HISA celebrates 10 years as an organisation by looking back in order to look forward.
We’re turning ten!
That’s a whole decade of championing students from every corner of the Highlands and Islands. Back in 2015, when Uptown Funk had everyone dancing, Star Wars: The Force Awakens reignited our love for lightsabers, and the world debated whether that dress was blue and black or white and gold, HISA was just getting started. Scotland was buzzing after the independence referendum, young people were finding their voice, and globally the Paris Climate Agreement made headlines. Amid all the noise, a new students’ association was finding its own — ready to connect learners across the Highlands and Islands.
Like any ten-year-old, we’ve grown, learned a lot along the way, and are already dreaming about what comes next. As HISA marks its 10th anniversary as the students’ association for the University of the Highlands and Islands, it’s a moment to celebrate a decade of representing, supporting, and empowering students spread across one of the most unique educational landscapes in the world. From Shetland to Moray, from Perth to the Outer Hebrides, UHI students have built their futures while staying rooted in their communities — and HISA has been there every step of the way. As we look back through the voices of three past presidents, we’re not just reflecting on what’s been achieved, but imagining what the next ten years could hold!
Luke Humerstone HISA President 2015 - 2017
What is your favourite memory from your time at HISA?
A few of my favourite memories; I enjoyed the research conference I attended in November 2015. We were just finding our feet and representing PGR students was a fascinating and tricky proposition. The conference included so many interesting presentations from researchers that were so passionate about their specialist areas. I remember research about Lappet moths, Guillemots, and Brutalist architecture. I felt so inspired by them. The ceilidhs and food at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig were incredible. It is such a thriving community, I loved every visit I made there. The first Sports day we had was incredible too. I was so pleased we brought together folk from all over UHI for some football and rugby. I had been planning it with Iain Morrison since 2013. I think that's what I loved the most, bringing people together, creating a community, and being inspired by so many passionate learners regardless of what level they were at. That's the mission of UHI anyway, to bring education to the communities in the region.
What skills did you learn in your officer role?
I think I improved my communication skills. I certainly become a much stronger public speaker. The CEO at the time drilled me over and over on practicing speeches and that made me better. I was so anxious, but practice really did help. I think I also got a clearer idea on how to prioritise and how to be strategic in planning. I believe I wrote better policies by the time I was done at HISA.
What are you doing now?
I'm self employed as an entertainer in Paisley now. I host quizzes, karaoke nights, and DJ at parties. I think learning how to speak to different people, how to balance the wants of different groups has made me pretty good as an entertainer.
What would you like to see for UHI and HISA in the next 10 years?
I'm not sure where UHI and HISA are right now in their journey. I think the whole of higher education in Scotland is overdue for reform in one way or another. But regardless of the structure or the method of learning and teaching I think that community is key. It's that element that made me love HISA and UHI so much. Every community is different and should be celebrated. Bringing people together and elevating each other is so important. I wish you all the best of luck in achieving that.
Flo Jansen – HISA President 2020 to 2022
What is your favourite memory from your time at HISA?
It’s hard to pick just one favourite memory of my 4 years as HISA officer in various roles. I would say HISA Con, the annual student conference, would be one of my favourites. It was an opportunity to get to know students from other campuses and learn about their experiences. The event would shape and start change within HISA and UHI and the days would usually be filled with laughter and fun. HISA events always made me feel welcome and part of something bigger and fighting the good fight for students at UHI.
What skills did you learn in your officer role?
I would say HISA enabled me to start my current career. I learned about partnership working and student support functions. I got to experience all levels of working within the university and colleges from Board meetings to working groups and working in partnership with the staff on the ground to make things happen for students. HISA has given me the opportunity to grow as a person and explore the aspects of work I am interested in and develop my skills. HISA also offered some amazing learning opportunities for me through ongoing training and Scotland wide networking opportunities through working with e.g. NUS and SPARQS.
What are you doing now?
I am an Advocacy and Participation worker now supporting care experienced children and young people in their journey through life. I provide independent advocacy by working one on one with a young person to help them have a say in what is happening to them. I strive to provide advocacy that helps young people feel respected, included, listened to and understood.
What would you like to see for UHI and HISA in the next 10 years?
We have been fighting for a more unified UHI for almost 10 years now. Streamlining services to make more money available to frontline staff. I would like to see this fight continue. In regards of HISA, I would love to see you be part of every student’s life that comes through UHI’s doors as I think HISA as organisation has a lot to offer. I would like to see HISA continue being UHI’s critical friends and be at the forefront of driving positive change for UHI’s students.
William Campbell, HISA President 2023-2025
What is your favourite memory from your time at HISA?
One of my favourite memories from my time at HISA was having the opportunity to represent students through a wide range of campaigns at local, regional, and national levels. From securing signposted dairy alternative milks on the Inverness campus, which sparked a broader conversation about allergens and dietary intolerances, to advocating for improved local transport links to campus, each initiative made a real difference. I’m also proud of raising awareness around mental health and wellbeing through the cross-campus ‘Feel Fab Feb’ campaign and helping redevelop the Student Mental Health Agreement across UHI. On the national stage, I fought for better student housing, engaging directly with MSPs and senior ministers. Whether local or national, every campaign was about putting students first and that, above all, is what I will treasure most from my time at HISA.
What skills did you learn in your officer role?
During my time as an officer, I developed a wide range of valuable skills, including public speaking, leadership, conflict resolution, negotiation, and project management. HISA provided the tools and support that enabled me to effectively represent students during what was both a challenging and rewarding period for UHI. I also learned that while not everything can be achieved overnight, with persistence and transparency, real progress is possible. As the saying goes, "Rome wasn’t built in a day."
What are you doing now?
Unlike many sabbatical officers, I chose to take time out of my studies to take on this role, rather than waiting until the end of my academic journey. Having recently finished my term as President, I have decided to take up a job in the private sector which uses the skills and experiences that I obtained during my time as President.
What would you like to see for UHI and HISA in the next 10 years?
Looking to the future, I hope to see UHI grow into an institution that offers an equitable experience for all learners across the region. That means delivering an evolving curriculum and learning environment that meets the needs of all learners across the Highlands, Islands, Perthshire, and Moray, especially as society and the economy continue to change. More collaboration across the partnership and increased opportunities for students to shape their own education will be key to this.
As for HISA, I joined the organisation during a time of significant transition. My hope is that it continues to grow in both strength and influence, while always championing the voices of students. With UHI undergoing change, HISA must evolve too in developing inclusive, democratic, and representative governance structures that reflect the diverse student body it serves. HISA has an opportunity to redefine how students are represented but for this to happen, the university must invest more in HISA as the official representative body of all UHI students.
