The Highest University in the Land - 26

Here we see some happy students at HTC.



If you are looking to study the Christian faith in a friendly worshipping community you’ve come to the right place. We are much more than a college in that we believe that theological study reaps the best results when students live a life of faith.

As you study, we will encourage you to worship with us so that, not only will you be able to put your studies into a practical context, but your life will be enriched and, as you share your own experiences of God, you will feel the wonderful benefits of being in His family.

We are a non-denominational theological college in the evangelical and reformed tradition but we welcome all beliefs and theologies. We appreciate that people coming with a diverse range of perspectives adds real value to everyone’s learning experience. In fact, during your course, you will read a wide range of theology across all the main traditions.

Why not enrol on the Access Course in Christian Theology?

The Access Course has two main functions: 1) as an entry course before embarking on the BA programme, and 2) as a stand-alone course for anyone who wants to study the Christian faith but not at degree-level. Many have studied Access just for their own interest, without the intention of progressing to further theological studies.

For anyone who wants to study the Christian faith. Suitable for those new to the faith and those who are long-established in the faith.

No formal qualifications are required for entrance onto the course. Particularly suitable for those wishing to study the Christian faith but who do not have the necessary qualifications for entry to HTC’s BA Theological Studies degree. Other institutions may also recognise this course as an appropriate entry qualification to degree level courses in theology or other disciplines.

Age is no barrier – previous Access students have included school-leavers, pensioners, and all ages in between.

Great for school-leavers who wish to take a year out before going to university.
Work at your own pace. Complete the whole course successfully within two years to gain the ‘Certificate of Access in Christian Theology’ (you will then be eligible to apply for our BA in Theological Studies degree, if you wish) or if you take more than two years you will gain the ‘Certificate of Completion’.

Available in full-time and distance learning modes.

Six modules, each comprising 15 units. Each unit takes about 4 hours to complete.
You don’t have to study all the modules. If you want, you can choose individual module(s) without committing to studying the whole Access Course.

For those studying by distance learning, a pack of materials clearly details how to proceed through the course. The reading for each unit is carefully set out, and students will be guided through a set of activities and instructed when to return written work to their tutor. Personal tutorial support is available to all students, and there is the opportunity to meet with other students at regular Conference Days.

The Highest University in the Land - 25

Here we see Dr Jamie Grant, the Vice Principal of the Highland Theological College UHI.



The Members of Faculty are:

Rev Hector Morrison, Principal; specialising in Old Testament
Dr Jamie Grant, Vice-Principal and PhD Co-ordinator; specialising in Wisdom literature and Biblical languages
Len Cazaly, BA Programme Leader; specialising in Missions and other faiths
Dr Jason Maston, MTh Programme Leader; specialising in New Testament
Rev Prof Andrew McGowan, Part-time Lecturer; specialising in Systematic Theology
Rev Dr Nick Needham, Lecturer; specialising in Church history
Rev Bruce Ritchie, Lecturer; specialising in Church history
Dr Robert Shillaker, Lecturer; specialising in Systematic Theology
Rev Dr Innes Visagie, Lecturer: specialising in Pastoral and Practical Theology

In early 1992 the newspapers carried a story about plans for a new university for the Highlands and Islands. This was not to be a traditional university, built on one or two sites close together. It was to be a collegiate university, made up of a number of colleges scattered the length and breadth of the Highlands and Islands. Most significant, however, was the fact that each college would continue to be self-governing, with its own Board of Management. At the same time, however, they would be linked together to form a university. This created an opportunity which had not existed before; namely, the possibility of a new theological college which would be self-governing but, at the same time, part of a university – the best of both worlds!

Many Christian businessmen and ministers were excited by this news and a small group got together to explore the possibilities of setting up a new theological college as part of the proposed university. Over the next two years the complex process of turning the idea into a reality was carried forward, with the help and involvement of ministers, businessmen, and representatives from the ‘University of the Highlands and Islands Project’.

After a generous offer of accommodation from Dr Robert Chalmers, Principal of Moray College, the final decision to go ahead with the project was taken on Friday 15th April 1994. Dr Andrew McGowan and Rev Hector Morrison were appointed as the first two members of staff of Highland Theological Institute and on 1st August 1994 they took up their posts in a small ‘hut’ in the grounds of Moray College, Elgin.

