Communities across the Highlands and Islands are being asked to play their part in helping shape the area's hi-tech university.

UHI Limited, the company set up to take forward proposals for a University of the Highlands and Islands, is looking to recruit individuals from across the north of Scotland to become members of the company.

They would join representatives of the business, local government, development, health and academic sectors as part of a 70-strong team which will have a vital say in the progression of the UHI project.

UHI chief executive Brian Duffield said strong community links were essential if the UHI plan was to fulfil its potential.

"This is very much a university for the people of the Highlands and Islands and their input at this crucial stage of its development would be most valuable. While public agencies were quick to line up behind the UHI concept, one of the great strengths of the UHI project to date has been the tremendous community support for the idea.

"UHI is keen to capitalise on the enthusiasm and expertise which exists within communities, which will complement knowledge from other sectors such as the business and academic worlds."

UHI is seeking applications across its geographical area - which stretches from Shetland to Perth - to reflect the cultural diversity of the northern half of Scotland. Some 15 individuals would be appointed with two expected to represent the student body of the existing colleges and institutions in the UHI network.

The UHI concept is based on a hi-tech, dispersed campus which unites 11 existing colleges of further education and other specialist institutions across the Highlands and Islands. The Highlands and Islands advanced digital telecoms network would underpin the delivery of education across an area bigger than Belgium by harnessing technologies such as video and computer conferencing for tutorial and administrative functions.

In September, development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise secured a £33.5 million grant on behalf of the UHI project from the Millennium Commission towards the estimated £90 million start-up costs.

According to research by HIE, the university would create over 800 jobs and inject £70 million a year into the Highlands and Islands economy. In addition, it would act as a motor for wider economic and community development and help attract inward investment and jobs to the northern half of Scotland.

It is hoped that UHI will have formal university status by the year 2001.

The eventual 70-strong membership of UHI Limited will meet three or four times a year, usually in Inverness with the first meeting planned for next month.

Individuals interested in becoming a member of the UHI community group should send their name, address, other relevant details and the names of two referees to Margo Taylor, UHI Project Office, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Bridge House, 20 Bridge Street, Inverness, IV1 1. The closing date for applications is Friday, 17 January.

Original article Stornoway Gazette Jan 15 1997.