UHI Inverness has appointed a University of the West of Scotland (UWS) alumnus as its first-ever Active Campus Coordinator to encourage more students and staff to take part in physical exercise and activities to benefit their wellbeing.

UWS BSc (Hons) Sport Development graduate, Stuart Fraser, has taken up the post with a remit to plan and deliver inclusive activities that have a positive impact on the campus and builds connections with physical activities in the wider community. He comes to the new role with impressive previous experience at national sports organisations and in a university setting.

Stuart commented: “I am passionate about how physical activity and sport can impact people’s lives in a positive way, whether it’s improving your mental, physical or social wellbeing. I believe that it’s a crucial tool to help improve the lives of everyone at the UHI Inverness campuses.”

Previously at the University of Exeter as a Competitions Coordinator, before moving to English Ice Hockey as a Sports Development Officer, he then accepted a role as the Sports Service Coordinator with UCI Cycling World Championships.

Stuart has already started recruiting members for new student social football sessions and, along with the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA), is coordinating a weekly timetable of student sports clubs. He is also working with HISA, sports clubs, the Wellbeing team and external community groups to promote activity on and off campus.

“My role is to get people on campus as active as possible, whether they are students or staff members. If anyone is looking to get active or has ideas about activities they would like to try on or off campus, I can help make that a reality. I want to give students and staff the opportunity to enjoy their time at UHI Inverness and enhance their experience while they are here. I am happy to hear from anyone who would like to take part in a new fitness group, sport or even lend their time as a volunteer”, said Stuart.

Funded by the National Lottery, the Active Campus Network is a partnership between sportscotland, Scottish Student Sport and Colleges Scotland. It helps to put sport and physical activity at the centre of college life by giving students across the country the opportunity to get active, supported by the Active Campus Coordinators.

Kirsten Grant, Depute Curriculum Leader for Sport and Psychology, said: “I am delighted that Stuart has stepped into this new role for UHI Inverness and I’m confident that it will lead to enhanced active engagement across the college. Our focus on getting more students and staff active will be a huge benefit to our campus community’s overall health and team spirit.”