HTI steadily grew and expanded. In early 1999, through a combination of opportunities and generous provision, HTI was able to acquire its own premises in the town of Dingwall. The name was changed to Highland Theological College and, by the start of the new academic year, HTC had doubled its staff, moved into its new home, and was pleased to welcome another increase in student numbers.

Students (and staff) are attracted from many countries, not just the UK. Student numbers continue to grow year on year. New modules are being developed and added to the curriculum. Research is published in well- respected academic journals. HTC is increasingly being recognised in academic and theological circles as a place of excellence.

17th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today we hear about the feeding the five thousand.



Let us talents and tongues employ,
reaching out with a shout of joy:
bread is broken, the wine is poured,
Christ is spoken and seen and heard.

Jesus lives again; earth can breathe again.
Pass the Word around: loaves abound!

Christ is able to make us one,
at his table he set the tone,
teaching people to live to bless,
love in word and in deed express.

Jesus lives again; earth can breathe again.
Pass the Word around: loaves abound!

Jesus calls us in, sends us out
bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
gives us love to tell, bread to share:
God (Emmanuel) everywhere!

Jesus lives again; earth can breathe again.
Pass the Word around: loaves abound!



Happy Sunday!

The Highest University in the Land - 24

Our journey now brings us to the jewel in the UHI crown - The Highland Theological College (HTC).



Welcome to Highland Theological College UHI – a partner college within the UHI network. Highland Theological College UHI offers you the opportunity to study theology courses at all levels either on-campus or by distance learning.

Highland Theological College UHI exists to provide opportunities for men and women to study the Christian faith, on a full-time, part-time or open learning basis, from an evangelical and Reformed perspective, in the context of a worshipping community.

HTC is evangelical and Reformed in its constitution and teaching and has Westminster Confession of Faith as its subordinate standard.

The Basis of Faith of the Company [Highland Theological College Ltd] and of the members is as follows:

Believing that there is but one only, the living and true God, and that there are three persons in the godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and that these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory and with solemn awareness of accountability to him in all that we feel, think, say and do, we engage in and subscribe to this declaration:

All Scripture is self-attesting and being truth requires the human mind wholeheartedly to subject itself in all its activities to the authority of Scripture complete as the Word of God standing written in the sixty-six books of the Holy Bible, all therein being verbally inspired by Almighty God and therefore without error;

Reformed Theology set forth in the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms is the system of doctrine taught in Scripture and, therefore, is to be learned, taught and proclaimed for the edification and government of Christian people, for the propagation of the faith and for the evangelization of the world by the power of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have a gospel to proclaim
Good news for men in all the earth;
The gospel of a Saviour’s name:
We sing His glory, tell His worth.

Tell of His birth at Bethlehem,
Not in a royal house or hall
But in a stable dark and dim:
The Word made flesh, a light for all.

Tell of His death at Calvary,
Hated by those He came to save;
In lonely suffering on the cross
For all He loved His life He gave.

Tell of that glorious Easter morn:
Empty the tomb, for He was free.
He broke the power of death and hell
That we might share His victory.

Tell of His reign at God’s right hand,
By all creation glorified;
He sends His Spirit on His Church
To live for Him, the Lamb who died.

Now we rejoice to name Him King:
Jesus is Lord of all the earth.
This gospel message we proclaim:
We sing His glory, tell His worth.

The Highest University in the Land - 23

Today we are visiting Moray College UHI.



With over 8600 students, Moray College provides a wide range of courses, from Management to Fine Art, from Computing to Environment and Heritage, from Rural Development to Complementary Therapies.

The rich landscape and energetic community of the surrounding area form a key component of many courses, through study tours and work placements.

The College has a commitment to bring out the very best from its students, at all the various levels of attainment, and some of its proudest moments are in following the subsequent careers of so many of them. It seeks to provide the skills and knowledge and ways of thinking to shape a new generation, and warmly welcomes students from all places and all age groups and all walks of life.

The Highest University in the Land - 22

Today we are visiting NAFC Marine Centre UHI, which is located on the Shetland Islands.



The NAFC Marine Centre's core mission - since it was first opened in 1992 - remains unchanged: to support Shetland's maritime industries. These industries are key components of the islands' economy and, in the present challenging times, that support is more vital than ever.

Our Services:

Delivering high quality accredited and bespoke training
Conducting applied research and development
Supporting industry growth and innovation through consultancy and knowledge exchange
Engaging with the wider community, of which we are a part
With an ever-increasing reputation for high quality Fisheries and Merchant Navy training, our professional team of staff teach a range of courses in the subject areas of nautical, engineering and marine science, as well as developing and delivering a variety of bespoke industry-related short courses.

