From international judo medals and Scottish football squads to a historic shinty victory, this year’s UHI Sporting Blues have plenty to celebrate.
The awards recognise students, teams and individuals who have achieved outstanding results in their sport while representing UHI. This year’s winners have competed at national and international level, broken records, lifted trophies and, in some cases, helped build sporting opportunities from the ground up.
UHI Sportsperson of the Year: Kirsten Taylor
UHI Perth student and judo athlete Kirsten Taylor has been named UHI Sportsperson of the Year after another impressive year of competition.
Kirsten secured gold at the 2026 VI German Open and has represented Scotland on a number of occasions. She has also picked up international medals at competitions in Kazakhstan, Egypt and the Netherlands.
Kirsten was previously awarded a Sporting Blue in 2024 and continues to compete at the highest level, making her a worthy recipient of this year’s top individual award.
Team of the Year: UHI Women’s Shinty Team
The UHI Women’s Shinty Team has gone from strength to strength since it was established, to give students from across the university partnership the chance to represent UHI in one of Scotland’s traditional sports.
Bringing together players from different campuses, many of whom were new to shinty, the team has become a great example of what can happen when students from across UHI come together.
With support from sponsors Kishorn Port and Dry Dock Ltd, the team has competed in the prestigious Littlejohn Vase for the past three years. They finished third in 2024, second in 2025 and, finally, took home the trophy in 2026.
It is a significant achievement for the team and for student sport at UHI.
Team captain Rachel Cruickshank said:
‘To be awarded Team of the Year is a wonderful achievement and I’m so honoured to have been a part of this amazing team representing the university. I couldn’t have asked for better girls to have been captain for on the day and truly if I could play with them again, I would in a heartbeat. Team of the Year in the Sporting Blues was an achievement that none of us had even considered so to be nominated and have won is beyond amazing.’
Honorary Blue: Amanda Fleet
HISA’s own Amanda Fleet has been recognised with an Honorary Sporting Blue for her contribution to sport at UHI.
Amanda worked as Sports Development Coordinator with the University of the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association from 2022 to 2025, where she played a key role in developing inclusive sport across UHI’s campuses.
During her time with HISA, Amanda established the university’s first shinty programme, helped secure sponsorship for the team and supported them on their journey to winning the Littlejohn Vase.
She continues to advise HISA on sporting matters and now works full time with Special Olympics GB, alongside a number of national leadership and board roles focused on equality, inclusion and community sport.
Amanda said:
‘I am incredibly honoured to receive an Honorary Sporting Blue from UHI. Sport has shaped both my personal and professional life, and I have been fortunate to work with so many inspiring people who are passionate about creating opportunities for everybody to have a chance to participate in sport. To be recognised by an institution that has played such an important role in my journey is truly special.’
Full Blues
Owen Wilson: Powerlifting
It has been a big year for UHI Moray HNC Sports Coaching student Owen Wilson.
Owen recently became the national champion for under 18s in the under 83kg category and broke the Scottish bench press record in his bracket.
He has also been selected to represent Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in September 2026.
Owen’s approach to his success is straightforward: ‘Hard work always pays off.’
Sophie Townsley: Football
UHI Perth Sports Coaching and Development HND graduate Sophie Townsley has continued to make her mark on the football pitch.
Sophie has regularly been selected for the Scotland under-19 squad, with her contributions helping the team qualify for round two of their 2026 European Championships qualifying campaign.
Her performances have helped establish her as one of Scotland’s most promising young footballers.
Sophie said:
‘I feel very proud and happy to receive this award.’
Half Blues
Madelaine Archibald: Equestrian
UHI NWH student Madelaine Archibald has had a successful year in the showjumping arena.
Madelaine qualified for and competed at the Horse of the Year Show, where she finished third in the NAF Five Star Silver League final.
It is an impressive result at one of the biggest events on the equestrian calendar.
Josh Beveridge: Golf
Josh Beveridge has played a key role in an excellent season for UHI Golf.
The team went undefeated in the BUCS Premier League during the 2025–26 season, with Josh taking on the role of Team Captain. He helped the team finish second at the 2026 Scottish Student Sport Universities Golf Team Matchplay Championships and also finished third individually at the Scottish Student Sport University Golf Strokeplay Championships.
Josh said: ‘It’s an absolute honour to receive a Half Blue Award, I had a great week at Moray and it’s one of the highlights of the year, it’s also a privilege to be co-captain of the UHI team.’
Lyle Gillie: Golf
Lyle Gillie has been a consistent member of the UHI Golf Team for the past two years, competing in the Scottish University Championships and British University League matches.
He has helped the team to a number of match wins and has recorded several top 10 results in BUCS golf events.
In 2026, Lyle finished fourth individually at the Scottish Student Sport University Golf Strokeplay Championships and helped UHI finish second at the Scottish Student Sport Universities Golf Team Matchplay Championships.
Ollie Smith: Rugby
For UHI Inverness student Ollie Smith, rugby has played an important role both on and off the pitch.
Ollie plays for Highland Rugby 1XV and was part of the team that won the 2025–26 North League Cup at Murrayfield. He was also selected for the training squad for the Caledonia Regional team.
Receiving his award was particularly meaningful for Ollie, who spoke about the role rugby has played in helping him build confidence as a neurodivergent person.
‘Receiving this award has been an unexpected delight and been a validating experience. Rugby has always been there to help me find my place in the world and to build confidence as a neurodivergent person. The faith, trust and belief placed in me since primary school by coaches, lecturers and teammates have inspired me to keep going through many challenging setbacks over the years. I hope to use all that I have learnt and continue to learn, in turn to inspire future generations in the positive effects of sport on mental health.’
Colour:
Alex McGillivray: Golf
Alex McGillivray has been a consistent member of the UHI Golf Team for the past two years and has shared the responsibilities of team captain.
He has recorded a number of top 10 finishes in BUCS and Scottish Student Sport golf events, including eighth place individually at the 2026 Scottish Student Sport University Golf Strokeplay Championships.
Alex was also part of the undefeated 2026 BUCS Premier League North team and the UHI team which finished second at the Scottish Student Sport Universities Golf Team Matchplay Championships.
He said: ‘It’s with great privilege to be awarded with this award and to be recognised by the Sporting Blues judges panel for success within sport at UHI.’
Celebrating another strong year of sport
The 2026 Sporting Blues highlight just how much is happening across UHI when it comes to student sport.
From Kirsten Taylor competing internationally in judo to the Women’s Shinty Team finally lifting the Littlejohn Vase, this year’s awards cover a wide range of sports and achievements.
Behind every award is a lot of hard work, whether that means early mornings in the gym, travelling across the country for competitions, training with teammates or simply finding the confidence to give a new sport a go.
Congratulations to all of this year’s Sporting Blues recipients and everyone who has represented UHI throughout the year.