We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 HISA Awards!
Over 640 nominations were received from UHI students, putting forward the teaching staff, support staff, and fellow students who had made a positive impact on their experience at UHI over the 25/26 academic year. These extensive nominations were then reviewed by a panel of student officers and student interns here at HISA, and – after much deliberation – winners chosen.
These winners, and the other nominations received (sadly the student panel could only pick two for each category) demonstrate not only the excellent standard of staff and students here, but also the camaraderie and mutual appreciation between them.
Most Inspiring Student – The Students’ Choice
Winner: Linda Wiseman (UHI Shetland)
Highly commended: Annie S. Anderson (UHI Orkney)
Linda was nominated by her whole class, for being encouraging of, and advocating for them all. Mention was also made of her “soul-enriching” plans for after her studies, and Linda was described as an emotional beacon, and a fine example of the friendships that can be forged at UHI. Upon hearing that she won ‘Most Inspiring Student’, Linda said; “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!”
Annie was nominated for having set up the Postgrad Archaeology Group, which has been hugely successful – including in supporting students to attend, and present at, a recent conference.
Best Personal Academic or Learning Support
Winner: Amanda Reid (UHI Moray)
Highly commended: Jamie Brown (UHI Moray)
Amanda was described as consistently supportive, approachable, and fair in her role as PAT, as well as being a brilliant and passionate lecturer. Students shared that Amanda is approachable and empathetic, and balances kindness with practical guidance.
Here’s what Amanda had to say about winning the award: “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”
Jamie was nominated due to being consistent and caring, as well as skilled at balancing friendly student-staff relationships with giving genuine support and thoughtful advice.
Best Research or Dissertation Supervisor
Winner: Professor Bhavani Narayanswamy (SAMS)
Highly commended: Colleen MacLean (UHI NWH)
Nominations for Bhavani praised her as both an undergraduate dissertation, and PhD research supervisor, and students went on to say that they believe they would not have completed their degree without her kindness and patience.
Upon being told that she had won, Bhavani said; “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.”
Colleen’s nominations praised her for being hard working, determined, and supportive, and included a student sharing that they do not believe they would have completed their research project without Colleen’s guidance.
Most Engaging Online Delivery
Winner: Christine J Hughson (UHI Shetland)
Highly Commended: Fiona Harper (UHI NWH)
Christine was nominated for demonstrating humanity, passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm in her delivery of online classes. Her focus on interactivity, energy, and approachability was highly praised by the students who nominated her. When asked for a small quote, Christine shared that; “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”.
Fiona’s nominations describe her as intelligent, knowledgeable, and praised her for the interactivity of her class delivery.
Most Inspiring Lecturer
Winner: Nick Chambers (UHI Moray)
Highly commended: Dr Claire Taylor (UHI Perth)
Nick was nominated for his enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion. Students shared that he has given them the confidence to believe in themselves. He is described as delivering lectures which are inspirational and engaging, whilst simultaneously taking the time to ensure that no student is left behind. Nick shared the following about winning the award; “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”.
Claire was nominated based on how supportive and invested she is in both her students and the class content she teaches.
Best Assessment Feedback
Winner: Peter Randall (UHI Orkney/Institute for Northern Studies)
Highly commended: Fiona Desmond (UHI Inverness)
Peter’s nominations praised him for making the learning of Old Norse feel like a journey, and giving amazingly detailed responses to the how and why of any grammar missteps in the regular formative quizzes he holds for his students. His nominations mention an appreciation for the way he always focuses on the positives, and shows an appreciation for how the student has reached their answer, even if not entirely correct. In response to his award, Peter said; “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”.
Fiona was commended for her detailed and clear feedback which allows students to expand on their strengths. Her students shared that her feedback is always both thoughtful and encouraging.
Above and Beyond – Staff Award
Winner: Shaun Escott (UHI NWH)
Highly commended: Victoria-Lee Rice (UHI Perth)
Shaun’s extensive praise from his students focused on his dedication to them on an individual level. He is noted for, on more than one occasion, travelling significant distances to support his students on a 1 to 1 basis, despite them being on a course which is held online. Shaun is credited with making classes fun, treating each student as an individual, and taking the time to ensure that each and every one gets the tailored experience that will allow them to thrive. On hearing that he had won the award, Sean shared these thoughts; “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.”
Victoria-Lee was nominated based on her extensive and appreciated pastoral support of her students, as well as for the extra work she puts in, quite literally ‘behind the scenes’, in the UHI Perth theatre department.
Best Professional Services or Support Staff
Winner: Stephen Brown (UHI NWH)
Highly commended: Tracey Cooper (UHI Orkney)
Stephen has been nominated for this award in recognition of his approachability, faithfulness, and dedication. People shared that they felt that the Stornoway campus simply would not function, and that the “ethos of the college” is running through his veins! Stephen told us that; “I have worked at UHI NWH Stornoway for 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.”
Tracey was commended for her efficiency, helpfulness, and enthusiasm at the core of her role in the library.
Best Student Club or Society
Winner: UHI Wild Swimming Club (UHI NWH)
This award recognises the positive attitude and success of the club in connecting with students and recognises the very best practice in enhancing their experience. The club’s president, Abby Teague, shared the following; “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.”