David McFarlane

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 2012.

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.

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.”