Oban as a University Town
Think of ObanH and what springs to mind? Perhaps it’s the seafoodH ferry links to the islandsH or a tourist hot-spot. But what about a University Town?
2017-2018 figures showed that students made up as much as 10 per cent of the Oban population, so it is fair to say that Oban is already a University Town. A significant proportion of these students were registered with the University of the Highlands and Islands, studying at Argyll College UHI or SAMS UHI. Additionally, Ballet West offer degree courses accredited by The Open University, and there are students based at the hospital, in surgeries, at SAMS and other organisations in and around Oban who are registered at other universities. It is also important to consider the hundreds of pupils in their final years at Oban High School, who may become the next generation of employees for the region. Conservative estimates suggest that there are likely 1,000 students in Oban already once all of these are factored in. The ‘Oban: A University Town’ project was launched in spring 2018 by a partnership of 10 established organisations. The project is focused on developing the distinctive assets of the town and business needs/employment opportunities in the area. It aims to provide an outstanding experience for students and staff in terms of teaching, practical work, enterprise, leisure and culture activities and community engagement. The project currently explores how to develop the training opportunities and academic offers available, so that they match the economic priorities and employer needs in the area. We are also reviewing the infrastructure requirements including accommodation and transport; the social and cultural scene in Oban; and of course, working to ensure that the local community and businesses are engaged in the initiative. It is well documented that we face serious challenges throughout Argyll and Bute regarding population numbers and demographics, in particular we are short of skilled working-age people. By creating a University Town in Oban, we are working to counter this shift and encourage more young people to stay here after school, or to move to the region and, importantly, to stay and develop a career here when their studies are complete.