HRH The Princess Royal Officially Opens The New Motherwell College Campus
HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the new £70 million Motherwell College campus today, (Friday 15 January 2010).
Accompanied by Ian Watson, Chairman of the College Board of Management and David Fairweather, Director of Curriculum and Academic Planning of Motherwell College, Her Royal Highness was shown round the state-of-the-art facilities.
Speaking about the Royal Opening, Ian Watson said: “This is another historic milestone in the life of Motherwell College. We are very proud to have been at the heart of further education provision in and around Lanarkshire for more than 40 years.
" We are dedicated to continue to support our learners with the best of education from our dedicated staff in this 21st century campus for at least another 40 years.
" We are very honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal was able to perform the opening ceremony and to see and enjoy the high standard of College campus our students are enjoying."
As well as having the opportunity to meet the College Board of Management, staff and students, Her Royal Highness was also introduced to a number of guests from the world of business and education.
Her Royal Highness was given a tour of the campus including the workshop block, beauty therapy, performing arts, support for learning and catering facilities, meeting staff and learners.
During the tour HRH The Princess Royal met students carrying out practical activities in the College automotive body shop, motorbike shop, nail bar, dance studio and training kitchens. She was also introduced to six international students – from China, Nepal, Nigeria and Zimbabwe - who answered questions about the new College campus.
After the tour, Her Royal Highness unveiled a commemorative plaque to be displayed in the College atrium. She was then presented with a posy of flowers by two children from Firtrees Nursery, the College on-site nursery - Duane Stanford and Abigail Clapperton, both aged four and from Motherwell.
The Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council (SFC ) provided £42 million towards the £70 million project. Mark Batho, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council said: "It is essential that students have an environment where they feel inspired to learn. The College's new building provides excellent state-of-the-art facilities which will benefit students and staff. I am delighted that our funding has enabled the College to build such a stimulating and high quality learning environment."
Release Date: 15 January 2010
Press Contacts:
Mon-Wed inc: Lesley Falconer, Motherwell College
Phone: 01698 23 26 50 or email lfalconer@motherwell.co.uk
Wed-Fri inc: Fiona Hainey, Motherwell College
Phone: 01698 23 23 66 or email fhainey@motherwell.co.uk
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