Alumni Spotlight - Michael Stephen
Horticulture is a very important sector of the Scottish economy, with more than 1,500 businesses and approximately 7,500 employees*.
The horticultural industry covers a wide range of subjects, disciplines and careers – not just gardening. Trained horticulturists can specialise in soft and hard landscaping, private and local authority green space maintenance, garden design, commercial growing, retail, plant science, botanic collections, community and social horticulture to name a few. The industry is environmentally aware and at the forefront of innovation in modern technologies to produce sustainable, environmentally friendly green spaces and produce.
We had a chat with a former Horticulture student to see what he did next after finishing his course at UHI Perth 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Michael Stephen and I'm from Perthshire.
What course did you study at UHI Perth?
I studied NC Horticulture, and I completed my studies in 2025.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I've known about UHI Perth from growing up in Perth.
What were you doing before you came to study at UHI Perth?
I volunteered at PKAV's walled garden and with Greenshoots at Aberdalgie Church before coming to college.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
Volunteering led me to gardening and gardening led me to UHI Perth. I wanted to learn more about Horticulture.
What was your favourite thing about the course?
I had a good bunch of people and lecturers on my course which made it easier for me coming back to college. Starting at NC level, after not being in education for a while, was just what I needed.
What skills did you gain from your course that have helped you since leaving UHI Perth?
I gained an introduction to how plants work, plant care, and how to use garden machinery properly. Core skills like IT and Maths has helped me with my business - from being able to make spreadsheets on Excel, to using Word, and surveying techniques.
Did you undertake a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
I undertook some work experience outside of college one day a week but started my business in March of 2025 so that kept me busy.
Were the horticulture facilities on campus good?
UHI Perth had a range of equipment like mowers, strimmer’s, scarifiers and more that I was able to learn how to use.
Did you enjoy studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I really enjoyed studying at UHI. My lecturers, fellow students and the librarians made my experience very enjoyable and thinking back to my course makes me happy that I decided to go.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
Is to make use of the gym, library and facilities to better yourself and you can make anything possible if you're willing to work hard and put the time in.
You now have your own gardening business, congratulations. What is your business called and how is it going?
The business I started is called Terra Garden Maintenance. I started off with a domestic mower from B&Q and now I have a professional mower, strimmer, hedge trimmer, long reach, backpack blower and chainsaw within the space of six months. I am also continuing my studies into HNC Horticulture to which I'm going to aim for a degree in plantsmanship while continuing my business part-time. I couldn't have done it without UHI Perth giving me the opportunity to do my NC in Horticulture.
➕ Follow Michael’s business on Facebook and Instagram.
Applications are currently open for Horticulture courses starting in September 2026. Find out more and apply >>
* source = Lantra: 'Horticulture, landscaping and sports turf factsheet’