Applied research and development is conducted in collaboration with industry and other stakeholder partners. Such programmes provide answers to key questions, develop knowledge, technology or best practice to help drive the industries forward.

Value for money and impact from investment in R&D through knowledge transfer is increasingly important in a competitive Europe. As part of our mission to support industry development and innovation in Shetland and wider Scotland, we offer a range of 'commercial' services from consultancy to knowledge exchange/commercialisation of research outputs.

We also place great value in the communities that surround us and invest time and resources to reach out and engage with people of all ages so that they have a better understanding of the marine environment, its importance, and the people who make a living from it.

Our clients include the nautical, fisheries, engineering, aquaculture and scientific sectors, and other emerging industries that may contribute to sustainable development.

The Highest University in the Land - 21

Today we are at Shetland College UHI. Our photo shows the cutting of the first turf for the new extension to the main building.



Shetland College is Scotland's most northerly partner within UHI and offers students in Shetland the opportunity of studying further, higher and degree level courses. It is now possible to study courses in Shetland which previously would have only been available if you were prepared to leave Shetland.

Furthermore, many of the courses offered can be studied in a flexible manner thus increasing opportunities and access to learning. It may be possible to undertake the course of your choice from one of the five local learning centres so please enquire if that is what you would like to do.

We are a student-centred college determined to provide high quality learning. Indeed our teaching and learning has been consistently held in high regard by external assessors and we are rightly proud of that. However, we are committed to improving the quality of what we offer and therefore we routinely assess and evaluate the quality of our courses to ensure they continue to meet the student's needs.

Shetland College UHI's main campus is located in Gremista, Lerwick, the main town in Shetland. Here you can find our library, canteen and textile facilitation unit, which are all open to the public. This campus is also the main base for our Business and Management, Community Learning, Computing, Construction, Counselling, Creative Industries, Health and Care, Heritage and Hospitality and Tourism Sections.

Other college bases include: Gutter's Hut, North Ness Business Park - the location of the Health and Care SVQ Centre; The Bruce Hostel, Gressy Loan - where our Hospitality section's kitchens are located, and Blyde Haven Nursery, also based at Gressy Loan.

Happy Feast!

The Highest University in the Land - 20

Today we are visiting Orkney College UHI.



Campuses
There are two main sites for Orkney College UHI.

1 - Main campus
The main campus is situated in Kirkwall overlooking Kirkwall bay with a beautiful view towards the North Isles.

The site consists of:

The main Orkney College UHI building
The Construction building
Carpentry and Joinery building
The Agronomy and Agricultural buiding

2 - Stromness Maritime campus
Situated on a harbour front location, the Maritime building sits at the centre of Stromness with views across the harbour and further towards Hoy.

The Highest University in the Land - 19

Today we are visiting North Highland College UHI.



The aim of The North Highland College is to serve the communities of the far north. Our main campus is in Thurso on the north coast of Scotland, with further sites across the region including Wick, Alness, and Dornoch. Each of these sites has its own distinctive curriculum profile.

In addition we offer flexible outreach training and education opportunities in community learning centres across the area. Our portfolio of courses available for study online is also growing in both volume and reputation.

Below we see Ross House at Dornoch.



Ross House is set close to the impressive Dornoch beach area, within yards of Royal Dornoch Golf Course (rated the 10th best course in the world by World Golf Magazine, 2000). It is the base for our renowned golf programme, offering as it does full time courses in golf studies and golf management up to BA Honours level; in addition we offer part time / online courses in golf management as continuous professional development.

16th Sunday of Ordinary Time

In the gospel today, Jesus invites us to have a time of rest.



O day of rest and gladness, O day of joy and light,
O balm of care and sadness, most beautiful, most bright:
On Thee, the high and lowly, through ages joined in tune,
Sing holy, holy, holy, to the great God Triune.

On Thee, at the creation, the light first had its birth;
On Thee, for our salvation, Christ rose from depths of earth;
On Thee, our Lord, victorious, the Spirit sent from heaven,
And thus on Thee, most glorious, a triple light was given.

Thou art a port, protected from storms that round us rise;
A garden, intersected with streams of paradise;
Thou art a cooling fountain in life’s dry, dreary sand;
From thee, like Pisgah’s mountain, we view our promised land.

