Ayr's University of the West of Scotland (UWS) campus has become the latest member to join the Scottish Arts and Humanities Alliance (SAHA).

The Alliance was established in 2019 to give a voice to Scotland’s arts and humanities and promote their value to the nation’s society, culture and the economy.

UWS becomes the 16th member of the Alliance, joining academic institutions from across Scotland alongside the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities.    

Professor Nick Higgins, Director of the University’s Ayr-based Creative Media Academy, said: “UWS has a strong track record of enriching culture and society through the creative media arts and membership of SAHA will amplify our ability to do this.

“This highly significant step will ensure that the University plays a key role in influencing public debate and policy surrounding this highly valuable sector, above all in the areas where the creative industries intersect with other disciplines and new technologies.”

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Professor Murray Pittock FRSE, of the University of Glasgow and co-chair of SAHA welcomed UWS to the Alliance.

He said: “We are delighted that UWS has joined the Alliance and have strengthened our mission to promote Scotland’s arts and humanities nationally and internationally.

“Across Scotland, our arts and humanities contribute significantly to so many aspects of our society and positively impacts the lives of people across the nation.

"Having this stronger, collective voice is essential as we strive to increase understanding of the value the sector adds and how arts and humanities are to be embraced, promoted and nurtured for the benefit of us all.”