By December 2008 work on the conservatory was complete and top soil had been laid on the garden.
However, winters here can be severe, and there was no opportunity to start work on the garden until Spring 2009.
This delay was fortunate, because the firm which Helen Cheese-Probert of Hammersmith had sent my £1,000 leaving present to were incapable of doing the sort of work I required! By some means or other I was able to get the money back from them - I think the threat of early morning phone calls from Hammersmith did the trick! The funds were duly transferred to my next door neighbours (who happen to be landscape gardeners) and plans were drawn up for work to start in April 2009.
In the meantime, the 40 days of Christmas were celebrated with due festivity in a cold and frosty conservatory. The frost you see on the branches of the Christmas tree was the real thing!
Monday 20 October 2008 - the day I took up residence in Inverness.
This is the scene which greeted me when I took possession of my new home at 9.30 am following an overnight journey on the Caledonian Sleeper from London. The boundary posts were being sunk and the garden fencing erected. Not much of a garden.
Even the view from the new conservatory was pretty depressing!
Here we see my garden - before any work had begun!
My house is the one in the middle - with the French windows on the ground floor. These will lead into a conservatory - which was yet to be built.
This is the back of the houses, not the front. The van is parked in what will my next door neighbours back garden! This photo was taken on Tuesday 26 August 2008 - almost 4 years ago to the day!
This photo was taken in May 2008 - and it shows the roof of my new house. For some odd reason, the roof appeared before the walls of the house were built. The main garden will eventually be created at the back of the house.
In fact, I have just discovered a photo of 'the house' before the roof was constructed - just a concrete base.
It is hard to believe how things have changed in only 4 years!
Once again we are invited to join with the congregation in Crathie Parish Church for Divine Service. We follow the Order of Service from a Sunday at the beginning of August.
Today, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh (who are staying at Balmoral Castle) will be joining the congregation for Divine Service at 11.30 am. This is the private side door they will use to enter the church.
GATHERING WORDS
They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and be not weary; they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
Min: The Lord is risen!
All: He is risen indeed!
Min: This is the day that the Lord has made
All: We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Min: The Lord be with you!
All: And also with you
Hymn 100 O Lord, thou art my God and King
PRAYER OF APPROACH
AND LORD’S PRAYER (‘debts’)
THOUGHT FOR ALL AGES
with Dr Alan Gibb
THOSE WHO WAIT ON THE LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall rise up on wings as eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint;
help us, Lord; help us, Lord; on your way.
THOSE WHO SERVE THE SUFFERING WORLD ...
THOSE WHO DIE ON THE MARCH ...
THOSE WHO LIVE THE RISEN LIFE ...
(Younger children may leave for the Crèche)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Holy and merciful God, today in your presence we confess our sinfulness, our shortcomings, and our offenses against you. You alone know how often we have sinned in wandering from your ways, in wasting your gifts, in forgetting your love. Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we are ashamed and sorry for all we have done to displease you. Forgive our sins, and help us to live in your light, and walk in your ways, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour. AMEN.
(A short silence will be kept)
ORGAN PRELUDE
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: 2 Psalm 145:1-4, 10-18
I will extol thee, my God, O king;
and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
Every day will I bless thee;
and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall praise thy works to another,
and shall declare thy mighty acts.
All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD;
and thy saints shall bless thee.
They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
The eyes of all wait upon thee;
and thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest thine hand,
and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways,
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,
to all that call upon him in truth.
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON: Ephesians 3:14-21
14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
DOXOLOGY
(Hymn 813 All praise and thanks to God)
SERMON
‘Paul’s Prayer - Whispered yet Overheard’
Hymn 622 We sing a love that sets all people free
OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION
Hymn 519 Love divine, all loves excelling
Love Divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven, to earth come down,
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
All thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesu, thou art all compassion,
Pure unbounded love thou art;
Visit us with thy salvation,
Enter every trembling heart.
Come, almighty to deliver,
Let us all thy grace receive;
Suddenly return, and never,
Never more thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve thee as thy hosts above,
Pray, and praise thee, without ceasing,
Glory in thy perfect love.
