Businesses and individuals are supporting an emergency fund to help students across the Highlands and Islands buy essential equipment during the pandemic.
Campuses have closed and courses switched online during the lockdown, but an increasing number of the area’s 40,000 students do not have the hardware or internet connections to access classes and resources.
The University of the Highlands and Islands set up the fund which is being used to provide a range of equipment and services, including laptops and broadband connections. More than 40 students have already been loaned new or refurbished equipment.
Esther MacKinnon, a BA (Hons) archaeology student from Alness, has been able to join online classes after receiving a computer.
She said: “I am delighted to be able to carry on my studies and complete my first year. There is so much that is difficult at the moment, but I am glad to keep going with my study.”
Alan Simpson, president of the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association, said £40,000 has been put towards student support in digital poverty.
“I am immensely grateful to the university’s management for recognising the need for this fund and for all that the public have already donated.”
Alison Wilson, the university’s Head of Development, praised the “fantastic” response, but said demand is increasing rapidly and action is needed to prevent students dropping out or having to repeat studies.
