Inverness College UHI Carpenters Are the Best in Scotland

Winning students with Principal John Spencer

Two carpentry students from Inverness College UHI have been awarded first and second place in Scotland and second and third place in the UK, at the recent Annual Carpentry Competition by The Institute of Carpenters.

Samuel Maclean, 18, from Strathpeffer and David MacDougall, 20, from Inverness, were recognised for their efforts at the award ceremony held at the historic Carpenters Hall in London. The competition gives carpentry students the chance to showcase their work, rewarding students that are prepared to go the extra mile to achieve the highest possible standard.

Samuel, who has just completed his first year at college as an apprentice joinery student, took home £300, receiving first place in Scotland and second place in the UK category. He said: "I have received excellent support and training whilst at college. This, together with the practical training I have been getting with my employer, McGregor Construction, has enabled me to succeed."

Runner-up David also took home £140, receiving second place in Scotland and third place in the UK category. David, who goes forward to the UK Skillbuild finals in Leeds in September, was delighted to represent Inverness College UHI again in this national competition, fending off stiff competition from colleges across the country.

Principal of Inverness College UHI,  John Spencer, congratulated the students, saying “We are extremely proud of our recent success, made possible by the excellent commitment of staff and students at the college.”

Head of the School of Construction and Forestry, Angus Macleod MBE, who retires in October said: “the college's long history of winning national competitions looks set to continue in the future, thanks to a determination to succeed among construction industry bodies, employers and training providers across the Highlands and Islands.”

“This latest success, for the college and UHI, having just been given approval to run two degree programmes, in Architecture and  Quantity Surveying is the icing on the cake for me personally, ensuring that students such as David and Samuel can have progression opportunities in the future without the need to move away.”

For further information on all courses available at Inverness College UHI please call 01463 273000 or visit www.inverness.uhi.ac.uk.