Skye adventure course comes to Moray in innovative new partnership

Students in Moray will be able to study an outdoor adventure course based more than a hundred miles away on the Isle of Skye, thanks to an innovative new partnership.

The Outdoor Adventure (SCQF Level 5) course, delivered by UHI North, West and Hebrides, has been running in Broadford for 15 years and prepares students for further study and careers in the outdoor industry and beyond.  

Now, the institute is partnering with Outfit Moray, an outdoor learning adventure charity, to give students the chance to gain the same qualification while learning in a working environment.  

Students based at the charity’s centre in Lossiemouth will combine practical experience with lessons in a virtual classroom, where they join those studying in Broadford to develop their study skills and theory.  

They also come together for five residential weeks during the academic year, two in the Cairngorms and three on Skye, as they take part in expeditions and work towards national governing body qualifications. 

Lecturer Lara Hinde, who is responsible for the partnership, said:

“The exciting thing about this partnership is that it shows how we can make specialist courses work across a broad geographical area, rather than being limited by where the course is based.  

“We trialled this approach last year, and the feedback was very positive. We are very pleased that we are able to turn this partnership into something more permanent, and we are in fact looking to expand it further to include trainees in other workplace environments.” 

Tony Brown, CEO of Outfit Moray, added:

“This collaborative partnership approach has enabled a fantastic opportunity for young people in Moray to study and learn, whilst also consolidating their learning in a practical workplace setting. We were delighted with the successful trial during the last academic year and are looking forward to our new cohort of trainees starting their studies, as they train to become Outdoor Adventure Instructors.” 

The course runs from October to May, and places are still available for this year. Students can gain hands-on experience across a range of outdoor activities, alongside qualifications and skills that can support progression into further study or employment. 

Learn more about studying Outdoor Adventure SCQF Level 5 in Broadford or Moray at UHI North, West and Hebrides.