The Lews Castle College UHI is changing its name next month.
The college will be know as UHI Outer Hebrides in a move designed to “better represent the geographic reach” of a college which has campuses in Stornoway, Barra, North Uist, Benbecula and, from August 2022, South Uist.
A consultation process included staff, students and a wide range of stakeholders “demonstrated overwhelming support” for the change of brand name.
Lews Castle College principal, Sue Macfarlane, commented: “We are extremely proud of the history and heritage of Lews Castle College, but we have not operated from the castle for decades and it often causes confusion among those engaging with us at student, business and stakeholder levels.
“It is very important we recognise the breadth and width of the Outer Hebrides and all the island communities we serve.”
She said plans to merge with North Highland College and West Highland College is under consultation with the outcome expected in 2023.
At this stage it is not known whether a merged college will adopt a single brand or retain individual names.
“With this in mind, we have decided to go ahead with our change of name in order to create an identity that is relevant and relatable to communities in all our college locations,” said Ms Macfarlane.
Lews Castle College to change name
7 March 2022
