Bad memories put men off college

Women were more likely to do college courses, says the research

Fewer men are willing to enter further education because of bad memories of school or a fear of looking stupid, a Highland institute has found.

The UHI Millennium Institute, which runs Inverness College, has been investigating how it can interest more males into courses.

Its Engaging Men project was launched after it discovered women were 25% more likely to pursue higher education.

Another reason for men's reluctance was that they thought it was not "cool".

UHI said 339 men, ranging from 17 to 75-years-old, had participated in a wide range of activities aimed to help redress the imbalance of men participating in learning in Scotland.

Canoe-building

The institute, which is trying to achieve full university status, created a number of courses designed to appeal to men.

These have included a canoe-building course in Kinlochleven, shinty in Dunoon and wine appreciation in Skye.

Dr Iain Morrison, who is heading the project, said: "Men will engage if we make sure that it is provided on their terms - content and accessibility.

"We must spend more time asking them what they want rather than telling them what we can deliver."