Further Education

There seem to be arguments about the exact population of Coll but it is very close to 160 people, young and old permanent residents. I make it 157.

We have a high proportion of people with qualifications of this or that sort which are roughly degree equivalent or degrees or professional qualifications of that level. 27 that I can think of but, short of asking, I'm not sure how many more; it would total 37 people - not including Project Trust's 2 or 3 year contract workers. Roughly 18% (possibly 24%) of the entire population - babies included - seems very high. Can anyone tell me the national average for Scotland and for Britain as a whole? I don't suppose this island is unique but we must be near the top of the list.

This would be an interesting subject for some generous soul to sponsor ask the school to find out the number and percentages of people with say, HNC, HND, Degree, teaching, nursing and other professional qualifications. The sponsor might be interested in asking a university department why it is that we have this proportion and why, as an island, we don't therefore have money pouring out of our ears! It would also be interesting to know why so many highly qualified people are here with small incomes rather than making fortunes elsewhere. Party politics apart, it might give St. Andrew's House and Westminster something to think about including aspects of the quality of life on the mainland.

I for one would be interested in the answers, but I'm not rich enough to sponsor the research! I would also think that a bunch of students would find it an enlightening field-trip while gathering the data - a distinct change from lecture halls, computer termi. nals, inner cities or factory visits.

Q.L