Thou art a holy ladder, where angels go and come;
Each Sunday finds us gladder, nearer to heaven, our home;
A day of sweet reflection, thou art a day of love,
A day of resurrection from earth to things above.

Today on weary nations the heavenly manna falls;
To holy convocations the silver trumpet calls,
Where Gospel light is glowing with pure and radiant beams,
And living water flowing, with soul refreshing streams.

New graces ever gaining from this our day of rest,
We reach the rest remaining to spirits of the blessed.
To Holy Ghost be praises, to Father, and to Son;
The church her voice upraises to Thee, blessed Three in One.

I do like this hymn!



Happy Sunday!

The Highest University in the Land - 18

Today we are visiting Lews Castle College UHI.



Lews Castle College has over 2,700 students, more than 60 full-time and 80 part-time courses, in excess of 30 HNCs, HNDs, degrees and postgraduate programmes, and at least 200 evening classes offered throughout the Hebrides. Impressive statistics which sum us up in a nutshell - we take your education seriously.

Our main campus in Stornoway sits in 600 acres (240 hectares) of parkland overlooking Stornoway Harbour. Stornoway is the principal town of the Western Isles and is home to fantastic sports facilities, a brilliant local arts centre and the internationally renowned Hebridean Celtic Festival.

We have been educating the people of the Outer Hebrides and students from all over Scotland for over fifty years (est. 1953), originally in the historic Lews Castle, now in brand new campuses, as a part of the UHI, Scotland's newest and most exciting higher education institute. We offer post-school education at every level, right up to Ph.D.

The Highest Univesrity in the Land - 17

Today we are at Sabhal Mor Ostaig UHI.



In choosing to study at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig you are choosing to come to a Gaelic campus at the heart of the community where many people still use the language in their daily lives. You will be immersed in Gaelic, from classroom-based learning to daily life, and will have the best possible chance to learn and use the language.

The College campus is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland, on the southern peninsula of Sleat on the Isle of Skye. You will find many benefits at a small, rural college like Sabhal Mòr Ostaig that you might not get in a larger, urban location.

You will be coming to a college with small class sizes, where you can speak to teaching staff on a regular basis and where you will find all the academic and personal support you could need to fulfil your potential.

You will have access to exceptional learning, IT and research facilities with an outstanding library, dedicated computer labs and purpose built recording and broadcast studios all on campus. You can also choose to live in our excellent student accommodation, which offers comfortable study bedrooms with en-suite shower facilities and free wi-fi access.

You will be an important part of a warm and friendly community, with a shared ambition to contribute to the growth and vitality of the Gaelic language and culture.

And of course, you will make friendships that last a lifetime.

The Highest University in the Land - 16

Today we are visiting the West Highland College UHI. Our photo shows the Fort William Centre.



West Highland College UHI offers you the opportunity to participate in high quality lifelong learning right up to degree and postgraduate level, wherever you live in the highlands. With no single, central campus, our college centres throughout the West Highlands of Scotland, from Ullapool in the north to Kinlochleven further south, offer learners opportunity and variety in learning styles and subjects.

Focussing on the Fort William Centre, offering a wide variety of courses from evening and leisure classes to BA (Hons), West Highland College UHI is situated in the heart of Fort William. Our main building offers a welcoming, relaxed and supportive learning environment for its students as well as comfortable accommodation for meetings and events. The site has grown in recent years to house a library, large video conferencing suites, training kitchen and sound studio to cater for the needs of our students and the wider community.

Facilities

On-site library (9am to 9pm Monday -Thursday 9am to 5pm Friday 10am to 3pm Saturday)
Video Conferencing Suites accommodating 1 person to groups of 50
Training Kitchen open 9am to 3pm with lunch being served between 12.15pm and 1.45pm
Wi-Fi throughout the building
Music Recording Studio
Meeting Rooms accommodating 2 people to groups of 50

Opening Hours

Monday - Thursday 8.30 am to 9 pm
Friday - 8.30 am to 5 pm

Here we see some students hard at work!

The Highest University in the Land - 15

We are now at NAFC Marine Centre UHI.



Are you passionate about marine science? Do you want to study in an area with an enormous wealth of marine and coastal environments on your doorstep?

Study the BSc (Hons) Marine Science degree at the Scottish Association for Marine Science UHI (SAMS UHI) in Oban and you will examine many of these ecosystems and habitats first hand with access to scientists and technology at the leading edge of marine science research.

