Commissioner for fair access visits Fort William

Scotland’s commissioner for fair access to higher education visited Fort William today (Monday 26 June) to learn about the innovative work taking place across the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Appointed by the Scottish Government in 2016, Sir Peter Scott acts as an advocate for disadvantaged learners, working across the education system to widen access to higher education. A renowned educationalist, he is a Professor of higher education studies at University College London and a former chair of the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s widening participation committee.

Sir Peter Scott visited West Highland College UHI and met with Diane Rawlinson, the university’s vice-principal (further education), Dr Michael Foxley, chair of the Highlands and Islands further education regional board and Lydia Rohmer, principal of West Highland College UHI and the University of the Highlands and Islands' vice-principal (tertiary). He also travelled to West Highland College UHI’s Mallaig Centre.

Speaking about the commissioner’s visit, Ms Rawlinson said: “We were excited to welcome Sir Peter Scott to West Highland College UHI today to share information on our work to reduce barriers to educational opportunities.

“The University of the Highlands and Islands is the only tertiary organisation in Scotland which provides all strands and levels of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. Our partnership of colleges and research institutions allows us to offer seamless pathways from access courses to post-doctoral research. Students can progress from different starting points, across different qualifications in further and higher education and work-based learning without having to leave their home location or local college.

“This model helps us to widen access to all kinds of learners and we are proud to welcome and support students with a wide range of backgrounds, qualifications and life experiences.”