Inspiring strongman Tom Stoltman makes big impression at UHI Inverness Staff Conference

Hundreds of UHI Inverness colleagues gathered at its staff conference this week to take part in workshops and hear from guest speaker Tom Stoltman.

The theme of this year's conference was Working Together is our Strength and there was no better person to give a perspective on this than the three-times World’s Strongest Man champion.

Tom was joined on stage by manager Ewan Martin, who has known the Stoltmans since childhood. Tom referenced the importance of teamwork in many of his answers, explaining that his family, support team and the community around him were crucial to his success. He also spoke about the special bond between him and Luke.

Ewan Martin, Luke Stoltman and staff member Kirsten Grant

His insights on autism being his superpower and the visualisation techniques he uses were inspirational. Tom raised some laughs by describing himself as the World’s Strongest Swiftie and the 30 strongest men in the world as cuddly!

The Stoltmans are due to visit UHI Inverness again on Tuesday, 6 August for an Open Day event. Further information about this will be shared throughout the summer.

During the opening session of the conference, Principal and Chief Executive Professor Chris O'Neil thanked all staff across the organisation for continuing to go above and beyond for students and colleagues, ensuring that UHI Inverness continues to be a high-performing institution. He mentioned many highlights of 2023/24, including staff achievements, and said he was looking forward to another positive and successful academic year.

The programme included morning and afternoon workshops for staff and ended by honouring colleagues who have worked at UHI Inverness for 20, 30 and 40 years.

Those who are celebrating their 20-year anniversaries are:

• Heather Buchanan, Lecturer 

• Anne Thom, Admissions & Funding 

• Louise MacKenzie, Central Administration 

• Elizabeth Burton, Lecturer 

• Jennifer Larson, Lecturer 

• Donna Wrightson, PDA 

• Ismay Thomson, Library & LRC 

Technician Billy Geegan is celebrating 30 years working at UHI Inverness and Neil Stewart, lecturer at the Scottish School of Forestry, has clocked up an incredible 40 years.

Donna Wrightson and Chris O'Neil

Professor O'Neil also gave a special mention to the staff who will be retiring before the next academic year.

• Miles Fuller, Lecturer - Supported Education 

• Billy Geegan, Technician - Brickwork 

• Avril Stewart, Lecturer - Hairdressing 

• Mandy Lawson, Lecturer - Essential Skills 
• Adrian Bruce, Lecturer - Computing