Finish then thy new creation
Pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see thy great salvation,
Perfectly restored in thee,
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise!
It has just been announced that the Scottish Government has funded an additional 1,000 places at UHI.
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) will boast record numbers of students and generate an estimated £22.5 million into the economy after the Scottish Government invested £5.5 million to fund 1,000 additional places.
The extra places were created as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensure every 16 to 19 year old in Scotland has a place in learning or education.
The economic value has been evidenced by an independent report showing that every £1 invested in UHI returns £4 to the Scottish economy.
Education Secretary Michael Russell said:
“UHI is able to offer world class facilities to every student that takes up a place of study in the North of Scotland.
“As our newest institution, it is exciting, vibrant and forward thinking. It is also priceless for the economic development of the north.
“We have funded an additional 1,000 places through the Scottish Funding Council at UHI and with every pound spent on UHI generating a return of four times that amount for the Scottish economy. This is clearly money well spent.
“And that is before the students even graduate. With an excellent qualification, UHI students will be in an excellent position to take their place at the heart of Scotland’s economy in the coming years.
“With places still available for Scottish students at UHI and other universities, students in the clearing system still have a number of study options without needing to look elsewhere.”
This is certainly good news - a cause for rejoicing in these hills of the north! So, let's sing our theme song!
Hills of the North, rejoice;
River and mountain spring,
Hark to the advent voice;
Valley and lowland, sing;
Though absent long, your Lord is nigh;
He judgment brings and victory.
Isles of the southern seas,
Deep in your coral caves
Pent be each warring breeze,
Lulled be your restless waves:
He comes to reign with boundless sway,
And makes your wastes His great highway.
Lands of the East, awake,
Soon shall your sons be free;
The sleep of ages break,
And rise to liberty.
On your far hills, long cold and gray,
Has dawned the everlasting day.
Shores of the utmost West,
Ye that have waited long,
Unvisited, unblest,
Break forth to swelling song;
High raise the note, that Jesus died,
Yet lives and reigns, the Crucified.
Shout, while ye journey home;
Songs be in every mouth;
Lo, from the North we come,
From East, and West, and South.
City of God, the bond are free,
We come to live and reign in thee!
Well this concludes our survey of the Highest University in the Land. On Monday we shall come down to earth - when we shall be visiting my back garden!
At present, as far as buildings go, Inverness College UHI is lagging behind many of the other constituent colleges of UHI - but not for long!
The new college will be the first and largest development on the new Beechwood Education and Research Campus being developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) on the outskirts of Inverness.
The new building will replace the college’s two main campuses at Longman and Midmills with a single, high quality, modern and sustainable campus. Additionally, the redevelopment of the Scottish School of Forestry site at Balloch will be an important and significant step towards achieving the college’s mission of providing high quality learning and support for the people and the economic future of the Highlands and Islands.
The new building will be fully in keeping with the university status of Inverness College UHI - the Highest University in the Land!
A Huge Piling Rig has moved onto the Campus site to prepare foundations for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge linking the Campus to the city.
The Golden link designed by 7N Architects will also join the campus to the Centre for Health Sciences, Raigmore Hospital and Lifescan Scotland.
Ewan Anderson leads the 7N Architects team and is an architect and urban designer with over 20 years of experience.
The Bridge will span the entire width of eight lanes of the highway (A9) in one dramatic sweep, clearly visible to all road users. Incredibly it is proposed to build it off site and then for the entire structure to be lifted into place. Preparation works will continue into the autum when it is expected that this exciting engineering project will be completed in a single lift.
Here we have a clearer view of where the new campus for Inverness College UHI is located within the City of Inverness. It is a truly magnificent setting.
HIE submitted an outline planning application in March 2009. It included a masterplan proposal for the development of 215 acres at Beechwood Farm.
A decision to determine this application had been delayed until the Highland Council had progressed with the preparation of its Highland-wide Development Plan. The Plan allowed the council to make a decision on the longer term phases of HIE's application - and specifically those development phases beyond the initial stages of the core Campus proposals - having first had the opportunity to confirm the long term planning policy for this part of the city.
