Community learning in Easter Ross has received a boost with the opening of a top class teaching facility in Alness Point Business Park.  The North Highland College has moved part of its operation from River Wynd in Alness to Tern House, and was officially opened today (Thursday 12 June) by Sandy Cumming, chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The move to new premises will allow the college to extend its provision of classes in further and higher education as well as training for members of the public and the business community.

Speaking at the event Sandy Cumming said:  "The future economic development of the Highlands and Islands is hinged upon the ability to equip people with the skills our businesses and communities need to grow and prosper.  This building is a superb learning resource for the community as well as a valuable tool for local businesses seeking training solutions, and I am delighted to have been invited here today."

Tern House has been transformed into a fully equipped learning centre housing the latest in IT equipment and video conferencing facilities. The college's Alness campus now employs 10 full time and 14 part time staff and around 80 students of all ages attend courses in the college on a full and part time basis as well as many more studying at home by open learning.

Helen Haddow, manager of the college in Alness said:  "Today marks a milestone for Alness.  Having a variety of college courses available locally will be an opportunity for learners of all ages to gain new skills or improve their existing skills.  Each person has their own reason for wanting to learn more.  Some may want a small chunk of learning for their own interest, others may want a larger chunk of learning to enable them to take advantage of employment opportunities or to carry on to higher education.  The North Highland College in Alness will work closely with the community to ensure this new learning centre is used to its full capacity."

The new premises have been leased from Ross and Cromarty Enterprise.  It required £343,000 for fitting-out costs and to enable the college to be connected to the UHI Millennium Network ICT infrastructure.  The project also secured an £80,000 UHI Millennium grant and a £138,530 ERDF award.

Gordon Cox, chief executive of Ross and Cromarty Enterprise said:  "We are keen to develop the research and development sector that is currently emerging in Ross-shire and are pleased to have been able to support the college's move to Alness Point.  They are neighbours to some of Ross-shire's most innovative companies, which will hopefully lead to a strengthening of business and academic links between the organisations and foster further development in the area."

The centre was also branded as part of the learndirect scotland network at today's event, with learning services manager Helen McNamara presenting a plaque to centre manager Helen Haddow.

Helen McNamara said: "We are delighted that The North Highland College is part of the learndirect scotland network of 412 learning centres throughout Scotland.  The skilled centre staff support the learning needs of students and this new state of the art facility will enable learners to access a wide range of resources."

The courses available in the college include access to care, childcare, music performance, computer classes 'for the terrified' and the 'not so terrified'.  Courses using more advanced hardware & software will shortly be available and an evening programme of classes will begin in the autumn.  It is also possible to access a range of higher education courses through the UHIMI network, which can studied at home on a flexible basis.