First community open day brings family fun to UHI Inverness campus

The UHI Inverness campus was buzzing yesterday (Tuesday, 6 August) when hundreds of visitors attended its Community Open Day.

The event was held on SQA exam results day to allow applicants, prospective students and the wider public to explore the campus and find out more about the courses and support on offer.

One of the highlights of the day was a question-and-answer session with former student Tom Stoltman, the three-time winner of the World’s Strongest Man title. Tom talked about his time as a student and the skills and determination it takes to be a world champion athlete. Visitors to his stall also got the chance to test their own strength on a demonstration Atlas Stone.

Kirsten Grant, Depute Curriculum Leader for Sport and Psychology, Tom Stoltman and Professor Chris O'Neil, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Inverness

The fun activities included a performance by the talented young dancers of  Street Struck Dance, a bouncy castle, face painting, outdoor games, weightlifting try outs and a DJ set.

There were also a number of food and craft stalls, and information tables manned by community partners including High Life Highland, SSPCA, Highland Hospice, Skills Development Scotland, Developing the Young Workforce, CALA, Highlands and Islands Students’ Association, Mikeysline, the Care and Learning Alliance, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and The Calman Trust.

Visitors toured the campus, spoke about course options with academic staff and received advice about applying, funding, support and wellbeing services at the Student Support Centre and The Bothy, the drop-in support venue.

The day was organised to allow applicants and prospective students to talk to staff about their results and the course opportunities available to them. It also allowed members of the public – including many local young families – to visit the campus.

The dancers from Street Struck Dance with Tom Stoltman

UHI Inverness Principal, Professor Chris O’Neil, opened the event by acknowledging that it was a big day for those who received exam results, and he reassured them that staff were available to provide the information and guidance they needed to make an informed choice about their next steps.

Afterwards, he said: “I was delighted to see people of all ages enjoy the festive atmosphere of our Community Open Day and pleased to host so many of our community partners. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our role in the community and I hope many of those who attended will return to our campus as new students.”

• The UHI Inverness campus is open to the public every weekday. The Student Support Centre is based behind reception and is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. The team can be contacted on 01463 273 208, student.support.ic@uhi.ac.uk or by visiting Interested in applying