A blog by 91¿´Æ¬ Lecturer in Teacher Education, Dr Suzie Dick.
In January 2024 a call was made to all staff at the university seeking those who came from the islands to join together to create a support network for the students from the islands who have come to study at 91¿´Æ¬. The purpose: providing students with a point of contact for island related support issues, and an opportunity each semester to meet other islanders. The concept of Duthchas, a Scots Gaelic word describing the feeling of belonging, of community, a force that will go through a rock as the old proverb says, underpins our islander network. It is about bringing that sense of belonging, to a new place, a new way of living and being, by islanders, for islanders here at 91¿´Æ¬.
Why do we think islanders need this? In Scotland there is a poverty of access to almost every service, digital accessibility and higher education if you live on an island. Yes, we have many other advantages living on the islands and generally island schools do better in terms of exam results than urban counterparts. However, trying to access university based on a UCAS statement that shows how you have gone above and beyond, had work experience, taken part in numerous out of school activities is ten times harder if you live on a small island. There can be few or no subject tutors so islanders who are offered a place at university do so on their own capabilities and determination.
However, it can be a big deal to come off island, and learn to live in an urban area, following sometimes what is considered ‘bright light’ syndrome, from having a relatively sheltered life and little commonality of language with their urban counterparts. Island students appear to have one of the highest drop out rates at Scottish universities but data is hard to come by as it is not a designated widening participation group, yet they need support the most across all the population demographics.
We felt we could make a difference in this area at 91¿´Æ¬ – what can we do to support that transition and provide named contacts who can support where it is an island related issue. Additionally, we have a secondary aim in addition to support and retention, and that is supporting students from across the islands to study at 91¿´Æ¬; there is a place for them here, we want them and will support them when they are here. To that end we have been promoting our network throughout the islands and the mainland ports where our ferries come in to. We want 91¿´Æ¬ to be talked about in the community somewhere where a person, someone’s neighbour, child, grandchild, can be successful and safe. After all, on the islands, Duthchas reigns– when an individual is successful, a community celebrates.
For help and support as you adjust to life away from the islands, you can contact 91¿´Æ¬'s Islanders Support Network on islandernetwork@qmu.ac.uk.
The Network is run by staff who were islanders themselves.