The facilities of this internationally renowned marine laboratory and the ready access you will have to experts in the field will be a great springboard to success in your future marine science career.

Special features
The coastline around Oban is the ideal location for studying marine science
You will have access to the facilities of an internationally renowned marine laboratory
Independent research projects and field courses form a key part of your studies
Excellent staff to student ratio
Opportunity to spend one or two semesters at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) in the Arctic Circle

Jill McColl is a student at the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS), part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. She is studying BSc Marine Science with Arctic Studies, and in this video she describes what its like to study the course at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), located in the Arctic!

The Highest University in the Land - 14

Today we are visiting Argyll College UHI. Argyll College UHI is proud to be an academic partner of Scotland's new university, The University of the Highlands and Islands. Argyll College UHI provides a range of courses over a wide range of subjects and delivers these at your local campus in Argyll.



Here are some of the courses on offers at the Oban Centre of the College.

FULL TIME COURSES
ALL FULL TIME COURSES SHOWN BELOW START AUGUST 2012.

Many of these are also offered on a part time basis.

Hairdressing - SVQ Level 2 and 3
NC Sound Production
NC Digital Media Computing
NC Administration
HNC Administration and Information Technology

Childcare courses:
Towards a Career in Childcare (TACC)
Children's Care, Learning and Development - SVQ levels 2 and 3
NC Early Education and Childcare
HNC Early Education and Childcare

Cookery courses:
Food Preparation and Cookery - SVQ level 1
Professional Cookery - SVQ levels 2 and 3

Land based courses:
Introduction to Horticulture - this is a short full time course which starts w/c 29th August and w/c 6th February

Short full time courses

NC Travel and Tourism - starting w/c 31st October
Working in the Community - starting Jan 2012

The Highest University in the Land - 13

UHI consists of 13 constituent colleges as shown on the map below.



We shall visit each in turn, starting tomorrow at Argyll College UHI. But first, let us listen attentively to James Fraser, our Principal and Vice-Chancellor.

Virtual realities - UHI's first virtual conference from UHI on Vimeo.

15th Sunday of Ordinary Time

In today's gospel we hear about Jesus sending out the twelve.



Thy hand, O God, has guided
thy flock, from age to age;
their wondrous tale is written,
full clear, on every page;
thy people owned thy goodness,
and we their deeds record;
and both of this bear witness;
one Church, one Faith, one Lord.

Thy heralds brought glad tidings
to greatest as to least;
they bade men rise, and hasten
to share the great King's feast;
and this was all their teaching,
in every deed and word,
to all alike proclaiming
one Church, one Faith, one Lord.

When shadows thick were falling,
and all seemed sunk in night,
thou, Lord, didst send thy servants,
thy chosen sons of light.
On them and on thy people
thy plenteous grace was poured,
and this was still their message,
one Church, one Faith, one Lord.

Through many a day of darkness,
through many a scene of strife,
the faithful few fought bravely,
to guard the nation's life.
Their gospel of redemption,
sin pardoned, man restored,
was all in this enfolded:
one Church, one Faith, one Lord.

And we, shall we be faithless?
shall hearts fail, hands hang down?
shall we evade the conflict,
and cast away our crown?
Not so: in God's deep counsels
some better thing is stored;
we will maintain, unflinching,
one Church, one Faith, one Lord.

Thy mercy will not fail us,
nor leave thy work undone;
with thy right hand to help us,
thy victory shall be won;
and then, by all creation,
thy name shall be adored,
and this shall be their anthem:
one Church, one Faith, one Lord.



Happy Sunday!

The Highest University in the Land - 12

Once the Academic Procession reached UHI Headquarters it found that a marquee had been erected in the grounds for the reception. The Chancellor of The University of the Highlands and Islands chatted to guests before leaving Inverness.



It is fair to say that we are very blessed having Princess Anne as our First Chancellor. She is also Chancellor of the University of Cambridge and the University of London. Perhaps one day we will be ranked in the same league - who knows?!

The Highest University in the Land - 11

The joyful procession continues along Ness Walk to UHI Headquarters. You can clearly see the Provost of St Andrew's Cathedral in the centre of the photo. Students and junior University Staff lined the route and cheered!



She'll be coming 'round the mountain when she comes,
She'll be coming 'round the mountain when she comes,
She'll be coming 'round the mountain,
Coming 'round the mountain,
Coming 'round the mountain when she comes.

