Island firms lead £2.3m university project

WORK is underway on a £2.3 million project to transform the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to transform its North, West, and Hebrides’ Stornoway Campus.The project aims to enhance the facilities and resources available to students and staff at the site, with it also designed to provide more opportunities to local learners, meet the needs of businesses and industries, and attract greater numbers of students to the Outer Hebrides.Stornaway-based O’Mac Construction will lead the works, with the new campus facilities being designed by Isle of Benbecula firm, Fraser Architecture LLP. The project will see the campus’ technology and innovation centre will be transformed as well as a new hub being created for students to socialise.A Newton Room will also be established to provide learning experiences for school pupils in STEM subjects, whilst mobile facilities and equipment will be developed to enhance the university’s outreach offering in the Outer Hebrides.University of the Highlands and Islands North, West, and Hebrides’ principal, Lydia Rohmer, said, “We are all very excited to see work get underway on this vital project. This initiative will help to realise the full potential of the Outer Hebrides as a prosperous and well-educated community which provides equitable opportunities for our young people seeking a future-facing career in STEM industries, delivering educational pathways leading to high value jobs, and supporting island-based employers with work-ready graduates.”Councillor Paul Steele, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, added, “I am delighted to see this project moving ahead as one of the first to get underway as part of the Islands Growth Deal. This exciting project will bring real benefits to students and business in the islands. Congratulations to all those who have worked to get us to this stage.”