Councillors asked to back university status for UHI

The government's consultation on UHI's bid runs until 22 November

Highland councillors have been asked to back the University of the Highlands and Islands' (UHI) bid for university status.

The Scottish government is consulting on the higher education institution's application for the designation.

A meeting of the full council on 28 October will consider the authority's response to the government.

Council officials have suggested university status would be of huge social and economic importance.

The bid is being assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

The QAA will make its recommendations to the Scottish government.

While waiting for the recommendation, the government is running a consultation exercise until 22 November.