HIE then submitted a second application in December 2009. This application included the proposal for phase one of the Campus development. The Council resolved to grant permission for this application in May 2010, subject to a series of conditions requiring the submission of more detailed information in advance of development commencing.
In March 2011 a legal agreement ('section 75') was completed ensuring that HIE provides financial contributions to the Council that will assist with future improvements to road infrastrucutre related to the Campus, and other public transport initiatives.
More detailed submissions have been made to the council showing the detailed design proposals of the infrastructure - roads, landscape and drainage. Construction of these infrastructure works started at the begining of 2012.
STOP PRESS - We have just heard that the Duke of Edinburgh left Aberdeen Royal Infirmary at 11.00 am and is to rejoin the Queen at Balmoral Castle - Thanks be to God!
The Inverness Campus development is a once in a lifetime opportunity - a landmark project for the Highlands and Islands which will bring benefits across the region.
The vision is to develop a Campus that will allow a number of key research and education bodies to work together to form a uniquely innovative environment.
The objective is to create world-class, pioneering facilities, which will be an exemplar for rural communities and the first of its kind in Scotland.
HIE believes Inverness Campus will help retain a population of young people within the Highlands, as well as attracting businesses and high earning professionals to the region to help drive economic growth.
It will be an outstanding example of shared resource, fostering a spirit of collaboration, which will be the key to its success.
Inverness Campus will offer a true Highland welcome to all new businesses, visitors and students. It will be a vibrant place - inspiring and stimulating. Open spaces will be designed to reflect the breathtaking landscape of the Moray Firth and beyond.
Once again we are invited to join with the congregation in Crathie Parish Church for Divine Service. We follow the Order of Service from last Sunday.
Today, the Queen (who is staying at Balmoral Castle) will be joining the congregation for Divine Service at 11.30 am. David Cameron will be preaching the Sermon. Please continue to pray for the welfare of the Duke of Edinburgh who is currently an inpatient at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive - seated)
Min: The Lord is risen!
All: He is risen indeed!
Min: This is the day that the Lord has made
All: We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Min: The Lord be with you!
All: And also with you
Hymn 130 Ye servants of God
PRAYER OF APPROACH
AND LORD’S PRAYER (‘debts’)
THOUGHT FOR ALL AGES
‘Going for Gold!’
Hymn 577 Christ be beside me
(Younger children may leave for the Crèche)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Responsive)
Heavenly Father, you have loved us with an everlasting love, but we have gone our own way and broken your laws. We are sorry for our sins and turn away from them. For the sake of your Son who died for us, forgive us, cleanse us and change us. By your Holy Spirit, enable us to live for you, and to please you more and more; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
(A short silence will be kept)
ORGAN PRELUDE
THE WORD OF GOD
St Matthew 14:13-33
13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”16Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”17They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.”18And he said, “Bring them here to me.”19Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. 22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”28Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”29He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
DOXOLOGY
(Hymn 811 To God the Father, God the Son)
RESPONSE TO THE WORD OF GOD
SERMON
‘Get out of the Boat’
Hymn 738 Glorious things of Thee are spoken
OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
AND INTERCESSION
Hymn 167 Guide me, O thou great Redeemer
Guide me, O thou great Redeemer,
pilgrim though this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
hold me with thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore.
Open now the crystal fountain,
whence the healing stream doth flow;
let the fiery cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through;
strong Deliverer,
be thou still my Strength and Shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
bear me through the swelling current,
land me safe on Canaan's side;
songs of praises,
I will ever give to thee.
Our photo today was taken on Monday 13 August 2012. What is going on?
What we see here are the preparatory groundworks for the New Inverness College. Yes, Inverness College is due to move away from the Longman and Midmills Buildings to this new site at Beechwood in 2015 - just three years away!
The new site may not be quite as dramatic as the Olympic Park in East London - but it is highly significant for those living in and around Inverness.
In the distance you can see the Moray Firth and the Black Isle beyond. To the West of the site is the A9 and to the North is the main Inverness to London railway line. What a fabulous location!
