Hope and possibility: reflecting on the past to imagine the future of adult learning in Highland Scotland
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In this blog, Roisin Irvine, Adult Learning Manager at The Highland Council, discusses how learning communities in Highland marked 50 years since the publication of the Alexander Report, and reflects on the enduring importance of adult learning in Scotland’s communities.
In 1975, Professor Kenneth Alexander published his report, The Challenge of Change, examining community-based adult learning in Scotland aiming, in doing so, to promote social justice and human flourishing from within communities themselves. The report recommended bringing youth work and adult education together into a new Community Education service.
Last year, adult learning communities in the Scottish Highlands commemorated 50 years since the report’s publication with a series of events, culminating in the launch of an exhibition, which is currently on tour.
A series of seminars and stories
The celebrations kicked off in the autumn with a series of seminars showcasing the breadth of community-based adult learning, its impact on individuals, communities and society.
These included the powerful story of trade union learning in Scotland in its many forms: a story of education, solidarity and empowerment, led by Craig Finnie of Scottish Trade Union Learning.
A spotlight was shone on an inspiring example of the trade union tradition in action: the National Union of Journalists' creative writing and wellbeing initiative delivered by Catherine Duveney and Dr Patrick Lawson.
The Power of Positive Self-Talk, a talk by Robert Scobbie, psychology student and himself a former literacies learner, explored the impact of positive self-talk on progression and achievement in adult learning.
David Bryan of the Social Enterprise Academy led a seminar titled Agents of Change about how community learning can bring about transformational change in Highland communities.
Gathering together to share stories (and food!)
The year wrapped up with the launch of The Story of Adult Learning exhibition, telling the story from its roots, via the Alexander report, to the present day.
The launch event, held at Brora Learning Centre, brought together learners from across the region to view the exhibition and participate in peer-led workshops including Arabic calligraphy, paper craft and creative writing.
Attendees on the day enjoyed fabulous food catered by Afghan Kitchen; a women-led social enterprise group, who were both serving delicious Afghan food and showcasing their own learning journey.
Throughout 2026, The Story of Adult Learning tours the region, hosted by the local adult learning community and ignited afresh with stories of local people and places. From birthday cakes to brass bands, the local tour events have, so far, been full of touching surprises and memorable moments.
A permanent national necessity
The story of adult learning in the Highlands is, at its heart, a story of people—of self-determination, and the enduring desire to progress. The Story of Adult Learning shares the evolution of adult education throughout time, brought to life by stories of individuals and local places.
Our story recognises that lifelong learning remains a cornerstone of thriving communities and a fundamental part of driving positive social change. It reinforces the idea that adult learning should be seen as a “permanent national necessity,” essential to building a fair, inclusive and resilient society.
You can view the exhibition online and experience the stories for yourself.
And if you fancy a trip down memory lane, you can read the original report as a PDF on the CLD website.