This university is set to join other Scottish universities in the new year. It has met the standards required for institutions of advanced learning. The final decision will be made in the near future by the Privy Council of the Scottish government. UHI colleges are currently scattered throughout the Highlands and islands, in such places as: the Orkneys; Shetlands; Lews castle; Moray; Ostaig; Inverness, Perth; and Argyll.