Tomorrow (16 August) sees the publication of 'A' level results. Sadly, not all students will have satisfied their conditional offers for university entry. If you are disappointed with your results, why not consider applying for entry to UHI through UCAS clearing? This blog has given you some idea of just how great our new university is.
Clearing and late applications
You can still apply for a degree course or Higher National award at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), starting in September 2012, through UCAS Clearing or our late application process.
To apply for a Clearing place at UHI, find a course and campus you are interested in and call 0845 272 3600.
For more information on the Clearing process visit the UCAS Clearing site.
Time to watch another of our promotional videos!
Happy Feast!
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE PHILIP - DUKE OF EDINBURGH
Please pray for the welfare of Prince Philip, shown here at the Garden Party held at Balmoral Castle on Tuesday 7 August.
The Duke of Edinburgh has been taken to hospital as a "precautionary measure" after a recurrence of a bladder infection, Buckingham Palace has said.
Prince Philip, who is 91, was driven by ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary while staying at Balmoral with the Queen, a spokesperson said.
The Duke originally suffered the infection shortly before the Diamond Jubilee concert on 4 June.
He is likely to remain in the NHS hospital for the next few days
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are at their private residence of Birkhall on the Balmoral Estate, while the Earl and Countess of Wessex are at Balmoral with the Queen.
Here we see BSc students from Inverness College UHI at work at the School of Forestry.
The BSc Sustainable Forest Management degree is a highly practical course that will give you all the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful forest or arboriculture manager. If you are looking for a rewarding career where you can provide professional advice to the land-based forestry sector and help secure our forests for future generations to enjoy, then this course is for you.
You will study at the Scottish School of Forestry campus of Inverness College UHI where you have the option to specialise in either forest conservation or arboriculture and urban forestry.
A significant proportion of your work will be fieldwork-based projects where you will become experienced in the practical aspects of your chosen speciality. When you graduate you will have a technical management qualification and be experienced in all aspects of sustainable management in relation to forestry or arboriculture.
Here we see the Midmills Building of Inverness College UHI. It is a lovely building, but sadly is located about 1 mile from the main Longman Building - not very convenient!
Our Midmills Campus is also right in the city centre, not far from the Eastgate Shopping Centre. Here is where our business studies, child and social care, art and design and science courses are taught.
The campus is also home to specialist science laboratories, art studios, computer suites, a photographic suite, a stage for drama courses, refectory and nursery.
Here we see some students photographed with the Most Innovative Lecturer at UHI (2011) on the main stairs of the Midmills Building. What a beautiful photo!
Once again we are invited to join with the congregation in Crathie Parish Church for Divine Service. We follow the Order of Service from a Sunday earlier on this summer.
Today, the Queen (who is staying at Balmoral Castle), will be joining the congregation for Divine Service at 11.30 am. The Reverend Ian Miller will be preaching the Sermon.
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
Min: The Lord is risen!
All: He is risen indeed!
Min: This is the day that the Lord has made
All: We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Min: The Lord be with you!
All: And also with you
Hymn 160 Praise my soul the King of heaven
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet thy tribute bring;
ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing:
Praise him, praise him,
Praise him, praise him,
Praise the everlasting King.
Praise him for his grace and favor
to our fathers in distress;
praise him still the same for ever,
slow to chide and swift to bless:
Praise him, praise him,
Praise him, praise him,
Glorious in his faithfulness.
Father-like, he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows;
in his hand he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Praise him, praise him,
Praise him, praise him,
Widely yet his mercy flows.
Angels, help us to adore him;
ye behold him face to face;
sun and moon, bow down before him,
dwellers all in time and space.
Praise him, praise him,
Praise him, praise him,
Praise with us the God of grace.
PRAYER OF APPROACH AND LORD’S PRAYER (‘debts’)
THOUGHT FOR ALL AGES
‘Planting tips for those on Gardening Leave’
Hymn 153 Great is Thy faithfulness
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Psalm 130 & Mark 5 – unison)
Out of the depths of despair, we cry to you, O God. We are lost in a world of pain and suffering. When we put our trust in weapons of war, we find no peace. When we put our faith in our own resources, we feel the ache of our true needs. When we put our hope in the health of our bodies, we suffer pain and find no healing. Come to us, O God. Forgive our doubts and fears. Heal our brokenness – that we may rejoice in your steadfast love. AMEN.
