With the term coming to a close, we reflect on your presidents' times and experiences this year and thank them for all they do!
Lang may yer lum reek and haste ye back!
As the academic year draws to a close, we take a moment to recognise and thank our Student Officers who have represented UHI students across campuses, committees, events, and everyday conversations. While some of their work happens behind the scenes, its impact is visible across student experience, community life, and the continued strengthening of student voice.
This year has been defined by growth, collaboration, and community. From large-scale campaigns to small but meaningful moments of connection, officers have helped shape a year that reflects both the challenges and strengths of student life today. Some now step away into new opportunities, while others continue into the year ahead, carrying forward the work already begun.
Growth, Confidence, and Finding a Voice
Our outgoing Vice President Education, Holly Pearce, reflects on her journey in student leadership.
Looking back on the past three years as a Student Officer, I can honestly say it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It hasn't always been easy, and there have certainly been challenges along the way, but I wouldn't change a single moment of it.
When I first stepped into the role of Inverness Depute President, I was incredibly shy. I struggled to vocalise my opinions and lacked the confidence to speak up, even when I had something valuable to contribute. At times, I doubted myself and questioned whether I was capable of making a difference.
Over the years, however, this role has helped me grow in ways I never imagined. It has pushed me outside my comfort zone, taught me resilience, and given me the confidence to trust my own voice. Today, as Vice President Education, I am far more open about how I feel and much more willing to stand up and say what needs to be said. I have learned how to advocate for others, speak with confidence, and express my views without fear.
The journey hasn't been without its obstacles, but every challenge has helped shape the person I am today. I am proud of how far I have come, not only professionally but personally. Most importantly, I am grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and people who have been part of this journey.
Serving as a Student Officer has been an incredible privilege, and while this chapter may be coming to an end, the lessons, friendships, and memories will stay with me for years to come.
To the incoming officers, my advice is simple: let your voice be heard. Believe in yourself, embrace every opportunity, and never underestimate the impact you can have. I look forward to seeing all that you achieve and following the amazing work you will undoubtedly do.
Holly’s journey speaks to a wider theme across this year’s officer team: that leadership is as much about personal transformation as it is about representation. Her final message to incoming officers is simple and enduring — speak up, believe in yourself, and trust the impact you can have.
Also continuing that message of growth, Inverness President Chloe Young reflected on how much the role has changed her in a short space of time:
“The main skill I've learned from this job has been confidence! I feel like a completely different person from when I started just 10 months ago. If you're thinking about running for an officer role, I would say just do it! Whether it's being an SVR or nominating yourself for an officer role, the only way to find out if it's for you is to give it a shot!”
Susan Loughlin, the outgoing President for HTC had this to say about her experiences:
“HTC has such a wonderful sense of community and it was an honour to help support that community to reach as many students as possible. Being a Student Officer was an exciting new challenge and it did not disappoint. I learned so much about advocacy, mediation and event management that I will carry with me into my future roles."
Our Departing Officers- Lang May Yer Lum Reek!
Here is a quick snapshot of what some of our departing officers got up to this year!
Xander McDade
Students' Association President
Xander led the Students' Association Executive Committee and HISA's Trustee Board during a time of operational and financial change, including the appointment of HISA's new CEO. He supported the Executive Committee to increase their engagement in local decisions and engaged with UHI leadership on UHI Transformation--keeping the student experience at the heart of all decisions that could impact them. He also led HISA through our first referendums, campaigning successfully to improve governance and financial sustainability.
Millie Foster
Perth Depute President
Millie focused strongly on engagement and wellbeing through consistent, student-centred activity. Her work included hosting an art competition, running regular tea break sessions to support mental health, and maintaining a steady focus on student representation in discussions with senior staff. She also highlighted continued success in student engagement events as one of her most meaningful achievements.
Susan Loughlin
HTC Depute President
Susan contributed to community-building through practical, student-focused initiatives, including supporting 10 students to attend the annual HTC Christmas dinner — one of the most popular events of the year and a key moment for students to come together during the festive period. Alongside this, she worked to ensure student needs were considered in the upcoming college venue move, embedding student voice into important planning decisions.
