title: North Highland College
text: # North Highland College
  
  North Highland College (Scottish Gaelic: Colaiste na Gàidhealtachd a Tuath) provides further education and higher education in the north of Scotland through a network of learning centres and by distance learning. It is a constituent college of the University of the Highlands and Islands.
  
  ## History
  
  The college opened in 1959 and became an independent entity in 1993.
  
  In July 2014, the college had 8,000 students enrolled in full-time and part-time courses, including more than 750 studying for university degrees.
  
  The college has campuses in Thurso, Halkirk, Alness and Dornoch.
  
  ## Thurso campus
  
  ### Centre for Energy and Environment
  
  The Centre for Energy and Environment building was designed by HRI Architects and completed in January 2011. It received a rating of excellent by BREEAM. and was awarded "best new building in the north region" at the Highlands and Islands Design Awards in 2012.
  
  ## Rural studies centre
  
  The college has been offering equestrian courses since 1990. In September 2012 it has used a converted farm that combines stabling, classrooms and a purpose-built indoor arena. Dale Farm is a facility that is situated approximately six miles from the main campus in Thurso. The college also offers a gamekeeping and wildlife management course.
  
  ## Environmental Research Institute
  
  Environmental Research Institute (ERI) is a centre for environmental research
  
  ## Centre for History
  
  The centre in Dornoch opened in 2005. Since 2007 a number of degree courses have been offered that are centred on the history of the Highlands and Islands.
  
  ## Governance
  
  The principal, Mrs Debbie Murray, took up the post in May 2021.
  
  