RES empower UHI students through Student Development Fund
August 2024
RES, a British business and the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, has pledged £20,000 to 23 students at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to gain new skills, build confidence and enhance their student experience.
The UHI Student Development Fund was re-established earlier this year through RES’ donation and has awarded its first round of grants to students across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire. These grants will help to further the educational and personal development of the students through a range of initiatives and activities, including attending art and music workshops, presenting research at conferences, obtaining new qualifications and participating in sports competitions.
Three of the recipients include:
Evie Farndon, an Adventure Education student at UHI North, West and Hebrides in Fort William, Evie received funding for a five-day canyon leader training and assessment course. This training is the first step towards her dream of becoming a canyon guide. Financial constraints had previously prevented her from pursuing this course.
“This incredible opportunity has jump-started my career. It would not have been possible without RES’ support.”
Ben Denehy, an Adventure Tourism Management student with UHI North, West and Hebrides who aspires to a career in Scottish outdoor sports centres. Originally from Barra, a lack of opportunity meant that Ben was unable to pursue qualifications in one of his favourite sports, Sea Kayaking.
“I am incredibly grateful for the generous donation towards my Sea Kayak Leader Assessment. The support of the Student Development Fund will enable me to take a first step into the outdoor recreation industry and share my passion of kayaking with others.”
Thomas Webber, a PhD student with the Scottish Association for Marine Science, will use the fund to attend a bespoke training course for large bio-acoustic datasets with world leading experts.
“The time spent with world-leading researchers in this field will not only greatly improve the quality of my PhD project but also provide an invaluable contribution towards the monitoring of marine mammals in Scottish waters, contributing to their conservation and overall protection.”
RES has committed to donate a total of £60,000 to UHI’s Student Development Fund over the course of three years, providing the students of UHI with the best possible opportunity to maximise their talents and future careers.
Alison Wilson, Director of Economic Development and Advancement at UHI said, “It is brilliant to see the Student Development Fund come back to life this year. Thank you to our corporate partner RES for their valuable support which is already enabling our UHI students to undertake an excellent range of development opportunities!”
Graeme Kerr, Development Project Manager at RES added, “RES is delighted to be able to witness the impact of the Student Development Fund on people who live and study in the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire. Supporting the students with unique and invaluable training, skills and experiences can help kickstart their prospective career ambitions and offer direct benefits to the local economy in the short, medium and long-term.”