(A short silence will be kept)
ORGAN PRELUDE
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Lamentations 3:22-33
22The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; 23they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.24“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”25The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. 26It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. 27It is good for one to bear the yoke in youth, 28to sit alone in silence when the Lord has imposed it, 29to put one’s mouth to the dust (there may yet be hope),30to give one’s cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults. 31For the Lord will not reject forever. 32Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; 33for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone
THE GOSPEL: St Mark 5:21-43
21When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. 22Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet 23and begged him repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” 24So he went with him.
And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. 25Now there was a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years. 26She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. 27She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28for she said, “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.” 29Immediately her haemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” 31And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32He looked all around to see who had done it. 33But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. 34He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha kum," which means, "Little girl, get up!' And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Hymn 606 Lord, you sometimes speak in wonders
SERMON
‘Anonymous faith – superseded by personal encounter’
Hymn 721 We lay our broken world
OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION
Hymn 738 Glorious things of thee are spoken
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
BENEDICTION
Garden Party at Balmoral Castle on Tuesday 7 August 2012
HONOURING THE SABBATH
The start of the grouse shooting season, often referred to as The Glorious Twelfth, has been put back a day because it has fallen on a Sunday.
Shooting parties will have to wait until 13 August this year before heading onto Scotland's grouse moors, due to a Scottish custom.
The College has two main campuses - Longman and Midmills. Our photo shows the Longman site. The Longman Campus is the main campus and is where the majority of our courses are delivered. Just minutes walk from the city centre (and train and bus stations) we are in a great location and easy to get to. We are also right on the A82 if you are thinking to travel by car.
As well as being the main college location for courses, our main admin and student support team are based here. So if you're looking for information and guidance, counselling, finance or student registration, you'll find everything you need right here.
At the heart of our campus is our Learning Resource Centre where you'll, inevitably, be spending a great deal of time. But we also have a training restaurant (where you can choose to dine), cafe, hi tech working hairdressing and beauty therapy salons (with great student prices!) and a fully-equipped fitness suite so it's not all hard work! You know what they say about all work and no play...
Inverness College UHI is the largest partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) together with 12 other colleges and internationally renowned research centres. Through the partnership, we are making it easier for people to study quality further and higher education across the region. We have one of the widest ranging curricula in Scotland catering for over 8,500 full-time and part-time students studying a wide variety of qualifications from a national certificate to a post graduate degree.
Perth College UHI is not afraid of addressing tough issues when providing professional training for its students. Small wonder the students rate the College so high.
Former head chef at London's Ritz Hotel, Michael Quinn spoke recently to participants of the professional chef award course.
Although he spoke of his success at the five-star hotel and cooking for the Queen, he also had a cautionary tale for the youngsters.
He was an alcoholic only 10 years after being headhunted so Michael is embarking on a tour of colleges as part of his work with the Ark Foundation, a charity he founded to educate the hospitality industry on alcohol and drug abuse.
Ian Gibb, Perth College UHI curriculum manager for hospitality, tourism and sport, said, "The students enjoyed Michael's talk immensely as he described the highs and lows of his life and the harmful effects and behavioural patterns produced by excessive drinking and drug use."
Michael said, "You are surrounded by alcohol all the time in the hospitality industry, working long hours under pressure, sometimes leading to binge drinking, which can be dangerous.
"My addiction nearly killed me and I'm determined to help others not fall into the same black hole that I did."
Here we see Her Majesty The Queen talking to Dr Thomas Moore - the Principal of Perth College UHI.
In the meantime, HRH Prince Phillip was talking to James Fraser the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UHI.
There can be little doubt that the Royal Couple were well-briefed before their visit. After all their daughter (The Princess Royal) is the Chancellor of UHI.
Will Ye No Come Back Again?
