BBC broadcaster chosen as University of the Highlands and Islands Alumnus of the Year

Anne Lundon, a Scottish media broadcaster who studied at Lews Castle College UHI has been named as this year’s University of the Highlands and Islands Alumnus of the Year. As a former student of the college, she will be presented with the award at their graduation ceremony on 23 August at Martin's Memorial Church of Scotland. The award is presented to a former student in celebration of their services to the community, achievements in arts or sciences, business or in public or academic life.

Anne Lundon, a Scottish media broadcaster who studied at Lews Castle College UHI has been named as this year’s University of the Highlands and Islands Alumnus of the Year.  As a former student of the college, she will be presented with the award at their graduation ceremony on 23 August at Martin's Memorial Church of Scotland.  The award is presented to a former student in celebration of their services to the community, achievements in arts or sciences, business or in public or academic life.

Anne grew up near Stornoway, and began her media career working at mneTV soon after graduating with a BA Gaelic and North Atlantic Studies in 2008. She has presented a variety of TV shows from sport to entertainment. 

Anne is currently a main anchor for Gaelic news programme An Là on BBC Alba, presents on Reporting Scotland’s weather forecasts and BBC Scotland’s rural affairs programme Landward.  As a bilingual reporter she has presented on many political, social and cultural issues across Europe on the BBC's award-winning Gaelic current affairs programme, Eòrpa.  She has also recently presented BBC Alba’s Women’s World Cup coverage.

Anne was nominated for the award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the media and her involvement in the BBC's Get Playing campaign.  As a child she learnt to play the bagpipes and to sing, also studying to play the piano and guitar.  She has been part of a national campaign which encourages amateur musicians to improve their old skills or learn new ones by joining their 'Virtual Orchestra'.

“It’s an honour to receive this award. I’m proud to be a graduate of the University of the Highlands and Islands. Being born and bred in the Outer Hebrides, being able to study there was invaluable and I look forward to being able to help develop the university’s growing alumni community both in the UK and overseas.”

Professor Crichton Lang, Principal and Vice-chancellor (interim) said:

“It is splendid to see Anne regularly on our screens having become a prominent leading name in Scotland’s media. Without a doubt, she is an excellent example of the quality of the university’s alumni and a deserving winner of this prestigious award. I’ve no doubt Anne will continue to inspire and engage people with her diverse broadcasts and reporting in Gaelic and English. Anne is a fantastic ambassador for the university, our region and the Gaelic language.”

Principal and Chief Executive at Lews Castle College UHI, Iain Macmillan, said:

“I am delighted that Anne has been chosen as Alumnus of the Year by the University and that we will have the opportunity to celebrate this achievement with her this Friday at our graduation event in her home town of Stornoway.  It is very encouraging to see our graduates succeeding in their chosen careers and Anne is an excellent role model for all students who aspire to succeed by following the opportunities available through the University of the Highlands and Islands.”

The University of the Highlands and Islands now has almost 25,000 alumni and Anne is following in the footsteps of other fantastic recipients oour alumnus of the year award such as last year’s recipient, social entrepreneur and founder of ALICAS, Rachael Bews, and fellow Gaelic speaker, acclaimed Scottish singer and musician, Julie Fowlis. Our university is proud to continue to promote and develop the use of Gaelic through its practices, curriculum and communications. We have expanded the use of Gaelic in the curriculum and are developing a range of new programmes, including a BA (Hons) in Gaelic and education and Professional Graduate Diplomas for primary and secondary teacher education.