Singing ey, ey, yippee, yippee, ey.
Singing ey, ey, yippee, yippee, ey.
Singing ey, ey, yippee,
Ey, ey, yippee,
Ey, ey, yippee, yippee, ey.

The same structure is repeated with the following verses:

She'll be drivin' six white horses when she comes, etc.

Oh we'll all come out to meet her when she comes, etc.



Let us not forget, the Chancellor represented Great Britain at horse riding in the 1972 Olympics!

The Highest University in the Land - 10

The Academic Procession is underway. Fortunately, it did not rain!



Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!

Refrain

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

Refrain

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Refrain

What the saints established that I hold for true.
What the saints believèd, that I believe too.
Long as earth endureth, men the faith will hold,
Kingdoms, nations, empires, in destruction rolled.

Refrain

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.

Refrain

Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.

Refrain

The Highest University in the Land - 9

The Mace Bearer and the Chancellor lead the Academic Procession from St Andrew's Cathedral to UHI Headquarters.



Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising,
Give me joy in my heart, I pray,
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising,
Keep me praising 'till the break of day.

Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King of kings!
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King.


Give me love in my heart, keep me serving,
Give me love in my heart, I pray.
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving,
Keep me serving 'till the end of day.

Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King of kings!
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King.


Give me peace in my heart, keep me resting,
Give me peace in my heart, I pray.
Give me peace in my heart, keep me resting,
Keep me resting 'till the end of day.

Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King of kings!
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King.

The Highest University in the Land - 8

There is joy all round as the Chancellor receives the Letters Patent from Lord Lyon King of Arms.



The student President looks very proud as he witnesses this great moment. Yes, we truly are a University!

Now thank we all our God,
with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things hath done,
in whom his world rejoices;
who from our mother's arms
hath blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God
through all our life be near us,
with ever-joyful hearts
and blessèd peace to cheer us;
and keep us in his grace,
and guide us when perplexed,
and free us from all ills
in this world and the next.

All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given,
the Son, and Holy Ghost,
supreme in highest heaven,
the one eternal God,
whom earth and heaven adore;
for thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.



It was now time for the blessing by the Bishop and the festal procession from the Cathedral to UHI Headquarters.

The Highest University in the Land - 7

The Chancellor showed real delight as Lord Lyon King of Arms prepared to present her with the new Coat of Arms of the University.



The Court of the Lord Lyon is the heraldic authority for Scotland and deals with all matters relating to Scottish Heraldry and Coats of Arms and maintains the Scottish Public Registers of Arms and Genealogies.

The Lord Lyon King of Arms is also responsible for State Ceremonial in Scotland.

14th Sunday of Ordinary Time

In the gospel today we read about Jesus going to the synagogue on the Sabbath day.



For Christians, Sunday is the Lord's Day, and we too go to worship in church.

Praise to the Lord, the almighty, the King of creations;
O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation:
All ye who hear,
Now to his temple draw near,
Joining in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shieldeth thee gently from harm, or when fainting sustaineth:
Hast thou not seen
How thy heart's wishes have been
Granted in what he ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend thee:
Ponder anew
What the Almighty can do,
If to the end he befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him!
Let the Amen
Sound from his people again:
Gladly for ay we adore him.



Happy Sunday!

The Highest University in the Land - 6

Everyone listened very attentively as the Chancellor addressed the assembly.



1. Now as I start upon my chosen way,
In all I do, my thoughts, my work, my play;
Grant as I Promise, Courage, Lord for me
To be the best, the Best that I can be.

2. Help me to keep my Honour shining bright
May I be loyal in the hardest fight;
Let me be able for my task and then
To earn a place among my fellow men.

3. Open mine eyes to see things as I should,
That I may do my daily turn of good
Let me be ready, waiting for each need
To keep me clean in thought and word and deed.

4. So as I journey on my chosen way,
In all I do, my thoughts, my work, my play,
Grant as I Promise, Courage, Lord for me
To be the best, the Best that I can be.

The Highest University in the Land - 5

The Chancellor was resplendent in her new robe as she moved to the lectern to deliver her address.



From Thee all skill and science flow,
All pity, care and love,
All calm and courage, faith and hope;
O pour them from above.

And part them, Lord, to each and all,
As each and all shall need,
To rise, like incense, each to Thee,
In noble thought and deed.

