Students across the north and north-east returned to college classrooms for the first time in months.
North East Scotland College (Nescol) campuses in Aberdeen city centre, Fraserburgh and at Altens all re-opened their doors on Monday for the resumption of full-time courses.
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) venues in Moray, Thurso, Stornoway, Inverness and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Skye also welcomed their first cohort back to the classroom.
Students were ushered through a range of safety measures as they made their way through buildings.
One-way systems, distancing measures, additional cleaning facilities and clear reminders of Scottish Government guidance have all been put in place.
And a blended model including home learning will still be used in the interests of safety.
Making plans for a September restart since the summer, Nescol bosses and teachers have met up regularly in recent weeks to discuss the best way of adapting courses.
Robin McGregor, Nescol’s vice principal of curriculum and quality, said: “Things will understandably be a little different this year as we respond to the unique circumstances and follow the latest guidance to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“Although the world outside has changed, the commitment to our students hasn’t.
“We’re excited to be getting started.
“Being able to provide access to our fantastic facilities on campus is a very important step.”
Only a third of students who attend sites across the north-east will be allowed on campus at any given time.
And Nescol locations in Ellon, Peterhead and Inverurie are yet to take students back for full-time courses.
Utilising bursary funds, the college has 1,100 new laptops ready for students in need, to ensure equal access to online learning.
Meanwhile campuses in the Highlands and Moray also welcomed an influx of higher education students yesterday as the autumn term commenced.
Councillor for Buckie, Tim Eagle, said it would be a long time before normality returned to colleges though.
He said: “Covid is not over and colleges like Moray College are likely to see long term implications due to its effects.
“However they are the very places which can help energise our economy with new skilled individuals.”
Professor Chris O’Neil, principal of Inverness College UHI, said staff are using their experience of remote working honed over the last two decades to “enhance delivery of all courses during this pandemic”.
Florence Jansen, president of the Highlands and Islands Student Association urged students to be as open as possible to rules changing.
She said: “I think keeping up with the guidance, as it is ever changing, whilst staying reactive to our surroundings, is going to be a big challenge.
“I think education is the way forward. No-one is going to be an expert in what the student experience will look like this year so I think there is a lot of trial and error that will happen.”