Bonnie Chairlie's noo awa',
Safely ower the friendly main;
Mony a heart will break in twa',
Should he ne'er come back again.
Chorus:
Will ye no come back again?
Will ye no come back again?
Better lo'ed ye canna be,
Will ye no come back again?
Ye trusted in your Hielan' men,
They trusted you dear Chairlie.
They kent your hidin' in the glen,
Death or exile bravin'. Chorus
We watched thee in the gloamin' hour,
We watched thee in the mornin' grey.
Tho' thirty thousand pounds they gie,
O there is nane that wad betray. Chorus
Sweet the laverock' s note and lang,
Liltin' wildly up the glen.
But aye tae me he sings ae sang,
Will ye no' come back again? Chorus
How wonderful to see HRH Prince Philip looking in such good health as he accompanied Her Majesty on her visit to Perth College UHI.
Dr Thomas Moore, Perth College UHI Principal and Chief Executive said: “We are honoured to host the Royal party in this Diamond Jubilee year as Perth celebrates its new city status. Our students and staff are thrilled to be given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their skills and abilities in areas such as Music, Alzheimer’s research project, Hair and Beauty, Aircraft Engineering, Hospitality and Mountain Studies.
“This visit further strengthens our Royal connections, as HRH The Princess Royal was installed as the first-ever Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands on 7 June 2012).”
Penny Brodie, Chair of the Board of Management added: “This event is a day for our students, staff and stakeholders to come together and celebrate this unique and historic occasion.”
The Royal party viewed displays of work and enjoyed a musical performance composed by Perth College UHI staff and students before meeting staff, students and stakeholders of the College and the rest of the UHI partnership. Her Majesty The Queen unveiled a plaque as the Royal Party left the campus to commemorate their visit.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visited Perth College UHI while on her Silver Jubilee Tour in 1977 where they enjoyed a lunch served by students.
Here we see Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Perth College UHI on Friday 6 July 2012.
God save our gracious Queen!
Long live our noble Queen!
God save the Queen!
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the Queen.
Thy choicest gifts in store
On her be pleased to pour,
Long may she reign.
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the Queen.
Here we see Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh arriving at Perth College in the Royal Bentley on Friday 6 July 2012. A real day of jubilation for all at UHI!
Let's listen to Sir William Walton's Crown Imperial as we prepare to greet The Queen.
We follow the Order of Service for a Sunday earlier on this summer.
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
Min: The Lord is risen!
All: He is risen indeed!
Min: This is the day that the Lord has made
All: We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Min: The Lord be with you!
All: And also with you
Hymn 124 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
PRAYER OF APPROACH
and the LORD’S PRAYER (‘debts’)
THOUGHT FOR ALL AGES
‘Tweeds and Tracksuits – keeping the Torch alight’
Hymn 248 For my sake, and the gospel’s go
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)
Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being; whose face is hidden from us by our sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts. Cleanse us from all our offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ your Son. AMEN.
(a short silence will be kept)
INSTRUMENTAL PRELUDE
Lament for MacCrimmon (Donald Ban MacCrimmon)
OLD TESTAMENT: Psalm 138
1I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.
3On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul. 4All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth. 5They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. 6For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.
7Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me.
8The Lord will fulfil his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
GOSPEL: St Mark 3:20-35
20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind.’ 22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.’
23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: ‘How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.’
30 He said this because they were saying, ‘He has an impure spirit.’ 31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting round him, and they told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.’
33 ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle round him and said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.’
DOXOLOGY (Tune: Old 100th)
To God the Father, God the Son,
and God the Spirit, three in One,
praise, honour, might and glory be,
from age to age, eternally. AMEN
SHORT ADDRESS
‘Out of his mind ... or just beyond ours?’
Hymn 694 Brother, sister, let me serve you
OFFERING
Farewell to St Kilda (Paul Anderson)
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
AND INTERCESSION
Hymn 738 Glorious things of thee are spoken
Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God;
he whose word cannot be broken
formed thee for his own abode;
on the Rock of Ages founded,
what can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded,
thou may'st smile at all thy foes.
See! the streams of living waters,
spring form eternal love,
well supply thy sons and daughters
and all fear of want remove.
