Student Spotlight - Cameron Lindsay
If you’re looking to develop a sound understanding of outdoor activity leadership and develop personal competencies in a range of outdoor activities, then studying at UHI Perth will allow you to gain the experience and qualifications needed to pursue employment within the outdoor sector. After working in retail, Cameron decided to return to education after a chance meeting in London! He tells us his story 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Cameron Lindsay and I’ve spent my whole life in sunny Dundee.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
I’m currently studying the one-year Outdoor Activities and Leadership NQ .
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I didn’t realise UHI Perth were running outdoor based courses until a chance meeting with an old friend from Dundee who studies here. I bumped into him in Leicester Square in amongst 20,000 Scotland fans, got chatting and now here I am!
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I’ve spent the last eight years working as a manager for an outdoor retailer.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I’ve always been enthusiastic about the outdoors from a young age, whether it be through my involvement in the Scouts, or going hiking and camping with friends.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
I enjoy how practical the course is and how many different locations we’ve visited. We’ve spent a cold day up Glenshee practising winter mountaineering skills, a wet day in kayaks out on the river Tay, a sunny day rock climbing in Kirriemuir, and a windy day in Blairgowrie learning from the Tayside Mountain Rescue team.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
One of the things I was least looking forward to was doing navigation and orienteering training as in the past I’ve found this to be boring and repetitive. However, this turned about to be a fun few week where we all learnt a lot.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
I’ve learned a whole bunch of practical and leadership skills which have already helped me gain a part time job at the Willowgate Activity Centre.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
I’ve found Chris and Kieran to both be really encouraging and helpful in everything we do. They’ve got a wealth of knowledge about everything outdoors and it’s been brilliant to tap into that this year.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
For anyone who hasn’t been to the climbing wall on campus, I’d thoroughly recommend giving it a try. Having been to a number of climbing walls throughout Tayside, this one is by far my favourite. The Willowgate Activity Centre, where we do our water sports, is also a fantastic location with brilliant facilities.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
Getting back into student life as a mature student was daunting, but all of my classmates have been a breath of fresh air.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
I’m a voluntary Scout leader and run weekly activities for 8 to 10-year-olds as well as monthly networking events for 18 to 25-year-olds, but I can now add climbing and water sports to the list!
What are your future career plans?
I’ve been accepted to study an HNC in Working with Communities and hope to study this at degree level with a view to working in the outdoor industry.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
Do it! All the facilities across campus are fantastic, I’ve found the tutors to be helpful and approachable and the student life as a whole to be at a brilliant level.
