Glasgow School of Art innovation students based at Altyre, near Forres, collaborate with local groups

International students are assisting local projects following a meet and greet event in the centre of town.

Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) welcomed Glasgow School of Art (GSA) students based at the School of Innovation and Technology at Altyre to Forres Town Hall to discuss how they can help while completing their courses.

GSA Highlands and Islands campus students attend Altyre for a one-year Masters in Design Innovation - project work is based on collaboration and live local issues.

GSA spokesperson, Simon Beeson explained: “It is often difficult in such a short time for students, especially international students, to have the opportunity to meet and work with local groups.

“The invitation from FACT to attend a community marketplace was a fantastic way for local groups to introduce some of the current issues faced by the town and possible opportunities for students to volunteer or collaborate on projects with them.

“The engagement allows students time to begin planning their main individual research, which will be primarily in next summer.”

Mr Beeson, confirmed the community marketplace event was inspired by the work of Nishabh Polke, one of last year’s students - who noted that Forres had a “vibrant network of volunteers and organisations” so proposed bringing the students and organisations together in a marketplace of ideas and opportunities.

He said: “Students had the opportunity to learn, with a heightened sensitivity to their local context. Forres groups benefitted from innovative ideas proposed by the students.

“The goal was to initiate conversations that dissolve the ‘them and us’ divide, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting social cohesion.”

More than 60 students and staff from the Highlands and Islands campus met 20 local community groups including Film Forres, Forres Friends of Woods and Fields, Friends of the Falconer Museum, Forres Area Business Association, Rotary Club of Forres, the Dava Way Association, Trees for Life and House of Automata.

The afternoon provided opportunities for the students to learn more about the area and the wide range of projects here.

The campus at Altyre estate is a base for research and teaching led by design innovation thinking. The students study for one year on a Master of Design in Design Innovation in one of four specialisms: Interaction Design; Environmental Design; Circular Economy; and Future Heritage.

Mr Beeson added: “The event grew from a project last year between a student a FACT. Hopefully in a year’s time we shall be able to see a positive result from the projects students choose to pursue and the impact their contribution can have locally.

“Inherently optimistic, design innovation aims to address real world situations with possible new directions.”

Film Forres administrator, Ruth Whitfield, helped to organise the event.

She said: “It was gratifying to see the students so that we all had the opportunity to meet one another. It gave them a sense of connection and ownership, and the opportunity to meet local groups to collaborate.

“They will be completed by July 2025 at the end of their summer term.”

Film Forres chairman, Robert Kenny, added: “We showed the film ‘Local Hero’ to the student and staff at the end of the day. The content and storyline were were especially relevant, covering issues such as community, heritage, tradition, the environment, corporate power and responsibility. It also offered a glimpse of Scotland's natural beauty and traditions.

“All of which are key components of the courses offered to the students at GSA Altyre!”