Students, staff and alumni of the University of the Highlands have been gifted a distinctive trademark to endorse their products and services.
Made in Scotland was created by Kathleen Hardie of Muir of Ord and the late Derek Reid of Stanley, Perthshire.
The entrepreneurs ran trade fairs all over the world promoting Scottish goods with their Made in Scotland trademark.
They also ran a Made in Scotland retail outlet in Beauly until their retirement in 2006. The shop later became House of Beauly and is now a Co-op.
Products carrying the trademark display a guarantee that the goods have been manufactured, created or assembled in Scotland.
The mark will now be adjusted to reflect UHI’s involvement, and use of the mark will be free of charge to university students, staff and alumni, provided they meet the criteria associated with awarding the mark for use.
A new panel is being assembled to operate the application process and set the award criteria.
A pilot project will run this summer.
Mrs Hardie said she was delighted to find a new home for the trademark.
She said: “Derek and I always wanted to make sure that the trademark could continue to signal an authentic Scottish product or service.
“We see the university and their charitable activities as ideally placed to continue the spirit of the brand.
“By adjusting the mark to indicate that training and education has been received at the University of the Highland and Islands, it can continue to be of benefit to future generations of people and businesses based in Scotland and wider afield.”
Alan Simpson, President of Highlands and Islands Students’ Association, said: “We are delighted that the Made in Scotland trademark has been gifted to the university.
“It’s fantastic news for us, the region and especially our students. It will open up many opportunities for students to use and enhance the brand.”
UHI’s head of development Alison Wilson said gifting the mark was an excellent example of how becoming a university donor can make a lasting and far-reaching impact.
She said: “In addition to the direct benefit to students, it is hoped that in time applications can be opened up commercially to other organisations.
“The income generated will be used to support the continuation of higher education and student development in the region.”
UHI secretary Fiona Larg said: “We believe it will also provide tremendous opportunities in the medium to longer term for local business and the wider regional economic growth.”
