Fears have been raised for the future of higher education in the Highlands as a result of Brexit.
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) said it has “benefited greatly” from EU funding and collaboration between staff and students across the continent.
The university admitted it “could be particularly affected” by the combination of the impact of Brexit on both higher education and the north of Scotland as a whole
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson believes that the north could be “hardest hit” by Brexit and highlighted UHI’s situation.
She said: “UHI really needs to see its way through to the future. It’s going to be very difficult for it when the European money starts drying up.”
She added it was important to keep “strong” links with Europe and look at replacing funding streams.
Mr Davidson added: “UHI is just starting to get to its feet, really starting to mature as an organisation and this has come along and it is tough.
“We all need to get behind it and see what we can do to lessen the blows.”
A spokeswoman for UHI said: “The university could be particularly affected due to the impact on the further and higher education sectors and the Highlands and Islands region.
“It is a complex and changing situation, with much uncertainty and developments unfolding constantly.
She said the university is working with academic partners, the Scottish and UK governments and partners in Europe in an attempt “to quantify and mitigate the risks caused by Brexit”.
She added: “We are preparing to take action to secure funds for priority initiatives and to maintain key international collaborations to achieve the best outcome for our students, staff and the Highlands and islands.”
Ross Thomson MSP, Scottish Conservative spokesman for further and higher education, said: “The UK Treasury has already pledged to underwrite EU funds for universities and businesses, even when specific projects continue beyond the UK’s departure from the EU.
“However, in Scotland student funding rests with the Scottish Government who are yet to clarify if they will underwrite the funding for EU students coming in on the 2017 prospectus.
“Clearly in the longer term, all funding currently coming from the EU will have to be examined in detail.
He added there are “clear opportunities” for the UK outwith the EU to plot its course in a number of areas.
He added: “At present, however, it is far too early to say what will happen.”
