Inverness College UHI stalwart marks retirement with approval of two degree courses

One of Inverness College UHI’s longest serving staff members will retire this autumn, however, instead of being down-hearted at his exit, the College are already celebrating his legacy – as the School of Construction and Forestry introduces not one, but two degree programmes.

Head of Construction and Forestry, Angus McLeod, MBE, will retire in October after 40 years dedicated to establishing Inverness College UHI’s School of Construction and Forestry as one of the most influential in Scotland. Awarded an MBE for his significant contribution to Further Education in Scotland back in 2006, Angus recognised early in his career at the College that the North of Scotland was crying out for the provision of Higher Education courses.

Now nearing the end of his tenure, Angus has realised his dream of providing the opportunity for young people in the Highlands to gain a construction degree on their own doorstep, with the approval of the BSc Architectural Technology and BSc Quantity Surveying, for September 2011 and September 2012 entry respectively.

The strength and support of Angus’ stewardship was further underlined when leading Architects and Managing Directors of construction companies in the North of Scotland offered their personal support to the degree courses at the two-day approval event.

As a result, the approval panel – which included accomplished academics from Robert Gordon and Abertay Universities – commended the programme team for their innovative thinking, their fresh approach and enthusiasm towards a programme which will be based on professional practice and ‘real life’ projects.

Angus said: “It took many years to assemble our dynamic team at Inverness College UHI and our students now have a learning experience that in my view will be sector leading for years to come with these degrees as part of the curriculum.

“You can study from higher to degree level with Inverness College UHI and I urge all guidance staff, prospective students or parents thinking about entering higher education to contact my team and see for themselves the transformation which will be complete when we move to the new Campus.”

Brenda Johnson, currently studying HND Architectural Technology, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the degree has been given the go ahead and am looking forward to getting started. It will have all the latest information and technology and the programme is right up to the minute, the latest in Scotland and that is what is needed in a competitive market.”

The news about the degree course brought about a double celebration for John Mair, who decided on a career change two years ago and has just received an A in his HND Architectural Technology. He said: “It’s absolutely tremendous news that the UHI has been approved for a BSc Architectural Technology degree programme.

“It has given all of the students on the existing HND course the chance of further study that they did not think they had when they started the course. In my case, I am very grateful for this opportunity as moving away from the Highlands was not an option for me.”

The announcement kicks off a busy period for Ross Cairns, Programme Leader for Architectural Technology, who said: “Our team led by Angus for many years has focused its efforts on giving its students the best possible learning experience and opportunity to gain employment at the end of their studies.

“These two degree programmes are of strategic importance to UHI, as is the ability to study the field of architecture in a setting such as the Highlands of Scotland. Although Angus has passed on the baton to us, we as a team will ensure that our programmes maintain his aim of opportunity and industry involvement for many years to come.”

The confirmation of the two degree courses was not the only positive news to come from the UHI’s School of Construction and Forestry this week. Senior External Validator for the Scottish Qualifications Authority, Crawford Morton, visited the College to assess the level of student work in the department. Impressed, Mr Morton indicated in his report that it was a “joy to come to Inverness College UHI”.

The instruments of assessment and student submissions were deemed “quite outstanding” and “way above SQA recognised standards”, whilst the staff leading the School were noted as having a “very professional approach” to delivery of education to students.

For more information, contact

Laura McLachlan, Halogen Communications, (T) 0131 202 0120 (F) 0131 225 3757 (E) laura@halogencom.com