Highland Pupils Cast Off On New Maritime Skills Course

5th October 2011

Twelve senior pupils start a new course in maritime skills in Portree this week from six Highland secondary schools.

From Monday 3 October an SQA Skills for Work Maritime Skills Course is being offered on the curriculum to S5 and S6 pupils. The pupils who applied are from Ardnamurchan, Mallaig, Portree, Ullapool, Kinlochbervie and Kilchuimen High Schools will undertake a 3-week residential course at Portree High School.

Recently welcomed by members of The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee meeting on 15 September, this initiative, promoted through the Council's Skill for Life and Work team, aims to offer serious motivation and detailed grounding upon all aspects of maritime skills and seamanship disciplines to those pupils enthusiastic to pursue the growing entrepreneurial/employment opportunities

Pupils that successfully complete the year's course will gain industry-wide recognised qualifications. The course will equip young Highlanders with immediate employment advantages and enable them to pursue opportunities within the maritime sector, including; Royal Navy, Merchant Marine, commercial fishing, marine sport and leisure, marine engineering and communications.

The Fish Industry Training Association (Highlands and Islands) Ltd (FITA) in partnership with The Highland Council will deliver the inaugural course which is based in Portree High School on the Isle of Skye.

The course comprises three residential block-weeks of practical learning coupled to continuing study periods throughout the academic year. Pupils will receive training in all aspects of boat safety, sea survival techniques, maritime communication, commercial fishing skills, an introduction to navigation, basic marine engineering, first-aid, fire-fighting and fire-prevention disciplines, and sea-food hygiene measures.

Highland Councillor John Laing for the Eilean a' Cheò Ward commended the introduction of the new SQA Maritime Skills Course and its successful inclusion within the Highland schools' Higher Education curriculum. He said: "The initial proposal for the course came from Neil Robertson, parent of a Portree High School pupil, whose son was keen to follow a career in fishing. Following his initial enquiry in March this year, the Council's Education Service acted swiftly to make his idea a reality and the course starts this month."

Parent, Neil Robertson, who is also Executive Committee member of the Scottish Government's North West, and Small Isles and Mull Inshore Fisheries Groups said: "The enthusiasm with which my initial enquiry was received was extremely welcoming. Meetings with the Council's Education Service and FITA saw the course take shape. A joint funding agreement for the inaugural course was split between Highland Council's 'Skills for Work' programme and FITA"

John Hermse, Chairman of FITA said: "We are delighted that this course is being offered in the Highlands area and this has been one of our long term objectives. There is a strong affinity with fishing and the sea throughout the West and at long last there's a chance for youngsters to attend a course with recognised qualifications for a future career path. Maxine Garson and The Highland Council should be commended for taking the initiative to achieve this end result. Let's hope there will be many such courses to follow."

Pupils thinking of following a maritime career and who are interested in the Skills for Work Maritime Skills Course SQA should contact: Maxine Garson, School Liaison Officer, Skills for Work 07919 691422 for further information.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

1/9/2026 : Local Authority

What Changes in Highland Today? New Rules for Private Hire Drivers and a Fresh Garden Waste Year

For most people in Highland, 1 September is simply the start of another month.  But today also marks the beginning of two changes introduced by Highland Council which will affect different groups of residents.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

 
Candidates for Highland Council Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness By-Election confirmed

Following today’s deadline for nominations, The Highland Council can confirm the details of the 5 candidates that are standing in the Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness by-election.  There are 5 candidaes.  

31/8/2026 : Local Authority

Head Teacher at Thurso High School, outlined measures that have helped improve educational outcomes

Highland Council’s strategy to raise attainment in the region is making good progress, with encouraging early data emerging from this year's examination results.   Last week councillors on the education committee noted the work undertaken in Highland Council's Education and Learning Improvement Plan (ELIP) and the associated Raising Attainment and Achievement Strategy (RAAS).  

28/8/2026 : Local Authority

Council Funded Advice services assist 25,000 customers and exceed £30.3 million in financial gains

Almost 25,000 customers were assisted by the Council’s Welfare Support Team and Citizens Advice during 2025/26 for support with welfare, debt and housing issues.   As a result, financial gains for clients exceeded £30.3 million, representing a £18.84 return for every £1 allocated to these services by the Council.  

28/8/2026 : Local Authority

 
Do We Need a New Kind of Cemetery? Could Highland's Greenspaces Help Make Funerals More Affordable?

There may be no more appropriate time to ask Highland Council whether we need to rethink the way we remember those who have died.   The Council has just launched a six-week consultation on its draft Greenspace Biodiversity Management Strategy 2026-2030.  

26/8/2026 : Local Authority

The Triple Squeeze: Energy, Mortgages and Council Tax — How Much More Can Households Take?

There is a point at which individual increases in household costs stop being individual problems and become something much bigger.   A £100 increase in the annual energy bill may be manageable.  

24/8/2026 : Local Authority

Thurso Schools: Public Meeting and Statutory Consultation – Key Dates

Highland Council has now formally launched its statutory consultation on proposals to replace Thurso High School and reorganise primary school provision in the town.   The consultation concerns the proposed relocation of Thurso High School, Pennyland Primary School and Miller Academy Primary School to a new education campus based around the existing Thurso High School site and the proposed Community Point of Delivery.  

21/8/2026 : Local Authority

Public consultation to help shape future policy protecting Highland's dark skies

Councillors have approved the launch of a public consultation on draft guidance aimed at reducing light pollution across the Highlands, supporting environmental protection, public wellbeing and the area's internationally recognised dark skies.   Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee yesterday (Thursday 20 August) agreed to publish the draft Reducing Light Pollution: Good Practice Guidance for consultation, once minor clarifications are included, giving residents, communities, businesses and developers the opportunity to help shape future policy.  

21/8/2026 : Local Authority

Highland bus service improvement plans

The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee has endorsed plans to launch a 12-week public consultation on a proposed Highland Bus Service Improvement Partnership (BSIP), giving communities, passengers and stakeholders the opportunity to help shape the future of bus services across the region.   The consultation will seek views on draft proposals developed by The Highland Council in partnership with HITRANS and bus operators to improve the operational performance, accessibility, attractiveness and consistency of bus services across Highland.  

19/8/2026 : Local Authority

Demand for social housing remains high across Highland Butit is part of a biggr Scottish Problem

Demand for social housing across the Highlands remains high, with almost 8,826 households on the Highland Housing Register (HHR).   Housing and Property Committee Chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “The demand for social housing across Highland remains significant and continues to outstrip the number of homes available in many areas.