Royal visit for college extension opening

Princess Anne, HRH The Princess Royal, will visit the isles this month to officially open Shetland College’s new extension.

The £4.5m development, funded by Shetland College UHI together with Shetland Islands Council, European Regional Development Fund and Scottish Funding Council, provides extra benefits for students and staff, including video-conferencing suites, an internet cafe and a new library.

After the opening on Tuesday 16th, HRH will travel to Mareel to preside over the college’s graduation ceremony and the University of the Highlands and Islands foundation day.

Over 50 people are expected to graduate and the university will celebrate the successes of its students, staff and supporters by presenting honorary awards.

The event will be followed by the University of the Highlands and Islands’ annual lecture which, this year, will be delivered by Scottish musician Midge Ure.

Best known for playing in the bands Thin Lizzy and Ultravox and for co-writing Do They Know It’s Christmas with Bob Geldof, Ure will speak about education and the ability to create change.

Acting principal of Shetland College UHI Irene Peterson said: “The students and staff of Shetland College UHI are very much looking forward to welcoming the university’s chancellor, HRH The Princess Royal, to officially open our new college spaces and to having her preside over our graduation ceremony, joining us in celebrating the successes of our higher education students and a number of our stakeholders.

“Shetland College UHI is also pleased and proud to be hosting the university’s 2014 annual lecture and we are delighted to be welcoming well-known musician Midge Ure to present it.”

Chairman of the Shetland College board, SIC councillor Peter Campbell said: “The investment by Shetland Islands Council in Shetland College UHI is an indication of the Council’s strong commitment to high-quality further and higher education in Shetland – and indeed across the Highlands and Islands.

“The opening of the new extension by HRH The Princess Royal is a wonderful opportunity for Shetland College UHI to showcase its successes and future potential.”