McArthur backs plans for ‘island scholarships’

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur is supporting proposals to offer scholarships to students studying priority courses in the Scottish islands, stressing how this could help tackle both national skills shortages and demographic challenges facing many island communities.

The proposal, designed by Orkney-based Heriot Watt University Professor Sandy Kerr, would cover tuition fees for students studying postgraduate taught courses in key sectors in Scotland’s islands.

During Education Questions today in the Scottish Parliament, Mr McArthur gave his backing to the proposal, highlighting the potential benefits to Orkney of a scheme that could ease the recruitment challenges faced by the renewables sector locally, and asked Higher Education Minister Graeme Dey to give positive consideration to the proposals.

In response, Mr Dey, who met Professor Kerr during a visit to Orkney last month, confirmed the government’s view that “the proposal merits further consideration”. The Minister confirmed that this would now happen and that he would keep Mr McArthur and Professor Kerr updated.

Commenting afterwards, Mr McArthur said:

“I welcome the Minister’s constructive engagement on the proposals put forward by Professor Kerr. Since the withdrawal of Scottish Funding Council grants for priority postgraduate taught courses a few years ago, I know that renewables firms in Orkney have found it increasingly challenging to recruit sufficient skilled staff. This proposal could provide targeted support for upskilling workers, providing an economic benefit to island communities as well as our efforts to meet our net zero ambitions.

“The demographic challenges facing Scotland’s island communities are serious. Where islands have been able to turn the tide in depopulation, it has been because they have been able to offer educational and economic opportunities to young people.

“I recognise the financial challenges facing government at present. However, these proposals have the potential to deliver an outsized impact for a relatively modest investment.  

“Tackling rural and island depopulation and supporting key sectors like renewables are stated goals of the Scottish Government. I hope, therefore, that the Minister will agree to take up this initiative in the interests of making progress in both these areas.”