Highlands and Islands
The Highlands and Islands covers some 15,000 square miles, which is more than half of Scotland’s landmass. It includes more than 90 inhabited islands, but accounts for less than 10% of Scotland’s population.
In 2003, Scottish Union Learning established a dedicated Highlands and Islands team based in Inverness, in recognition of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the predominantly rural, sparsely populated region of the Highlands and Islands in supporting union members in accessing learning.
A priority for the Highlands and Islands team is to encourage Union Learning Reps (ULRs) to work with union members and employers to deliver workplace learning and skills programmes specific to the region, for the benefit of individuals and the economy.
The ULR role is recognised as being the cornerstone of trade union learning. Typically, in the smaller workplaces of the Highlands and Islands, there may be only one ULR, or the ULR may cover several workplaces. Consequently, Scottish Union Learning prioritises support for this crucial role by developing and co-ordinating good practice models of cross-union working and by providing resources for unions, ULRS and learners.
Highlands and Islands 2025 Week of Learning
Scottish Union Learning’s annual Highlands and Islands Week of Learning took place from 16 to 20 June, celebrating work-based learning and skills, and empowering workplace reps across the region.
This year’s programme featured a mix of online and in-person events. Highlights included Using AI to Improve your Writing with Digital Skills Education and Understanding Trauma in Early Years workshops led by UNISON, a full-day exploration of Neurodiversity and the Workplace with Unite the Union, and a thoughtful session on Resilience with Samaritans Scotland.
The in-person ULR Development Day at Inverness Community Fire Station brought Union Learning Reps together to connect, collaborate, and share best practice. The week also featured Learning for Leadership with Social Enterprise Academy and an inspiring Creative Writing and Wellbeing showcase for workers led by Catherine Deveney from NUJ.
We extend our sincere thanks to all participants and session providers for making this a truly inspiring and engaging week of learning. Your contributions continue to shape inclusive, accessible learning opportunities across the Highlands and Islands.
Opportunities for support
We work with unions to increase the number of ULRs in the Highlands and Islands and to establish ULR Forums across the region, which provide opportunities for networking and support, and help sustain cross-union working.
In addition, the annual Scottish Union Learning Highlands and Islands ULR Conference brings together ULRs from across the north to share experiences of organising union learning and to learn new skills through themed workshops and discussion.
Scottish Union Learning in the Highlands and Islands works closely with local colleges, learning centres and key partners who understand the demographics of the region and share our aims to overcome the potential barriers to learning. We hold an annual Highlands and Islands Partners’ Meeting to engage with our partners and to provide an update on the work of Scottish Union Learning.
SUL Contacts in H&I
- Craig Finnie, Development Officer
- Fiona Cormack, Funding Officer
