Student of the year
UHI Argyll Student of the Year Awards
We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2026 UHI Argyll Student of the Year Awards, celebrating exceptional achievement across Argyll, Bute and Arran. Each year, these awards recognise students who have demonstrated dedication, progress and impact within their studies and communities.
2026 Winners
Fiona McCusker - Higher Education Student of the Year
Fiona McCusker, based on Islay, has been named UHI Argyll’s Higher Education Student of the Year 2026 for her exceptional dedication to her Social Services (Children and Young People) studies and the meaningful impact she makes in her community. Working with children with complex needs, Fiona has developed a strong understanding of additional support needs, much of it through self‑directed learning that reflects her commitment to providing the highest standard of care.
In class, she is known for her positive, supportive presence and her passion for championing children’s rights and independence. Her assessor, Shannon Gabor, praised her work as “more of a calling than a career,” recognising her professionalism, compassion and unwavering dedication.
Brooke Byars - Further Education Student of the Year
Brooke Byars, from Oban, has been named UHI Argyll’s Further Education Student of the Year 2026 for her exceptional commitment and impressive development throughout her Level 5 Beauty Care and Makeup course. As the youngest student in her class and completing her studies while still at school, Brooke has shown maturity, determination and a strong drive to succeed.
Her lecturer, Nicola Carcary, praised her enthusiasm, high‑quality work and the confidence she has built over the year. Brooke stood out among a competitive field of nominees for her resilience, willingness to take on new challenges and the positive influence she brings to the salon training environment.
She excelled in both practical and theory‑based assessments and is regarded as a role model within the department.
Kevin Gresham - Modern Apprentice of the Year
Kevin Gresham has been named UHI Argyll’s Modern Apprentice of the Year 2026 for his outstanding contribution to Hermitage Academy, where he works as Catering Manager, while completing his Business and Administration Modern Apprenticeship. Nominated by his assessor, Jackie MacPherson, Kevin was recognised for his professionalism, organisation and ability to apply his learning directly to meaningful improvements within the school.
He delivered engaging curriculum‑linked food education sessions for pupils, including a tropical fruit tasting for senior classes and scone‑making demonstrations for S3. Kevin planned each activity independently, adapted materials to suit learners, and responded creatively when faced with challenges such as weather‑related school closures.
Throughout his apprenticeship, Kevin has shown significant professional growth, strengthened cross‑department collaboration and made a positive, lasting impact on pupils and colleagues.
Morgan Brownlee - Schools Link Student of the Year
UHI Argyll is delighted to recognise Morgan Brownlee as the Overall Schools Link Student of the Year 2026. Having moved to Islay only recently, Morgan has settled in exceptionally well, emerging as a natural leader within his class. He consistently produces academic work of an outstanding standard and demonstrates real potential for advanced study. Morgan’s respectful, kind approach and his encouragement of others have made a meaningful impact on the classroom environment. His maturity and positive attitude make him a truly deserving winner.
Full list of nominees
Congratulations to all our students who were nominated across the various Student of the Year award categories.
| Category | Name | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Education Award | Logan Buchanan | Social Sciences HNC |
| Higher Education Award | Liz Dew | Horticulture HND |
| Higher Education Award | Jane Gordon-Chauvet | Social Sciences HNC |
| Higher Education Award | Abbie MacFadyen | Business Management BA (Hons) |
| Higher Education Award | Julie Scholes | Social Sciences HNC |
| Higher Education Award | Debbie Tuthill | Business HNC |
| Further Education Award | Akua Ampofo-Asare | Access to Nursing (SWAP) |
| Further Education Award | Angie Barr | Access to Care |
| Further Education Award | Zoe Bridgewater | Childhood Practice NC Level 6 |
| Further Education Award | Maria Dunlop | Computing with Digital Media Level 5 |
| Further Education Award | Matthew Kirk | Maritime Skills NQ |
| Further Education Award | Kara Martin | Social Sciences NC Level 5 |
| Further Education Award | Alexander MacPhail | Social Sciences NC Level 6 |
| Further Education Award | Gillian McMillan | Return to Education |
| Further Education Award | Ivanda (Paula) Mihailova | Access to Care |
| Further Education Award | Ellie Scott | Access to Care |
| Schools Link Award | Alicia Bell, Dunoon Grammar | SfW Early Learning and Childcare Level 4 |
| Schools Link Award | Chloe Cowan, Lochgilphead Joint Campus | SfW Early Learning and Childcare Level 4 |
| Schools Link Award | Roxanne Devlin, Lochgilphead Joint Campus | SfW Early Learning and Childcare Level 4 |
| Schools Link Award | Blair Gillies, Lochgilphead Joint Campus | SfW Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering |
| Schools Link Award | Jayden Hall, Oban High School | NPA Rural Skills SCQF Level 5 & SfW Engineering Skills Nat 5 |
| Schools Link Award | Lily Keir, Arran High School | Higher Psychology SCQF Level 6 |
| Schools Link Award | Indie Lush, Lochgilphead Joint Campus | SfW Early Learning and Childcare Level 4 |
| Schools Link Award | Cortana MacDonald, Dunoon Grammar | SfW Beauty Higher |
| Schools Link Award | Rhys McCloskey, Tarbert Academy | FA Creative and Digital Media SCQF Level 6 |
| Schools Link Award | Neith McKellar, Lochgilphead Joint Campus | SfW Early Learning and Childcare Level 4 |
| Schools Link Award | Anya McNeillie, Campbeltown Grammar | NPA Beauty & Hairstyling SCQF Level 4 |
| Schools Link Award | Anzhelika Mohammad, Rothesay Academy | SfW Early Learning and Childcare SCQF Level 5 |
| Schools Link Award | Corran Muir, Islay High School | SfW Rural Skills Nat 4 |
| Schools Link Award | Bethan Neil, Oban High School | Higher Sociology |
| Schools Link Award | Emma Walker, Oban High School | Higher Childcare and Development |
| Schools Link Award | Ivor Warren, Dunoon Grammar | SfW Maritime Skills |
| Modern Apprentice Award | Brandon Clements | Carpentry and Joinery |
| Modern Apprentice Award | Faraz Khan | Social Services and Healthcare |
| Modern Apprentice Award | Jorja MacDonald | Business and Administration |
| Modern Apprentice Award | Innes MacKay | CITB |