University of the Highlands and Islands to partner with Celtic Connections

As Celtic Connections draws to a close this weekend, it’s been announced that Scotland’s newest University will team up with the festival next year.

The University of the Highlands and Islands will become a Celtic Connections education partner from 2013.

Speaking about the collaboration, Dr Neil Simco, Dean of UHI’s faculty of arts, humanities and business, said: “I am delighted that the University of the Highlands and Islands is becoming an education partner of Celtic Connections. The partnership makes great sense as many of our courses and research outputs reflect the traditions, culture and heritage of the Highlands and Islands.

“Our work in areas such as Gaelic, Nordic studies, history, fine art, textiles, archaeology, literature and Scottish cultural studies are potential areas for collaboration and our new applied music degree, which will be available from September subject to validation, will also tie in well.”

Celtic Connections’ Director, Donald Shaw, said: “We are pleased to welcome the University of the Highlands and Islands as an education partner for Celtic Connections in 2013. Education is at the heart of the festival and we look forward to working with the university on extending the reach and content of our education programme."

The University of the Highlands and Islands already has strong links with the festival, with representatives having performed at it in the past.
This year will be no exception as an ensemble of its traditional music students and staff prepare to deliver a celebratory concert in honour of the University’s official inauguration.

The event, which takes place from 2pm at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday, will feature 35 students from around the UHI network.

The Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, North Highland College UHI, Perth College UHI and Lews Castle College UHI students will perform pieces by well-known Scottish composers Anna-Wendy Stevenson and Mark Sheridan.

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