С»ÆƬ

A blog by QMU 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 Queen Margaret University. 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 QMU. 

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 Queen Margaret University – 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 Queen Margaret University; 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 Queen Margaret University 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 QMU's Islanders Support Network on islandernetwork@qmu.ac.uk.

The Network is run by staff who were islanders themselves. 

Suzie Dick

Related Blog Posts

Transport themed pattern
QMU Annual Travel Survey

Every year the university conducts a travel survey, collecting commuting habits of staff and stud... read more

A group of young people engaged in dialogue in a classroom setting.
Critical dialogue - developing confidence in young people

Critical dialogue is helping young Scots and Malawians develop confidence and gain empowerment.... read more

A small group of people talking, facing away from the camera, on a sunny day outside
Making for good

Making for good We are Amy Millar and Amy McCue - more commonly known on our course as “The Amy’s... read more

A small group of people talking, facing away from the camera, on a sunny day outside
A dyslexic student's advice for making a successful time of studies at QMU

“How to make the most of your studies?” is a question that is often asked. What are the best tech... read more

3 girls in winter jackets outside the Queen Margaret University Campus, Edinburgh
Top tips for open day

Prepare before you get to the University. Consider attending an open day event to find out what i... read more

A group of students playing jenga.
Top tips for halls

Moving away from home can be daunting whether you are undergraduate or a postgraduate. At Queen M... read more

Students queuing up to order at Maggie's Bar, the QMU student union bar and cafe
Freshers blog

My first day at QMU was a scary one, as I’m sure it was for everyone. Having only just moved from... read more

A busy street
Life as a mature student: why go to university?

For me higher education is about working towards achieving your potential to catapult you into th... read more

Students talking on the benches outside Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Queen Margaret university fresher’s week: 10 tips for student life

Top 10 Tips for student life read more

A small group of people talking, facing away from the camera, on a sunny day outside
University as a mature student

From where I started my academic journey, like many things in life, I have arrived at a very diff... read more