Fort William Cityheart Living Accommodation, February 2018.
Here, students in the communal kitchen and living area
Students who have left their university accommodation in the Highlands during the pandemic will not be charged rent from the end of this month.
The University of the Highlands and Islands says those who have already left will be released from their contracts at the end of April.
Anyone still living in residences in Dornoch, Inverness, Elgin, Perth, Fort William, Oban and Sleat will be able to stay longer than their tenancy agreement, if needed.
Professor Crichton Lang, the university’s principal and vice-chancellor, said many students continue to live on campus in line with government advice.
“We understand this is an extremely difficult time for our students and we’re working hard to ensure they are supported and safe and have access to hardship funding if they need it,” he said.
The university is also talking to NHS Highland and NHS Grampian about student accommodation possibly being used by essential workers, if required.
