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In early 1992 the newspapers carried a story about plans for a new University of the Highlands and Islands. This was not to be a traditional university, built on one or two sites close together. It was to be a collegiate university, made up of a number of colleges scattered the length and breadth of the Highlands and Islands. Most significant, however, was the fact that each college would continue to be self-governing, with its own Board of Management. At the same time, however, they would be linked together to form a university. This created an opportunity which had not existed before; namely, the possibility of a new theological college which would be self-governing but at the same time would be part of a university - the best of both worlds! Dr Andrew McGowan approached the Rev Alex Murray (now Chairman of HTC) and together they decided to explore the possibilities of setting up a new theological college as part of the proposed University. Over the next two years the complex process of turning the idea into a reality was carried forward, with the help and involvement of ministers, businessmen, and representatives from the University of the Highlands and Islands project.
Several new members of staff were appointed in the following years as the Institute steadily grew and expanded into larger accommodation, which was again provided within Moray College. However, in early 1999, through a combination of opportunities and generous provision, HTI (as it was then) was able to acquire its own building in the town of Dingwall. The name was changed to Highland Theological College and, by the start of the new academic year, HTC had doubled its staff, moved into its new home, and was pleased to welcome another increase in student numbers. The Highland Theological College campus, including The HTC Learning Centre, was refurbished and equipped during 1999-2001 through funding provided by the Highland Theological College, UHI Millennium Institute, Ross & Cromarty Enterprise, the Scottish University for Industry and the European Regional Development Fund. |
After a generous offer of
accommodation from Dr Robert Chalmers, Principal of Moray College, the final decision to go ahead with the project was taken on Friday 15th April 1994. Dr McGowan and Rev Hector Morrison were appointed as the first two members of staff, and on 1st August 1994 they took up their posts in a small 'hut' on the perimeter of Moray College, and Highland Theological Institute was born.