Hannah Lehman
SAMS Depute President
Hannah helped shape a year of connection and participation. A standout highlight was the Valentine’s Ceilidh, which saw strong attendance and sustained energy from start to finish. Hannah also focused on strengthening the feedback loop between students and staff, ensuring student voices were not only heard but visibly acted upon.
Abby Teague
North, West & Hebrides-West Depute President
Abby delivered a year of creative engagement and structured representation. Her ADVENTure Calendar initiative encouraged students to stay active and connected during winter, offering everything from outdoor activities to community events. This was followed by weekly quizzes at Café Toast and a large end-of-year celebration featuring food, games, and staff-student interaction.
Charlotte Usher
Moray President
Charlotte held a weekly drop-in where she gave out free hot choc to students and engaged with them on a variety of issues. She continues to run Community Outward, a social club that provided hot drinks and snacks, and a warm place to be, while working on projects like poetry and journaling. She's also campaigned for better social spaces in Linkwood campus, raising awareness of this need to management.
Emmaleigh Hay
Moray Depute President
Emmaleigh brought HISA into discussions over Moray's catering contract and student needs. She also led on the Colour Run with Pride in Moray and put on Paint 'n' Sip sessions in the AyePod. An artist herself, she designed a Dandy Lion cartoon to help represent Moray in HISA communications and social media.
Our Returning Officers- Haste ye back!
A snapshot of what some of our returning officers got up to in 25-26!
Andi Garrity
Perth President and incoming Vice President Education
Andi combined celebration with impactful campaigning. A key highlight was the 2026 Outstanding Best Inspiring Awards, which recognised achievement across the student community. Alongside this, Andi contributed to the Scottish National Housing Campaign, engaging with issues affecting students at a national level. One of the most tangible outcomes of the year came through cost-of-living support initiatives, where £1,445 was raised through Coffee & Cake sales and refurbished iMac sales — directly supporting students facing financial pressure.
Cole Garscadden
North, West & Hebrides-North Depute President '25-26 and returning '26-27
Cole focused heavily on accessibility and student wellbeing. Highlights included introducing free breakfast provision at Thurso College to support students affected by the cost of living crisis, hosting a festive hot chocolate drop-in during Christmas, and contributing to improved accessibility through new disabled parking spaces on campus.
Chloe Young
Inverness President '25-'26 and returning '26-'27
Chloe highlighted Refreshers Day in February as a stand out event, noting it was very well received by students. She worked with the wellbeing service to develop a student campaign group for the coming year, building on engagement through committees such as Student Journey and Enhancement. The strong student participation at the Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil as a meaningful moment linked to goals for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion.
Alasdair MacLeod
North, West & Hebrides-Heb Depute President '25-'26 and returning '26-'27
Alasdair brought tons of experience to committess and management boards. He also initiated fun events like Treasure Hunts, which helped generate even more on-campus engagement with students, including groups of students like apprentices which was fantastic to see!
Oliver Sweeney
Inverness Depute President '25-'26 and incoming Students' Association President '26-'27
Oliver worked on increasing student engagement on campus and promoting active travel; to achieve this, the team held our first Refreshers event together where local businesses like Clach cycle were invited to promote themselves and engage with students. The event had over 14 stalls, with UHI Inverness departments, local businesses providing ice cream and cakes, a visit from some alpacas and disc golf. At the event, Ollie held the Mystery Music Festival competition, which saw three students win full event tickets to the International Blues Festival, The Gathering and Belladrum!
Impact and Looking Forward
Across all campuses and roles, officers have worked to ensure student voice is heard, acted upon, and embedded in decision-making structures. From wellbeing campaigns and cost-of-living support to cultural events and student-led feedback systems, their work has touched nearly every aspect of student life. While each officer’s focus has been different, together they have contributed to a shared goal: improving the student experience in ways that are meaningful, practical, and lasting.
To those moving on, thank you for your time, energy, and commitment.
To those returning, we look forward to what comes next.
And to all officers past and present, your work continues to shape student life long after your term ends.