Tartan challenge for UHI students offers £1,500 prize

25th November 2025

Students from across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership have been challenged to design a tartan and be in with a chance of winning a £1,500 cash prize.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has launched
THE COMPETITION to mark 60 years since the regional development agency (then named Highlands and Islands Development Board) was established in November 1965.

The winning entry should symbolise HIE's contribution to regional development, entrepreneurship and economic transformation. It should reflect the unique identity of the region's people, place, heritage and culture.

The new tartan must be unique and will be registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans. HIE will retain the intellectual property rights to the new tartan and will use it in branding promotional material and merchandise.

Stuart Black, HIE chief executive, said, "We're delighted to be working with UHI on this initiative to mark 60 years of regional development. It's a great way to celebrate all that's been achieved in the region since our predecessor the Highlands and Islands Development Board was established, while promoting some of our region's cultural significance."

Vicki Nairn, UHI principal and vice-chancellor, added:

"Creativity and innovation are at the heart of UHI, and this challenge is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase both. The UHI partnership spans regions rich in heritage and culture, and I look forward to seeing how students express that identity through their designs."

The challenge is open to all full and part-time students across the UHI partnership, who can enter individually or in teams of up to three. The deadline for submissions is Saturday 31 January 2026 with the winner to be announced in February 2026.