Local residents are being invited to help shape plans for Oban becoming a university town.
The ambitious initiative aims to bring even more students to the Argyll town, which is already home to around 800 – one tenth of the population.
The students from 19 different countries are studying at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (Sams) UHI, Ballet West and Argyll College UHI.
But Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) wants to build on this, putting Oban on a par with St Andrews.
By attending the launch event on Thursday March 1 people can be a part of growing Oban’s economy, making the popular tourist hotspot busy all year round and creating more choice for the young.
The Oban a University Town (OAUT) event takes place at the Corran Halls from 11am to 7pm.
The OAUT partners (University of the Highlands and Islands, Sams UHI, Argyll College UHI and Ballet West, as well as Oban High School, BID4Oban, Argyll and Bute Council, Skills Development Scotland, Lorn and Islands Hospital and HIE) will be on hand to discuss what is currently on offer, how things are developing and what is being planned for the next five years.
Iain Gatward, project manager of OAUT, said: “This is an opportunity for individuals, community groups, businesses and current and future students to drop by the Corran Halls to share their views and ideas with the project’s working groups.
“There will also be a chance to help decide on the OAUT’s logo, and from 5.30pm, to enjoy light refreshments prepared by Argyll College UHI Oban’s catering students.
“A special session will run alongside the event, aimed specifically at enthusing primary six and seven pupils about exciting subjects that they might want to study right here in Oban when their time comes to develop their own education training and careers.”
The Oban a University Town event concludes at 5.30pm with a short programme of local guest speakers lending their support to the project’s main focus.
The project aims to provide an outstanding student experience in Oban which will, in turn contribute to the economic and population growth of the area, enhance creativity and innovation and encourage local businesses to flourish.
