Learner who overcame time and tide is Argyll College UHI student of the year

A determined student who didn’t let time or tide affect his studies has been named as the Argyll College UHI student of the year.

David McFarlane, a 25 year old from Sandbank, near Dunoon, attended evening classes over two years to obtain an HNC in construction management from the University of the Highlands and Islands. Despite also having a full-time job in the construction industry which involves lots of travel, he never missed a class and consistently produced high quality work.

David’s attendance was also unaffected by having to take a ferry to class. Based at the Dunoon Learning Centre, he studied through Argyll College UHI, part of the university network. He began his course while living at nearby Sandbank, but had to catch a ferry to attend his last few weeks of classes when he moved across the water to Gourock in Inverclyde.

David’s unwavering positive attitude in the face of such circumstances as well as his readiness to support other students was also commended by staff.

Morag Gilmour, manager of the Dunoon Learning Centre said: “David is in full-time employment and the nature of his work means he can be working many miles away from our centre in Dunoon. He consistently attended his studies no matter what distance he had to travel or what conditions the Argyll climate threw at him. He has shown great commitment in circumstances where it would have been very easy to make excuses. He was an excellent student; reliable, competent and always had a smile.”

David said: “I really enjoyed the course and learned a lot from it. At times it was hard going, but it was definitely worth it. The course will benefit me a great deal at work as it gives me more of an insight into all aspects of the construction industry and a better understanding of it all.”

Argyll College UHI director Michael Breslin said: “I’m hugely impressed with David's determination to succeed and I am delighted he has become the Argyll College UHI student of the year. I'd like to wish David all the best in his future career in the construction industry.”

David wins £150 as the Argyll College UHI student of the year. He will be presented with his award at Oban in early October and will go forward as a candidate for the overall University of the Highlands and Islands student of the year award.

Media contact

Susan Szymborski
Communications officer
01463 279222
susan.szymborski@uhi.ac.uk