Icelandic delegation welcomed at UHI Perth
Strengthening the long‑standing partnership between the institutions
UHI Perth welcomed an important Icelandic delegation from the University of Akureyri and the Municipality of Múlaþing on Monday 16 March, marking an important step in the ongoing consolidation of the long‑standing partnership between the institutions and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). The delegation will continue their visit in Inverness on 18 March, meeting with wider UHI colleagues to further explore academic and strategic collaboration.
They were welcomed by Andrew Parrott, Depute Provost from Perth & Kinross Council, senior staff from UHI Perth, including Catherine Etri, Interim Principal and Chief Executive, who opened the visit, alongside Jill Elder, Depute Principal, and colleagues from curriculum, international partnerships and academic teams. Both Andrew and Dagmar Ýr Stefánsdóttir, Head of Municipality of Múlaþing, expressed strong support for the partnership and its future development. They highlighted the wider civic and regional value of the relationship and proposed the idea of establishing a hub that could support student exchange and create opportunities for collaboration in new disciplines.
In her welcome address, Catherine highlighted the significance of the visit as the first in‑person visit to UHI Perth for most members of the delegation.
"Our collaboration with the University of Akureyri is one we are very proud of. It reflects a shared commitment to opportunity, innovation and the belief that higher education can make a real difference to individuals, communities and regions.
"Although geography separates Scotland and Iceland, our institutions share common values - community, sustainability, and the importance of place. This partnership has grown through trust, shared purpose and genuine friendship."
Catherine also recognised the longstanding relationship with returning visitor Stefan Gudnason, noting his key role in the development of the partnership over many years.
The visit includes a review of progress to date, with particular focus on the MBA programme, currently the most successful collaborative programme between the institutions, with strong student recruitment across recent years. Discussions also centre on sustainability‑related provision, which remains an area of shared strategic interest.
Responding on behalf of the University of Akureyri, Aslaug Asgeirsdottir, Rector thanked UHI Perth for the warm welcome and emphasised the importance of clearly communicating the value and benefits of sustainability-related courses to prospective students. She also expressed hope that both institutions might work together in future on new developments such as micro-credential programmes or social work degrees.
Jill emphasised the importance of the collaboration for UHI Perth: "The partnership began through informal staff connections, but it has grown into a substantial and strategic collaboration. The MBA has been a particular success and today gives us an opportunity to reflect on achievements, review our delivery and student experience, and explore future academic development."
During the visit, the Icelandic delegation discussed programme development and future opportunities alongside potential new programmes and the expansion of existing collaborative areas.