Graduate Rab is a UHI success story

Rab, of Angus Crescent, Fort William, gained his BA rural development studies degree through Lews Castle College UHI on the Isle of Lewis, but was able to study in his home area. He is now part-way through a UHI postgraduate course in managing sustainable development. 

An area manager with Community Energy Scotland, based in Fort William, Rab helps local community and non-profit organisations in West Highlands, Argyll and Bute, Perth and Stirling to develop renewable energy projects.

He commented: "I always had aspirations to return to education of some sort and the UHI degree course offered me a great opportunity to do this without having to move away from home. If it was not for UHI, then it would not have been possible for me. 

"Gaining the degree has been life-changing and a very positive experience that I would recommend to anyone looking to change tack." 

Rab shares the UHI alumnus of the year title 2009/10, created to recognise the achievements of people who studied at UHI, with archaeologist Cait McCullagh from Ross-shire. She gained a degree in cultural studies through Inverness College UHI. 

Rab was nominated by his former programme leader, Michael Smith, who commented: "He has realised his ambition of getting a degree thanks to UHI, and now has a career which he loves. Rab recently did a presentation to our current students and inspired them with his story and the opportunities that opened up for him." 

UHI principal, James Fraser, said Cait and Rab demonstrated the success of the region’s own higher education institution. "We are very proud of them both and the contribution they are making to community life in our region. They exemplify the value of UHI’s innovative teaching system."

They will receive £100 each and an engraved quaich.