OBAN AS A UNIVERSITY TOWN
#LoveLearningLoveOban
Student Stories
Oban is home to over 800 students and a number of Higher Education campuses. There are 58 international students from 28 different nationalities within SAMS alone, as well as annual student visits, student groups from the USA and Europe, as well as other UK institutions. Ballet West draws students and visitors from all over the world. The students, their families and friends are some of the best ambassadors for Oban as a place to visit!
Returning to Oban for a Career Change
Jasmin Manning returned to her hometown of Oban for a career change and a new challenge. Based at the Scottish Association of Marine Science she is in the final year of her marine science with oceanography and robotics degree. On moving back to Oban Jasmin decided she wanted to give back to the local community and became a volunteer for the RNLI, dividing her time between her studies and volunteering commitments. On completion of her degree Jasmin plans to stay in Oban and continue her voluntary work.
Picture courtesy of Oban RNLI
Oban Student Brings Business to Argyll
Oban woman, Dr Tracy White graduated from SAMS in 2006 and now works for a new bio-tech business, based in SAMS. She worked as a microbiologist for 10 years in various companies and universities before coming back to Oban in 2017. The European Marine Science Park, at Dunstaffnage, is attracting more growing businesses and brings well-paid jobs to Oban.
Train as a Primary Teacher in Oban
Journalist Lyndsey Buchanan moved to Oban in 2014 where she quickly realised that primary school teaching was her true vocation. “I initially thought I’d have to leave Oban to qualify as a primary school teacher, but when I learned that the course was available at Argyll College UHI I was delighted,” said Lyndsey.
Marine Physicist Returns to Argyll
Neil Fraser spent much of his upbringing on Easdale Island and attended Oban High School. After gaining an undergraduate degree at the University of Edinburgh, Neil had the opportunity to return to Argyll to study for a PhD at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Dunstaffnage. He was subsequently employed as a researcher at SAMS, and is currently working on the role of North Atlantic circulation in climate and also lecturing undergraduates in maths and physics on the SAMS Marine Science BSc course.