Who can faint, when such a river
ever flows their thirst to assuage?
Grace which, like the Lord, the Giver,
never fails from age to age.
Round each habitation hovering,
see the cloud and fire appear
for a glory and a covering,
showing that the Lord is near.
Thus they march, their pillar leading,
light by night, and shade by day;
daily on the manna feeding
which he gives them when they pray.
Blest inhabitants of Zion,
washed in the Redeemer's blood!
Jesus, whom their souls rely on,
makes them kings and priests to God.
'Tis his love his people raises
over self to reign as kings:
and as priests, his solemn praises
each for a thank-offering brings.
Saviour, if of Zion's city,
I through grace a member am,
let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in thy Name.
Fading is the worldling's pleasure,
all his boasted pomp and show;
solid joys and lasting treasure
none but Zion's children know.
Here we see Harriet Payne - a student in catering and hospitality at Perth College UHI.
These canapés look delicious! I wonder who they have been prepared for? You will have to wait until Monday to find out!
As a special treat, during the four Sundays of August we shall depart from our usual custom of focussing on the Sunday gospel. Instead, we shall be attending Divine Service at Crathie Parish Church, Royal Deeside.
Perth College UHI boasts a very fine School of Catering and Hospitality.
Our award-winning training restaurant in Perth has been voted the "Best College Restaurant in Scotland and Northern Ireland" for the last two years, so when you come here to eat you'll experience something pretty special.
It offers delicious meals in Perth at seriously affordable prices during term-time, and with three courses starting at just £5 for lunch or £14 for dinner, you really should book your table early.
Lunches are available on Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 1.15pm, with dinners available on Tuesdays. Service starts at 6.30pm.
Below is the dinner menu for Tuesday 24 January (price £14)
Haggis with
Bashed Neeps and Tatties
Cullen Skink Soup with
Snipped Chives
Plum Tomato and Goats Cheese Tian flavoured with Fresh Mint
*****
Roast Haunch of Venison accompanied with Red Currant jus, Potato Rosti and Honey Roasted Parsnips
Hunters Chicken with Seasonal Vegetables and Hand Cut Chips
Caramelised Onion Flan with Rosemary Scented Fondant Potatoes and Spiced Greens
*****
Layers of Highland Shortbread with
Scottish Cranachan
Apple and Rhubarb Crumble with Homemade Ice-cream
Bread and Butter Pudding flavoured with Dundee Marmalade served with Fresh Custard
Perth College UHI has lodged plans for a sensitive residential development providing 110 homes within redundant campus grounds. The proposals take account of environmental measures including the retention of most of the existing trees on the site, two small wetlands and the creation of open green public spaces with equipped play areas.
In addition, the design involves the removal of the imposing existing wall which currently shields the campus from the Crieff Road. The College entrance will also be dramatically improved for easier access.
Duncan White, Perth College UHI Director of Resources explained: “The plans which will involve the sale of the land to a developer have been carefully considered to complement existing surrounding buildings and have been reduced in scale considerably from previous proposals.
“With soft landscaping and trees, it will be a very attractive development as well as being environmentally responsible with regards to features such as wetland ponds which will be planted with wetland plants and reeds to create a ‘living’ feature and will support various forms of wildlife.
Under the current Principal Dr Thomas Moore Perth College has over 500 staff working on and off the campus, with 289 lecturers teaching more than 9,000 students.
The age profile of our students has widened too, with 26% now aged 18 or under and 48% aged 31 or over.
They come from 66 countries, with the top ten nationalities being: Scottish; elsewhere in the UK; Polish; Czech; Spanish; Bulgarian; Hungarian; Slovakian; Romanian; German and South African.
We have a number of courses with unique features:
MSc Managing Mountain Sustainable Development and MSc Interpretation: Management and Practice are the only such courses in Scotland.
The BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance was the first such course in Scotland.
BA Child and Youth Studies was the first fully on-line undergraduate programme to receive mainstream funding within the UK.
And the BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering allows our students to take advantage of our relationship with AST (Air Service Training), as they provide Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) training.
