2023 Winners 

Higher Education Student of the Year 

Lochgilphead student, Jamie Divers has been named as UHI Argyll’s Higher Education Student of the Year 2023.   

Having first enrolled with the college in 2021 as a Further Education student, studying on the Computing with Digital Media NC, Jamie has worked exceptionally hard to develop his skills and knowledge within the subject area. Last year, he decided to advance to the HNC Computing course, but within a matter of weeks he felt it wasn’t quite right. He made the switch to the HNC Digital Design and Web Development course and hasn’t looked back since.   

​​Despite having to play catch-up to his fellow classmates due to switching programs, Jamie’s attitude to learning has been superb. He is a valued member of the course who brings a positive dynamic and mindset to all interactions; constantly asking questions, seeking out new ways of doing things, and viewing criticism as an opportunity to further develop.   

Jamie was nominated by his course lecturer, Sam Tweedlie, who added: “What also makes Jamie deserving of Student of the Year is his personal circumstances. Jamie has successfully completed the HNC Digital Design and Web Development whilst holding down a part-time job at his local Co-op and making time to be a father to his young daughters.”  

Further Education Student of the Year

Rothesay student, Alishia Hendry, has been named as UHI Argyll’s Further Education Student of the Year 2023.  

Alishia was nominated not once, but twice, by both the Rothesay Assistant Centre Manager, Sheena Finlay, and Centre Administrator, Laura Beattie, in recognition for her hard work, determination and positive attitude.  

This September will see Alishia enter her third year of study with UHI Argyll, having initially started with an introductory course, progressed to the NC Early Education & Childcare course in 2022, and now this year, with her sights set on the Childhood Practice HNC.  

In addition to the challenges many of our students have faced over the past few years, Alishia also has a demanding home life as a single parent with a daughter who has additional support needs. Despite all of this, she always walks through the door with a smile on her face and is a great support to her fellow classmates. 

Schools Link Student of the Year

Ella MacNab, 6th year student at Tarbert Academy has been named as the 2023 Regional Schools Link Student of the Year for Argyll and Bute.   

With a passion to pursue a career in nursing, Ella undertook the Health Sector Schools Link course with UHI Argyll to help prepare her for university. Her mature, caring, and considerate nature shone throughout the course and lecturer Linda Brown – a former nurse herself, has praised Ella for the positive influence she will have on the future of nursing.   

Undertaking the networked course meant that Ella had the chance to meet other students across Argyll with similar interests to her whilst studying. As it happens, she has developed a close friendship with a student from Rothesay, who also plans to move to Glasgow to attend the same course at university in September. It is reassuring to know that not only will the two continue their friendship on their new venture, but also be a support network to one another whilst being away from home.