And hasten, Lord, that perfect day
When pain and death shall cease;
And Thy just rule shall fill the earth
With health, and light, and peace.

When ever blue the sky shall gleam,
And ever green the sod;
And man’s rude work deface no more
The paradise of God.

The Highest University in the Land - 4

This photo shows that wonderful moment when Nathan Shields, the UHI Student President, presented The Princess Royal with the Chancellor's Robe.



This is not the first time that Nathan has made a presentation to a VIP during the current academic year. Back in September 2011, he presented me with the award for the Most Innovative Lecturer at UHI. I am not sure which occasion he treasures the most!

The Highest University in the Land - 3

Here we see Her Royal Highness being greeted by the Principal.



You can see the Chancellor's Robe, which will shortly be laid on the shoulders of the new Chancellor. On the back row of the choir we see the Provost of St Andrew's Cathedral on the far right, and the Bishop of the Diocese of Moray, Ross & Caithness (Rt Rev Mark Strange) sitting on his throne on the far left side. The Bishop has his own blog, and perhaps I can quote directly from it in his own words:

The Diocesan Team headed off to General Synod on the Wednesday but for the first time in years I wasn’t with them. I was missing the first day of Synod to be in the Cathedral. The Princess Royal was to be installed as the first Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands and the ceremony was taking place in our Cathedral in Inverness. I was asked to lead in the Academic Procession, to preside from my seat and to offer the final Blessing. We had a great afternoon, all sorts and conditions being present and one more step on this exciting academic journey in the Highlands.

I left the reception and had to make a hasty trip to meet Jane at Bishop Eden’s Primary School so that we could catch the train to Edinburgh. Linda, my sacristan, was also arriving to take away the formal robes and to get us to the station. It is amazing how quickly the traffic stopped on Tomanahurich Street when a fully robed bishop rushed across the street, the shoppers in Tesco’s looked bemused and everyone smiled and said hello. We made it to the station, just and after a change at Perth arrived at our hotel just as the Diocesan Dinner started it’s main course, phew.

The Highest University in the Land - 2

Thursday 7 June 2012 was a day of great importance for the University. HRH The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) was installed as the first Chancellor of UHI.



The ceremony was held in St Andrew's Cathedral in Inverness, and here we see the Vice-Chancellor and Principal greeting Her Royal Highness. In the background we can see the Provost of Inverness Cathedral waiting to lead the party into the Cathedral.

Happy Feast!

The Highest University in the Land - 1

The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and St Andrews may well be older, but UHI (the University of the Highlands and Islands) can surely claim to be the highest university in the land. Here we see the Coat of Arms of the new university.



The University of the Highlands and Islands has unveiled its coat of arms. Granted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the official responsible for heraldry in Scotland, it has been designed to reflect important aspects of the university.

A compass rose with a fleur de lys indicating north denotes the university’s location, while two open books symbolise learning. The university’s partners are represented by 13 hazel leaves, a tree associated with wisdom in Celtic and Norse tradition.

I am proud to be associated with this great new university.

13th Sunday of Ordinary Time

At long last, we are well and truly back into Ordinary Time, and we read in the gospel today about the raising of the daughter of Jairus. Jairus was of course the local synagogue attendant.



Here is a song with an Old Testament theme which I'm sure she would have loved!

The Lord said to Noah
there's gonna be a floody floody
Lord said to Noah
there's gonna be a floody floody
Get my children (clap)
out of the muddy muddy
Children of the Lord.

Chorus
So rise and shine
and give God the glory glory
Rise and shine
and give God the glory glory
Rise and shine and (clap)
give God the glory glory
Children of the Lord.

The Lord said to Noah
you're gonna build an arky arky
Lord said to Noah
you're gonna build an arky arky
Build it out of (clap)
gopher barky barky
Children of the Lord.

Sing chorus

The animals, they came on
they came on by twosies twosies
Animals, they came on
they came on by twosies twosies
Elephants and (clap)
kangaroozies roozies
Children of the Lord.

Sing Chorus

It rained and poured
for forty daysies daysies
Rained and poured
for forty daisies daisies
Drove old Noah (clap)
almost crazy crazy
Children of the Lord.

Sing Chorus

The sun came out
and dried up the landy landy
Sun came out
and dried up the landy landy
Everything was (clap)
fine and dandy dandy
Children of the Lord.

Sing Chorus



Happy Sunday!