North Highland College
# North Highland College

North Highland College (Scottish Gaelic: Colaiste na Gàidhealtachd a Tuath) provides further education and higher education in the north of Scotland through a network of learning centres and by distance learning. It is a constituent college of the University of the Highlands and Islands.

## History

The college opened in 1959 and became an independent entity in 1993.

In July 2014, the college had 8,000 students enrolled in full-time and part-time courses, including more than 750 studying for university degrees.

The college has campuses in Thurso, Halkirk, Alness and Dornoch.

## Thurso campus

### Centre for Energy and Environment

The Centre for Energy and Environment building was designed by HRI Architects and completed in January 2011. It received a rating of excellent by BREEAM. and was awarded "best new building in the north region" at the Highlands and Islands Design Awards in 2012.

## Rural studies centre

The college has been offering equestrian courses since 1990. In September 2012 it has used a converted farm that combines stabling, classrooms and a purpose-built indoor arena. Dale Farm is a facility that is situated approximately six miles from the main campus in Thurso. The college also offers a gamekeeping and wildlife management course.

## Environmental Research Institute

Environmental Research Institute (ERI) is a centre for environmental research

## Centre for History

The centre in Dornoch opened in 2005. Since 2007 a number of degree courses have been offered that are centred on the history of the Highlands and Islands.

## Governance

The principal, Mrs Debbie Murray, took up the post in May 2021.

