Celebration of Learning
Eilean Donan Castle Visitor Centre
September 13, 2007
7.00-8.30 pm

Skye & Lochalsh Learning Centre Network (SLLCN) will be announcing the winners of two new awards at this event.

UHI Achievement Award 2007 – an individual who has completed a UHI Course through the Learning Centre Network with one of our academic partners (see list below) during 2006/7.

SLLCN Learner of the Year 2007 – a learner who has completed a course through one of our Learning Centres during 2006/7

Profiles of both winners will be provided after the presentations.  Both live within Skye & Lochalsh and have demonstrated resilience, determination and a keen appetite for learning and achievement in their approach to study.

Skye & Lochalsh Learning Centre Network consists of five learning centres. On the Isle of Skye, we have learning centres based in Columba 1400 at Staffin, the Round Room of Portree High School and another in the Gaelic College, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. In Lochalsh, we have learning centres in both Auchtertyre Community Education Centre and on the Plockton High School campus. All five centres aim to support and encourage learners in their study, offering a relaxing atmosphere to practice new found skills. They offer a range of courses from basic computing to degree level study with traditional community learning classes such as art and languages in between. Some courses are tutored and some are delivered via a combination of self-learning, on-line or distance-learning and through video/conferencing

We are holding this inaugural award ceremony to celebrate the achievements of our learners throughout the region.  Since SLLCN was set up 5 years ago we have supported over 2400 individuals to get back into learning.  At this event we want to recognise all of these, and in particular the 130 individuals who have studied for a qualification or simply learned something new, using the Learning Centre Network.

Opening Speaker will be Robert Muir – Chief Executive, Highlands and Islands Skye & Wester Ross
 

Presenting the Awards will be:

Learning Centre Branding will be presented to representatives the 5 Learning Centres– George Junor, Regional Learning Manager, learndirect Scotland

UHI Achievement Award – Dr Iain Morrison, Head of Lifelong Learning, Student Support and Development UHI Millennium Institute, Executive Office, Ness Walk, Inverness  IV3 5SQ

SLLCN Learner of the Year – Donald MacBeath – Vice Principal, North Highland College

Academic Partners
SLLCN has agreements with the following to deliver a wide range of their courses throughout Skye & Lochalsh:

Aberdeen University `  Donald Paterson
Lews Castle College   
North Highland College - Donald MacBeath - ~Vice Principal
Orkney College
Perth College    Dawne Hodgkison

We are delighted that some of these organisations have been able to send representatives to join us for the evening.

Awards
Both prize winners will receive a hand-painted plate specially commissioned from Uig Pottery and book vouchers.  The nominees will receive commemorative quaichs, also from Uig Pottery.

Contact telephone numbers for further information – or to request notification of the Award Winners:

SLLCN Cheryl MacRae  01599 544496