UHI students celebrate exceptional staff and peers in 2026 HISA Awards
Outstanding staff, students, clubs and support teams from across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership have been recognised in the 2026 Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) Awards.
The annual awards celebrate individuals and groups who have made a significant impact on the student experience across UHI. Winners and highly commended recipients were selected by a student judging panel made up of HISA elected officers and faculty interns following more than 600 nominations submitted by students.
The awards recognise excellence across teaching, student support, online learning, research supervision and student life, highlighting the dedication and commitment shown by staff and students throughout the UHI partnership.
HISA Chief Executive Officer, Colin Munro said:
“The HISA Awards continue to be a moment of celebration and success for everyone nominated but, most importantly, those who are winners and highly commended. Our student community from across all UHI locations have taken time to recognise the amazing commitment, kindness, and practical support that our staff, societies, and students display. We received over 640 nominations and send our congratulations to all those nominated; you are truly inspiring."
The 2026 HISA Award winners and highly commended recipients are:
Above and Beyond – Staff Award
- Winner: Shaun Escott, UHI North, West and Hebrides, based in Portree
“I am very lucky to work in the profession I work in, nothing gives me greater pleasure than to see students succeed, achieve and change their lives for the better via education. No door is ever closed, no matter what people think and once people have the confidence nothing should stand in their way and I love being along for the ride. I am very humbled and shocked with the award I really do appreciate it as working with students allows me to be me.”
- Highly Commended: Victoria-Lee Rice, UHI Perth
Best Assessment Feedback
- Winner: Peter Randall, UHI Institute for Northern Studies, based in Orkney
"I'm honoured that my students nominated me for this award, and I am delighted to hear they have benefited so much from the feedback.”
- Highly Commended: Fiona Desmond, UHI Inverness
Best Personal Academic or Learning Support
- Winner: Amanda Reid, UHI Moray
“I am truly blown away and a little speechless to receive the award for Best Academic Personal Tutor. Supporting and encouraging students is part of my role as a Lecturer so this recognition means a great deal to me. Thank you so much to everyone who has nominated me. This absolutely made my day and has kept me smiling since I received the email”
- Highly Commended: Jamie Brown, UHI Moray
Best Professional Services or Support Staff
- Winner: Stephen Brown, UHI North, West and Hebrides, based in Stornoway
“I have worked at UHI North, West and Hebrides, Stornoway for over 18 years as a member of an amazing estates team that works tirelessly behind the scenes every day to provide a safe clean environment for students to study and staff to work in. It really is a privilege to be part of that.”
- Highly Commended: Tracey Cooper, UHI Orkney
Best Research or Dissertation Supervisor
- Winner: Bhavani Narayanaswamy, Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), a partner of UHI
“I was genuinely overwhelmed and deeply touched by the kind words of the student(s) who nominated me for this award. I feel very fortunate to work alongside such passionate and committed early‑career researchers. Being able to guide and encourage them, particularly in areas I care deeply about, such as deep‑sea ecology and the global challenge of plastic pollution, is something I value enormously. I believe strongly in my students and hope that, through encouragement, openness, and shared trust, I can help them realise just how capable they truly are.”
- Highly Commended: Colleen MacLean, UHI Perth
Best Student Club or Society
- Winner: Wild Swimming Society, UHI North, West and Hebrides, based in Fort William.
“We are delighted to receive this award. We feel incredibly fortunate to have shared so many memorable moments celebrating and exploring the beautiful Highlands with our wonderful community club.”
Most Engaging Online Delivery
- Winner: Christine Hughson, UHI Shetland
“It has been an absolute honour and a pleasure to teach our students from across the network, and I am delighted to accept this award.”
- Highly Commended: Fiona Harper, UHI North, West and Hebrides, based in Thurso
Most Inspiring Lecturer
- Winner: Nicholas Chambers, UHI Moray
“I'm delighted to have been nominated by my students, but to win the Most Inspiring Lecturer Award is a real treat. To be honest I just love everything about horticulture, so teaching feels really easy. In Moray, we're blessed with amazing facilities at the beautiful Biblical Gardens. The students really enjoy being here, so I guess that's what makes my job so easy, great students and great gardens.”
- Highly Commended: Claire Taylor, UHI Perth
Most Inspiring Student – The Students’ Choice
- Winner: Linda Wiseman, UHI Shetland
“Thank you so much for this award, but I feel like I'm the lucky one as my fellow students have been everything I could wish for and more! From showing me how to operate my iPhone to keeping me right with all the different hair products.”
- Highly Commended: Annie Anderson, UHI Orkney
Professor Keith Smyth, Dean of Learning, Teaching and Student Services at UHI, said:
“Congratulations to all this year’s winners and highly commended recipients. To win, be highly commended, or to be nominated speaks loudly to the individual and collective work undertaken to support our students. The HISA Awards are especially meaningful because the nominations come directly from students, recognising the positive impact staff and peers have had on their student experience. Thank you to everyone who continues to make UHI such a supportive and inspiring place to study and work.”
Many winners will receive their awards during graduation ceremonies later this year.
Further information about the HISA Awards and the work of HISA can be found on the HISA website.