By LOUISE HOUSTON

A PAISLEY university has been given the royal seal of approval.

 The Princess Royal officially opened University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) new learning space, the Atrium.

The visit to UWS also saw the princess, escorted by Professor Craig Mahoney, UWS Principal and Vice-Chancellor, undertake a tour of the Paisley Campus.

Mr Mahoney said: “We are absolutely delighted and hugely honoured that HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the new state-of-the-art Atrium at our Paisley Campus.

“We aim to be the most technologically enabled University in the UK, with the most modern, outstanding and varied pedagogic methods of delivery. 

“This will underpin our person-centred approach to learning that prepares graduates for future success. 

“We are extremely proud of our Paisley Campus and are particularly pleased that The Princess Royal also got the opportunity to view new facilities across the Campus and meet a range of colleagues involved in these new developments and their use.”

Areas visited included the University’s Library and Learning Resource Centre where an insight into the new Student Hub, which brings together frontline services for students alongside formal and informal learning spaces and café facilities, and the work being done to support students was provided.

Princess Anne also saw the Interactive Learning Studio; the new open plan Research, Enterprise and Engagement Zone, which is accessed by students, academics and commercial partners; and new social spaces and touchdown points on Campus which have been installed as part of a £12 million IT development project.

The studio of Professor Alexander Stoddart, HM Sculptor in Ordinary in Scotland, which is based at Paisley Campus, was also visited by Princess Anne during her time at the university. 

TheAtrium at the University’s Paisley Campus High Street entrance features new social learning areas, providing interactive smartscreen technology; meeting spaces; events areas; study and meeting spaces; display zones; and a café open to staff, students and members of the community.

The University received a four star rating in the ‘WhatUni’ Student Choice Awards 2015. 

The results are based on averages taken from reviews submitted by students to the national university search website, Whatuni.com over the past year. 

University bosses claim this rating emphasises quality of the student experience at UWS.