Starting in September 2008, the launch of the BA Adventure Tourism Management degree will mark an exciting start to the college's 10th anniversary 2008/09 and is expected to be a major boost to one of Scotland's most important industries.

Adventure tourism is worth millions to the regional economy and Lochaber has made an international name for itself as an outdoor playground.

Industry experts this week welcomed the course's launch.

Tim Walker, principal of Glenmore Lodge, SportScotland's national outdoor training centre, said: "The industry and SportScotland have keenly anticipated this long awaited course – it is exactly what the industry needs and we are glad to continue to offer our total support to the college and this course to ensure their success in the future."

Strong links between the college and outdoor adventure providers support student learning and offer the benefits of experience and advice on every aspect of adventure tourism management, as well as the opportunity to undertake several periods of work placement in the industry.

These are supported by practical modules which provide access to many national governing body qualifications in adventure pursuits.

Claire Knifton, senior instructor and duty manager at the Outward Bound Trust Loch Eil, near Fort William, added: "We're incredibly pleased the college is offering this course; this is the best location to learn adventure tourism skills in Scotland and, indeed, the UK.

"We have enjoyed work placement students from the college's other outdoor activity courses, who have all been of a very high standard both in their activity and employment skills, and I can happily say that we are very much looking forward to working with the degree students. We employ over 30 instructional staff but none of them are locals, or even locally trained. We would love that to change and attract applications from home-grown talent in the future."

Left to right, Matt Groves, outdoor activities lecturer; Councillor Michael Foxley, college chairman; Laurence Young, college principal; Dan Morgan, head of adventure tourism; Pat Adams, departmental secretary, adventure tourism & outdoor pursuits; and Gerry Crabbe and Jonathan Holdsworth, two students from the college's HNC Adventure Tourism and Outdoor Pursuits who are aiming to progress on to the degree this September. Iain Ferguson, The Write Image

Students on the new degree programme will have the opportunity to strengthen their practical and leadership skills, building their knowledge as well as developing their understanding of business and management during the classroom-based elements.

Dan Morgan, head of adventure tourism at Lochaber College UHI (a partner institute in the prospective University of the Highlands and Islands), told the LN: "Growth in the industry can only be sustained by continued investment in the people and resources required to maintain and develop current activity – this course is very much a result of that industry demand.

"I would like to thank all the organisations whose support we have had, and continue to benefit from. I believe the course will strengthen the adventure tourism industry in the Highlands and Islands, and hopefully further afield, as our graduates enter this growing global industry."

Laurence Young, principal of Lochaber College UHI, said: "The exciting new course is the realisation of a long-term aim of the college, and a great deal of work by the team here has gone into developing what we believe is the best curriculum with excellent resources in the finest venue in the UK.

For more information on the course, or to apply for a place, contact Lochaber College UHI on 01397 874000.

s.taylor@lochaber-news.co.uk

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