Fresh look for UHI signals shift to where learning means more

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership has revealed a new visual identity today (Monday) to strengthen engagement with communities and market its offerings more effectively through a connected and recognisable brand family.

As well as new approaches to photography and design, the change features a new logo across campuses, based on the letters UHI, and an embedded plus sign and strapline: ‘where learning means more’.

Ten years on from establishing university status, UHI has built a strong foundation to move into a new strategic chapter founded on a ‘Daring to be different’ ethos, affirming its role as a regionally focused partnership of independent colleges and research institutions covering the largest geographical area of any campus-based facility in the UK.

The new identity represents the first step towards the partnership being more engaged, connected and enterprising in its activity.

“We’re writing a new chapter for UHI with a shift in thinking and an ambition to be more engaged with our communities and enterprising in our activity,” explained Professor Todd Walker, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “Our new visual identity will help position the UHI partnership in a highly competitive local, national and international market.”

The new logo will have an added emphasis of place and location as we celebrate the geographical spread of UHI: UHI Shetland, UHI Moray, UHI North Highland, UHI Outer Hebrides, UHI Inverness, UHI Argyll, UHI West Highland and specialist partners HTC, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and SAMS identified as ‘a partner of UHI’.

“UHI is the collective identity of our partnership,” added Professor Walker. “We’re more than a college and more than a university. We offer many more options to our students than any single college or university can. We want to build pride in UHI because being part of it means we are all much more than we are individually.”

The new identity has been developed in consultation with senior teams and governors across the partnership. Social media sites and web pages will feature a launch film introducing the new look from today, with all UHI systems moving over ready for the new academic year in the early autumn.