• Universities

The University of the Highlands and the Islands is a university made up of 13 research institutions and colleges in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. These institutions are defined as the university’s academic partners which can operate both as one body and individually to strategise and decide on their own autonomy.It was founded in 1992 and gained full university status in 2011. Its academic partners are located across Scotland’s highlands and islands, including in Inverness, Perth, Elgin, the Isle of Skye, Fort William, Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles. However, its executive office, or central hub is in the former Royal Northern Infirmary building, Inverness.Encompassing a wide range of both further and higher education, part-time study and online learning, courses range from golf management, science and sustainable mountain development to marine science, Scottish history and fine art, with a huge range in between. It is supportive of the Gaelic culture of the Highlands and Islands, offering Gaelic courses at the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture on the Isle of Skye.A new sports complex is planned for the Inverness campus which will offer facilities for students and staff based on campus, but will also be available for Inverness locals and the community. The students’ association (HISA) offers students the opportunity to participate in many club sports such as basketball, climbing, football, paddle sports, snowsports and mountaineering. HISA also hosts a sports day, Freshers events, student elections, HISA Awards and regional council which includes all 13 academic partners.