Shetland UHI and the conclusion of the Shetland colleges merger process. Shetland UHI will greatly enhance Further and Higher Education in Shetland. The new college is in excellent hands with a committed and capable Board and the leadership, experience and enthusiasm of Professor Jane Lewis.”